2025 has arrived and it is the time of year when people make resolutions and put plans in place for the months ahead. If your mantra for January is ’new year, new me’, why not forgo the usual resolutions for something different in 2025?
Kilkenny is bursting with things to see and do, incredible places to eat, unique experiences, world-class festivals and, above all, a warm welcome. Enjoy the best of both worlds with the medieval city at the heart of the county with charming towns and villages full of history countywide.
With so much to discover in Kilkenny, it can be tricky to decide where to start. To help you to plan an unforgettable year of adventures in Kilkenny, here are 25 things that you can do in 2025!
1. Festival Fever
Kilkenny is renowned for its top-class festivals that attract thousands of visitors to the county every year covering everything from books and comedy to economics and food. No matter what time of the year you visit, you’re bound to find a festival or event.
St. Patrick’s Festival, Kilkenny City
2. Attend a hurling match at Nowlan Park
See Ireland’s national sport in action at the home of hurling in Kilkenny: Nowlan Park. The county is renowned for All-Ireland Championship winning teams and you can see the many medals and cups won by teams at the clubhouse.
3. Try your hand at our national sport
Take a hurling tour to learn about the history of the sport before you have a go at playing the game yourself. Find the perfect hurling tour for your group.
4. Treat yourself to a spa day
Kick back and relax in some of the most luxurious spas in County Kilkenny. Choose from countryside comfort or unwind in the city in cosy treatment rooms and thermal suites. Learn more.
5. Plan an eco-friendly visit
Looking for a greener way to visit the Marble County? Check out our sustainability guide with recommendations on green stays, locally-sourced eats and climate conscious travel options.
6. Indulge in a gastronomical experience
Discover a range of delicious dishes from Michelin-star experiences to award-winning trendy restaurants. There’s something for every palate in Kilkenny. Learn more.
7. Hit your daily steps goal on Kilkenny's walking trails
If your resolution is to hike or run more, there are plenty of walking trails to explore around the county for walkers of all ages and skill levels. Prefer cycling? A section of the South East greenway is now open in south Kilkenny!
8. Try your hand at watersports
Explore the Three Sisters (Nore, Suir and Barrow Rivers) whilst taking part in a fun-filled water activity of your choosing. Discover the waterways on hydrobikes, kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards.
9. Take a brewery or distillery tour
Kilkenny is home a number of small batch breweries and distilleries as well as the renowned Smithwicks Experience. Learn about the brewing or distilling process before sampling quality Irish spirits such as poitín and whiskey, and refreshing Irish beer.
10. Treat yourself to some retail therapy
With 500 shops in 1 small city, shop ’til you drop in a range of shopping centres, independent boutiques and department stores making Kilkenny a brilliant spot for a shopping trip.
11. Experience traditional Irish music in a pub
One thing Kilkenny is known for is the bustling atmosphere in its array of pubs and the guarantee of live music by talented local musicians. It wouldn’t be a trip to Kilkenny without cosying up with a pint while enjoying some toe-tapping trad!
12. Take in exhibitions at galleries
Immerse yourself in beautiful works of art at Butler Gallery and the Design and Craft Council Gallery. Discover Irish artists and designers who may even inspire you to create!
13. Hear the fascinating stories of days gone by at museums
Unearth more about Kilkenny’s past with the Medieval Mile Museum, Rothe House, St. Canice’s Cathedral and Kilkenny Castle. Learn about the history of the powerful people who once called County Kilkenny home.
14. Brunch somewhere new every month
With so many fantastic cafés around Kilkenny, it is only right that you try somewhere new for brunch regularly. Check out our A to Z guide of cafés in Kilkenny.
15. Zoom along longest zipline over water in Ireland
Head to Castlecomer Discovery Park and unleash your inner daredevil and brave the longest zipline over water in Ireland. Push yourself to be brave this year and give their high ropes courses a go if you have a head for heights!
16. Watch our skilled craftspeople in action
Kilkenny holds the prestigious title of World Craft Destination, highlighting the exceptional standard of craft and design in the county. Visit the workshops of our talented craftspeople to see them in action.
17. Brush up on your cookery skills
Cooking is a valuable life skill to have so if your goal for 2025 is to develop your ability in the kitchen, why not consider taking a cookery class with Edward Hayden, Ryeland House or Cakeface Cookery School?
18. Get up close to fascinating animals
From farm animals to falcons and snakes, Kilkenny boasts a variety of experiences where you can meet incredible. Feed cheeky goats at Nore Valley Open Farm, meet farm animals after observing life-size dinosaurs at Jurassic Newpark, learn about exotic species at the National Reptile Zoo and see breathtaking birds of prey sail through the air at Hawkeye School of Falconry.
19. Book a weekend break
Find a comfortable place to rest your weary heads at the end of a fun-packed day. Select welcoming stays at hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs or self-catering options to make your stay perfect!
20. Give camping a go
Fall back in love with nature this year and give camping a go. Head out to the countryside, pitch up your tent and gaze at the stars.
21. Join a golf club and hit the green
Fore! 2025 is the year of taking up a new hobby and if golfing piques your interest, Kilkenny has a number of excellent golf clubs with membership options.
22. Get back to nature
Enjoy some peace and quiet in a selection of our parks and gardens. Bring the kids and your furry friends (as long as they’re on a lead) and explore the beautiful green areas around the city and county.
23. Browse local markets
Support small businesses at the weekly farmers market on The Parade in the city centre. Escape to the countryside and check out the markets at Mountain View in Ballyhale for some sustainable food and artisan products. Browse Ireland’s largest indoor-outdoor market at Castleinch Market for a wide variety of wares.
24. Find the perfect engagement ring
If 2025 is the year that you pop the question, visit our knowledgeable jewellers for assistance in selecting the ideal ring for that special someone in your life.
25. Take a walking tour
Walking tours are the best way to get your steps in while learning more about Kilkenny. Perfect from locals and tourists alike, you never know what you’ll learn about the streets that you walk by every day!
Make 2025 the year that you uncover all that Kilkenny has to offer and create lasting memories with family, friends, work pals or even tick a solo trip off your must-do list for the year! Whatever you wish to achieve this year, you are bound to be able to accomplish something new in Kilkenny.