Cheap Things to Do in Kilkenny (Free & Budget Activities)

Located just 5km from Kilkenny City, Kilkenny Countryside Park is one of the best free things to do in Kilkenny, especially for families. There’s something for everyone with 3 themed accessible walks, hammocks and loungers to relax in with a good book while the kids take on the wall ball or the fun exercise and play equipment. On Sundays, the park plays host to a Junior Parkrun from 9:30am, this free, fun, and friendly weekly 2km event is suitable for 4 to 14 year olds and is a great way to meet new friends! This is an ideal choice for families with young children, walkers, and anyone looking for a free, half-day outdoor activity near Kilkenny City.

Just 20 minutes from Kilkenny City, Thomastown Weir Pool is one of the best free outdoor activities in Kilkenny during summer, perfect for families and swimmers looking to cool off. This natural swimming spot is carefully maintained by local volunteers, ensuring a clean and safe environment for visitors. Lifeguards are on duty on weekends in June (2pm–4:30pm) and daily throughout July and August, making it a reliable and budget friendly option for a sunny day out. With no entry fee and scenic surroundings, it’s an ideal stop for a relaxed, low-cost afternoon near Kilkenny. Best suited to families, swimmers, and visitors looking for a refreshing, low-cost activity during the summer months.

A short drive from the city centre, you will find The Watershed leisure centre (pictured), with a heated indoor swimming pool, if that is more your style. Head for a family swim and avail of their €25 pay-as-you-go deal for 2 adults and 2 children. The pool also offers a sensory-friendly swim session every Sunday from 5:30 – 6:30pm. A great option for families and a reliable indoor activity, especially on rainy days in Kilkenny.

Located 20 minutes from Kilkenny City, Castlecomer Discovery Park, combines free woodland trails with paid adventure activities, allowing visitors to tailor their visit to suit their budget. Choose to take it slow and enjoy the winding trails surrounding all the action, hop in a canoe and cruise around the peaceful lake while watching the adrenaline seekers zoom across the lake on the zipline. Immerse yourself in nature whilst walking through the trees on the high ropes course or embrace your inner Robin Hood on the archery range.

Held every Sunday from 8am to 4pm, Castleinch Venue, located just 10km from Kilkenny City offers a treasure trove of stalls catering for everything you could imagine from vintage car parts to garden accessories. The marketplace also hosts Vintage rallies and family days out throughout the year.

Pack up the car and grab all the family (dogs included!) for a delightful day out at Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum. Woodstock Gardens come to life in the Summer when the beautifully manicured walled gardens bloom with vibrant flowers. Wander along Monkey Puzzle Avenue and gaze up at the towering trees, listen to the tumbling waterfall, sip on a tasty coffee in the stunning Turner Conservatory or enjoy a picnic overlooking the vast Nore Valley. Please remember to leave no trace when visiting Woodstock Gardens. Entry to the car park costs €5.

Dunmore Cave, located 15 minutes from Kilkenny City, offers a guided underground experience for just €5, making it one of the most affordable heritage attractions in the area. Venture beyond the Earth and uncover ancient stories of the 350 million year old caves. Dating back to the 9th century, the caves were first mentioned in the collection of Irish Triads. The triads were used to impart wisdom, law, and social commentary to categorise aspects of life such as geography and nature. At the visitor centre, you can learn how Dunmore Cave was formed, what kind of wildlife lives there, and what treasures were found inside for just €5. Ideal for history enthusiasts, families, and visitors looking for a unique, affordable indoor attraction.

St. Mary’s Cathedral located in Kilkenny City, is free to enter and offers visitors the chance to explore historic architecture, stained glass windows, and restored interiors at no cost. With its towering stained glass windows, ornate paintings and stunning architecture, the cathedral dominates the skyline of Kilkenny City. The gothic revival-style building was revived in 2016 after a dedicated 4-year restoration. Marvel at the beauty of the restored interior, as the vibrant colours from the stained glass illuminate the golden altar. Gaze up in awe at the hand painted, gilded ceilings and detailed mosaic walls. Perfect for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and visitors seeking a free cultural experience in Kilkenny City.

You can’t come to Kilkenny and not visit Kilkenny Castle! Located in the heart of the city, this monumental building has kept watch over the Medieval city through tumultuous times in the country’s history and is worth visiting to learn about its past residents. Get a glimpse of how the Earls, Marquesses, and Dukes of Ormonde lived throughout their combined 600-year residence at the top of the Medieval Mile. Self-guided visits are €8 per person with guided tours available for €12. A must for first-time visitors, history lovers, and anyone wanting to experience one of Kilkenny’s most iconic landmarks.

Kilkenny was named a ‘go-to destination for culture’ in Condé Nast Travel’s 7 Wonders of Ireland for 2026 and for good reason! There is a myriad of ways to immerse yourself in the local culture of the Marble City and County.

