Black Friday is a busy time for shoppers on the hunt for the best deals and the perfect Christmas gifts for loved ones. This Black Friday in Kilkenny, we’re encouraging you to shop local and support Irish businesses with your custom.
Kilkenny is a treasure trove for Black Friday Shops in Ireland with gorgeous giftware and unique handmade crafts. Discover the variety of traditional craftsmanship, pottery, jewellery, textiles, glassware, art and more available to purchase in-store or online from the comfort of your own home. With so many talented local craftspeople, food producers, activity providers and more in Kilkenny, you are bound to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your shopping list this Black Friday.
FOR THE FOODIES
Kilkenny was named as one of Ireland’s top foodie destinations, so the gift of Kilkenny food and drink is sure to delight them. Highbank Orchards create their very own syrups and drinks from the apples grown in their organic orchard. Cakeface Pastry is perfect if it’s an experience gift you’re looking for. There is a cookery school next door to the patisserie where kids and adults alike can learn to bake marvellous creations. Stroll through the city’s narrow streets, taste the exceptional local produce, and enjoy meeting the food producers and restaurateurs that have cemented Kilkenny as a premier food and drink destination with Kilkenny Foodie Tours. Ballykeefe Distillery produce a range of spirits at their eco-friendly farm distillery, including handcrafted Irish poitín. Whiskey lovers are sure to enjoy the gift of membership to the Kilkenny Whiskey Guild who meet regularly. Buying for someone who prefers wine? No problem! Experts at The Wine Buff and The Wine Centre can help you to find the ideal bottle. Not forgetting the wide selection of cafés, gastropubs and restaurants right across Kilkenny, a dining voucher is also a fantastic gift option.
FOR THE JEWELLERY & TRINKET COLLECTORS
Gift something shiny and sentimental or treat yourself to a beautiful new piece of jewellery. Rudolf Heltzel Goldsmith creates handmade jewellery in precious metals and gemstones creating a gift that will last generations. G.L. Ryan Jewellers have been serving customers for over 70 years and carry a selection of jewellery to suit all occasions from thank you tokens to engagement rings. Nolan Jewellers stock a range of designer jewellery brands and have a goldsmith and watchmaker in-store for repairs. Newbridge Silverware have a store in Kilkenny city stocking their popular jewellery and giftware. Butterslip Shop is home to colourful giftware and trinkets covering everything from stationery and accessories to cosmetics and hampers. The Book & Coffee Shop is a haven for bookworms as it stocks secondhand books and book-themed gifts.
FOR THE CRAFT LOVERS
For those who want to bring a little sparkle to their home, there are many talented local craftspeople that create stunning pieces no matter your taste and budget. Kilkenny was named a World Crafts Council Craft City and Region – one of only four regions to achieve this recognition in Europe – so it is no wonder that we have such a wealth of wonderful crafts to offer. Choose from beautiful blankets and textiles from Cushendale Woollen Mills, glassware from Duiske Glass and Jerpoint Glass, decorative pieces from Kilkenny Crystal and hand-painted tableware from Nicholas Mosse Pottery. Find more amazing gifts from Kilkenny crafters at MADE in Kilkenny.
FOR THE GIG-GOER
Kilkenny is a key Irish cultural destination, so you’ll find events, festivals and shows running year-round across the county. Find tickets for fans of the theatre and gigs of all sorts at venues such as The Watergate Theatre, Barnstorm Theatre, Ballykeefe Amphitheatre and Set Theatre. Give the gift of art by becoming a friend of Butler Gallery which includes priority access to exhibitions, invites to events and more. Their on-site store also stocks the work of local artists and craftspeople, perfect for picking up a creative gift.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Gift the style icon in your life some fresh new threads. Frank Walls Mans Shop carries a range of mens clothing with everything from stylish everyday outfits to smart occasionwear. Goods of Kilkenny focuses on fashion, lingerie, cosmetics, footwear and accessories for stylish women of all ages. Connolly’s Red Mills Store stocks quality clothing, accessories, giftware, homeware and even pet care. If you know someone who loves to shop ‘til they drop, Market Cross and MacDonagh Junction shopping centres are an ideal spot for a day of retail therapy.
FOR THE FAMILY FUN DAYS
There is tons of family fun to be had in the Marble County, so a gift voucher or pre-booked activity is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Paddle down the River Nore with Pure Adventure and Paddle Your Own Canoe or opt for a relaxed boat tour with BoatTrips.ie, swing through the trees on high ropes courses and ziplines at Castlecomer Discovery Park and pop your visors down for some high-octane action at Kiltorcan Raceway. Rain, hail or shine, the indoor activity centre at KBowl Kilkenny is perfect for a family day out with bowling, kids indoor play area, arcade and more. Meet all farmyard friends fluffy and feathered at Nore Valley Park Open Farm with loads of activities to delight both little ones and parents.
FOR THE SPORTS FANATIC
Kilkenny is the home of hurling, so there is no better place to experience the gaelic game for sports fans. With a selection of hurling experience to choose from such as Hurling Tours Ireland, Malzard’s Hurling Experience and The Kilkenny Way Hurling Experience, beginners and seasoned professionals are sure to have fun learning about the game and brushing up on their puck out skills. Match day tickets to Nowlan Park are certain to be a hit with any fan of the Kilkenny Cats!
FOR THE AVID TRAVELLER
Treat that special person in your life to a stay in one of Kilkenny’s top-class hotels with a hotel gift voucher and they can cross the thresholds of our castles, explore our medieval streets, browse in our boutiques and sample our legendary food offering on a future visit. Experience all that our hotels have to offer from afternoon tea and delicious meals to spa treatments and leisure club access. There are also plenty of fantastic guesthouses, B&Bs and glamping options to choose from if they prefer a getaway with a difference.
