Awesome Things to do in Kilkenny this Summer

No visit to Kilkenny is complete without a trip to the Medieval Mile Museum  in the converted St. Mary’s Church. Situated in the centre of the city and of the Mile, this is a wonderful place for families and group tours to experience life centuries ago in the city. Entry to the Museum by means of an ‘Interactive Audio Tour’ is  €8.50 per adult, €3.50 per child, and the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and events.

Visit: www.medievalmilemuseum.ie

Learn about the world of Falconry in a fun and interactive manner. Even before recorded history, our ancestors flew birds of prey. From the Steppes of Asia, to medieval Europe, from five thousand years ago to the present day, Falconry has become a way of life for Falconers around the world. Whether or not you have experienced Falconry before, you will get a chance to handle these magnificent creatures, letting them fly from your gloved hand and returning to feed. It is a profound experience to interact so closely with a hunting animal. 

The Private Family Experience is tailored to families with children aged 7 – 12 years of age who are too young to participate in the other falconry experiences. This experience will begin with a guided tour around the falconry school where you will meet a selection of their birds of prey. Then it’s time to meet the cutest members of the team…… the Owls! The excellent guides will teach you about the species of owl you are flying while capturing some fantastic photos and they do love an Owl selfie!! They you will be introduced to one of the friendly Harris Hawks before they take the bird into the field for some free flying. Here the Hawkeye Falconry guides will teach each member of the family how to call the bird from the trees to your gloved fist and help you get some great photos and videos. 

Visit: www.hawkeyefalconry.ie

Visit Kilkenny Union Workhouse, adjacent to Kilkenny Train Station, now beautifully restored as MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre to take this FREE audio visual self-led tour. Hear the heartbreaking and poignant human stories recorded in local newspaper articles and minute books from the Board of Guardians, a true reflection of the Kilkenny Famine Experience from the perspective of the Workhouse inmates and staff. 

Visit: kilkennyfamineexperience.com

What better way to see the city while taking in some exercise than taking a guided cycling tour! Kilkenny Cycling Tours offer three guided cycling tours per day during the summer from customer’s hotels or a pre-arranged location in the city centre. The tour is approximately two hours and can be shortened or extended to suit all ages.

Bike and Hike involves cycling from Kilkenny City to scenic Bennettsbridge. The cycle is about 10km and takes approximately 45minutes.  Self- guided tours are also available.

Visit: www.kilkennycyclingtours.com

All aboard!  The Kilkenny City Tour by Road Train is a wonderful way to see all the historical sites and points of interest in Kilkenny city. Departing from Kilkenny Castle you will be taken on a historical and fascinating tour with a full commentary of detailed insights, facts, and folklore of the medieval city. Rated as the number 1 Tour it has also seen it been awarded the “Certificate of Excellence” by Tripadvisor.com, which is awarded based on consistently earning great reviews from travellers!

Visit: www.Kilkennycitytours.com

For families looking for outdoor adventure, Kilkenny offers a range of kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle-boarding activities, taking you right into Kilkenny’s unspoiled countryside. Around every corner, you’re bound to come across a waterfall, a fallen tree, an old mill or the remains of a castle as you experience the thrill of the rapids.

Canoeing and kayaking trips take advantage of Kilkenny’s dramatic landscapes, mysterious wooded valleys and the old navigation systems that were once used by the historic Guinness barges. So, pack a picnic and take a half-day guided tour for a truly memorable experience.

Pure Adventure and Go with the Flow both offer a half-day guided tour. 

Countryside Leisure Activity Centre, offer a range of activities with the best of facilities that allows them to operate in all weather conditions. Activities include Clay Pigeon Shooting, Indoor Rifle Target Shooting and Archery.

Test your strength and accuracy to the full with experienced instructors who will teach you how to load, aim, shoot and score no matter what the weather. Archery is available as a stand-alone activity or as part of their package deal of three activities.

Visit: countrysideleisureactivitycentre.ie