Many of Kilkenny’s pubs offer free live traditional music sessions, making them one of the best ways to experience local culture without spending money. Explore our guide to the best pubs and bars in Kilkenny. Fan of comedy? Then look no further than Kilkenny Comedy Club. They will bring you the very best Irish and International comedians every month. Discover established acts or fall in love with up-and-coming local comics with tickets starting at just €15 per person. Ideal for couples, solo travellers, and anyone looking to experience Kilkenny’s local culture without spending much.

Located opposite Kilkenny Castle, you will find the Design and Craft Centre of Ireland gallery which exhibits a diverse range of works by established and emerging Irish designers and makers. The 18th-century castle yard is also home to a number of dedicated crafters’ workshops. Stop in and see the master craftspeople at work for free – but you will want to shop their beautifully handcrafted products to take home!

Set along the River Nore in Kilkenny City, Butler Gallery is a free cultural stop, ideal for a relaxed afternoon in Kilkenny City. As one of the leading contemporary art galleries in the south east of Ireland, it features a permanent collection alongside regularly changing exhibitions from both Irish and international artists.Visitors can explore the gallery at their own pace or join guided tours every Saturday and Sunday at 12pm and 3pm for deeper insight. With no entry fee and a central riverside location, it’s a must-visit for art lovers and anyone seeking a low-cost cultural experience in Kilkenny.

Escape to the countryside for an afternoon to pay a visit to Shankill Castle, a historic Irish castle, gardens, café, organic farm in Paulstown, Co. Kilkenny is also home to the artist, Elizabeth Cope. Open from April – October, choose to take a guided tour of the castle or peruse the walled garden and secret fairy woods. You will also find the Currabinny food truck on site, serving up delicious treats. Tickets start at €6 per person for entrance to the gardens or €14 per person for the castle tour and garden tickets.

Roll back the clock and let the nostalgia flow through your veins with an afternoon in KBowl. Their Lunch Special Bowling offer runs from Tuesday – Thursday for just €10 per person for 6 players. The offer includes a game of bowling and a hot lunch of chicken nuggets, cocktail sausages, onion rings and chips. Want to try something different? Take on the new Hologate Virtual Reality Experience with a variety of thrilling games for €9 per person. Perfect for families, groups, and rainy-day entertainment on a budget.

Five, six, seven, eight! Jump into new experiences and try out a dance class with The Dance Club for just €6. Learn new moves, find your rhythm and build your confidence with the help of the talented teachers. Wow your friends and family with your new talent at the next big get together!

Pococke Footgolf, located just outside Kilkenny, offers a two-hour activity for €15, ideal for groups looking for something fun and affordable. Take on a series challenging holes across an 18-hole layout similar to traditional golf, but with shorter holes, making the game more enjoyable and accessible for everyone. A session of footgolf takes approximately 2 hours to complete the 18 holes.

Many restaurants in Kilkenny offer an Early Bird dinner at a reduced cost so that you can try out some delicious dishes from top chefs whilst keeping under budget. The multi-award winning Aran Bistro has an Early Bird lunch specials menu that runs Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 11:30am for just €9.99 which includes tea or coffee.

Tuck into a full signature lunch spread for €13.50 in Statham’s, where you can get a soup/sandwich, side of choice and a sweet treat while staying within your daily budget!

For dinner, Zuni Restaurant has an Early Bird menu available Sunday to Friday, 5pm to 6pm with 2 courses for €32.50 or 3 courses for €42.50.

What are free things to do in Kilkenny?

There are plenty of free things to do in Kilkenny, making it an ideal destination for a budget-friendly trip. You can explore Kilkenny Countryside Park with its scenic walking trails, relax at Thomastown Weir Pool during the summer months, or visit cultural attractions like Butler Gallery and the Design & Craft Council of Ireland. A stroll through Woodstock Gardens (small parking fee applies) or enjoying live traditional music in local pubs are also great ways to experience Kilkenny without spending much.

Is Kilkenny expensive to visit?

Kilkenny is considered a relatively affordable destination compared to other Irish cities. Many of the top attractions, including galleries, parks, and walking trails, are free or low-cost. Paid experiences such as Kilkenny Castle or Dunmore Cave are reasonably priced, typically under €10–€15 per person. With a mix of free activities, budget dining options, and walkable city attractions, Kilkenny is well-suited to travellers looking to control costs.

What can you do in Kilkenny for under €15?

There are many things to do in Kilkenny for under €15. You can visit Kilkenny Castle (€8 self-guided), explore Dunmore Cave (€5 entry), try footgolf at Pococke (€15), or enjoy bowling and lunch deals at KBowl from €10. Cultural experiences like comedy shows (from €15) or craft workshops are also affordable. Day trips to parks, markets, and historic sites offer even more options within this budget.

Are there family-friendly cheap activities in Kilkenny?

Yes, Kilkenny offers a wide range of family-friendly activities on a budget. Families can enjoy free outdoor spaces like Kilkenny Countryside Park, take part in Junior Parkrun, or visit Thomastown Weir Pool in summer. Affordable attractions include Castlecomer Discovery Park, KBowl bowling deals, and family swim sessions at The Watershed. Many activities are low-cost, accessible, and suitable for children of all ages.