Do

The Alternative Kilkenny Arts (AKA) Festival, a volunteer-led community arts festival that takes place each year. AKA brings you a robust programme of events taking place across the city and county for twelve days in August.

We are very excited to bring you into the dynamic world of music, art, craft and more. We urge you to indulge in our programme full of amazing artists, crafts and performances which we hope has something to suit everyone’s interests.

AKA promotes collaboration, cultural enrichment, and a vibrant artistic network – through the works of over 100 artists each year. Deeply rooted in community engagement, the festival enhances Kilkenny’s cultural landscape while embracing innovative ways to connect with you.

Kilkenny Law Festival: Bringing Insights and Lightness to the Law
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A weekend of engaging and entertaining events examining contemporary and historic legal subjects, brought to you by the producer of Kilkenomics.

Shows will explore the fate of international institutions in the age of Trump; Ireland's leading legal podcast, the Fifth Court interviews former Circuit Court Judge Alice Doyle; High Court Judge Marguerite Bolger; a history of the censorship of Edna O'Brien with Donal Fallon and filmmaker Sinéad O'Shea; and 100 years since the merger of the Garda Síochána and Dublin Metropolitan Police; AI, blockchain and smart contracts; libel, defamation and press freedoms; Trump v. Justice; framing a Second Republic with a new Constitution and much more.

View the full lineup and buy tickets here.

The Marble City Music Festival is the vision of Kilkenny native, Patrick Rafter. 

Proud Kilkenny man, world renowned violinist, and artistic director of Marble City Music Festival Patrick Rafter teams up with some of Ireland’s finest and most exciting musicians for a series of mesmerising concerts. The festival offers music to suit all tastes, and is the perfect opportunity to engage with classical music in a stunning setting with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Sonix Entertainment is a premier event and entertainment company based in Kilkenny, offering visitors an exciting taste of the city's vibrant cultural scene. From high-energy live music performances and DJ services to family-focused experiences like Kilkenny Pumpkin Picking and Easter Egg Hunts, Sonix Entertainment brings communities together in a truly memorable way.

By partnering with local venues and embracing Kilkenny's rich heritage, their dedicated team delivers both intimate gatherings and large-scale celebrations infused with the city's unique charm. Whether you're looking to enjoy a festive night out or plan a fun-filled day for the whole family, Sonix Entertainment ensures every event resonates with Kilkenny's friendly spirit and love for good times. 

Market Wine is a wine bar, off licence and fancy goods store in Thomastown, Kilkenny open from 28th November to 31st December 2024. Join us for a delightful experience centred around exceptional wines, gourmet treats and a welcoming atmosphere.

OPENING HOURS

Thursday & Friday

5pm - 9:30pm

Saturday

2pm - 9:30pm

Sunday

2pm - 7:30pm

Christine Scarry and Red Alchemy Theatre Company, in association with Kilkenny Arts Office, are honoured to present THE SONDHEIM FESTIVAL 2025 - celebrating the life and work of theatre titan, Stephen Sondheim - which takes place over the weekend of 15th and 16th of February, with the main events being held at the Watergate Theatre.

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The Sondheim Festival is thrilled to announce that Olivier-nominated actress, Rachel Tucker, will deliver two Performance Masterclasses on 15 February.

Following last year’s hugely successful masterclasses with the incredible Liz Callaway and Paul Monaghan, The Sondheim Festival is thrilled to announce that Olivier-nominated actress, Rachel Tucker, will deliver two Performance Masterclasses at The Sondheim Festival exploring a wealth of songs from Sondheim’s repertoire.

This is an amazing opportunity to learn from one of the most iconic performers in musical theatre – and the longest-running consecutive Elphaba in the history of Wicked!

These classes will take place on stage at The Watergate Theatre from 10:30am-1:00pm and 2:00-4:30pm on Saturday, 15 February, 2025.

Observer tickets only can be purchased here.

Participant places are very strictly limited and by application only. If you are interested in taking part in the Performance Masterclass, please email thesondheimfestival@gmail.com to register your interest as soon as possible.

About Rachel

Rachel became best known for her interpretation of Elphaba in London’s West End production of Wicked at the Apollo Theatre. After playing the role for three years and over one thousand performances she became the show’s longest running consecutive ‘Green Witch’ and, as a consequence was invited to play Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway. In 2017 Rachel was invited back to Apollo Theatre to portray Elphaba as part of Wicked’s 10th Anniversary celebrations in London. Rachel’s own iconic version of Defying Gravity can be found on her first studio album The Reason, which was released in 2013.

Rachel is currently starring as Persephone in Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre in London, following her performance in Sunset Boulevard at the Savoy Theatre, playing the lead role of Norma Desmond alongside Nicole Scherzinger. Prior to that, she starred in Come From Away at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on Broadway, playing the role of Annette/Beverley Bass, the role she originated in London. Rachel received an Olivier Nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical at the 2019 Olivier Awards and she won Best Supporting Actress in a Musical at the 2020 WhatsOnStage Awards for her performance of this role.

The Velvet Voice

Singing on a Sunday Workshop

Ireland’s foremost musical director, David Hayes, will lead another wonderful afternoon of Singing on Sunday at the Watergate Theatre.Enjoy exploring a Sondheim favourite in a thrilling choral setting, with David’s unique and special focus on interpretation, intent and joy!

Open to anyone who loves singing … groups and individuals are all welcome for this Sunday afternoon musical hug.

Attend both the ‘Choral Workshop with David Hayes’ and ‘An Audience with Rachel Tucker’ for €50.

Discount will be automatically applied once tickets to both events are in your cart online.

Book Tickets

An Audience with Rachel Tucker

Book Tickets

The Hot Box Sauna in an outdoor Finnish Sauna perched on the banks of the River Barrow at Graiguenamanagh-Tinnahinch.  Guests spend 45 minutes sessions between the sauna and the river using the flowing water as a natural plunge pool to cool off between bursts in the heat.    

Bookings can be made with ease on our website www.thehotboxsauna.ie 

Spend Christmas in Kilkenny with Yulefest

Beginning November 30th

Kilkenny’s medieval city & county will transform into a wonderland of festive cheer for all the family this Christmas season!

Yulefest Kilkenny has something for all age groups, whether you’re looking for a festive staycation or to create a magical Christmas for the kids. Visitors can expect Christmas markets, live music, Christmas gardens, light displays, visits from the man in red himself plus some very special events. All alongside Kilkenny’s great shopping and food options. See Kilkenny’s medieval city through the twinkling of Christmas lights and come celebrate Christmas in Kilkenny with Yulefest. Beginning with Santa’s arrival on November 30th 2024!

Celebrating Irish music, culture and creativity with a big festival in a small city!

14th - 17th March 2025

During the St. Patrick’s Festival, Kilkenny city and county come alive with pageantry, craic agus ceol. Centred around the St. Patrick’s Day Parade but stretching across the weekend, visitors can enjoy the thrill of American Marching Bands, a parade of local colour, interactive workshops for all ages and the best in live Irish music at Kilkenny Tradfest. All in a small intimate city that’ll make you feel right at home.

St. Patrick’s Day may be celebrated all around the world but there is nothing quite like celebrating it in Ireland. With a packed St. Patrick’s Festival programme, a wealth of heritage and culture, and so much to do and see, Kilkenny is the perfect place to spend St. Patrick’s 2025!

Festival activities include:
- St. Patrick's Day Parade
- Street Entertainment
- Live Music
- Interactive Workshops
- The Big Wheel
...Plus lots more special events to be announced!

For more information check out the website and social media channels.

Website – Facebook – Instagram – Twitter

Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny: Discover the Story Behind Ireland’s Oldest Ale

Located in the heart of Kilkenny City, less than a 10-minute stroll from the iconic Kilkenny Castle and part of Kilkenny's famous Medieval Mile, Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny is a multi-sensory journey that brings to life over 300 years of brewing tradition. Just 90 minutes from Dublin, this is a must-visit destination for history and ale lovers alike.

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Smithwick’s, where the art of brewing was first practiced on this site by 13th-century Franciscan monks, and later perfected by John Smithwick in 1710. While Smithwick’s is no longer brewed here, the passion and craftsmanship live on through this unforgettable experience.

Standard Smithwick’s Tour

Join our local, passionate guides as they reveal the secrets behind Ireland’s most popular ale. Explore how centuries of brewing innovation have shaped Smithwick’s into the beloved brand it is today. From milling the malt and stirring the mash to smelling the hops, this hands-on tour allows you to experience the brewing process up close, just as it was done in the past.

At the end of your tour, relax with a pint of Smithwick’s included in your ticket (18+).

Want to explore more? Upgrade your experience to enjoy a tasting paddle featuring Smithwick’s Red Ale, Pale Ale, and Kilkenny beer — you might just discover a new favourite!

Premium Masters of Ale Tour

For the ultimate ale experience, step into our Masters of Ale tour. Dive deeper into the evolution of ale and learn how the Smithwick family helped shape this Irish tradition. This guided, sensorial masterclass isolates the senses as you explore the raw ingredients of various ale styles. Finish the tour with an expert-led tutorial on how to pour a pint of Smithwick’s.

• Guided Sensory Tour
• Welcome Refreshment
• Tasting Masterclass of Four Ales
• Pint Pouring Tutorial
• Engraved Glass Gift Memento
• Over 18s Only

Sensory-Friendly Visits

Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny is proud to partner with Ireland’s National Autism Charity, AsIAm, to offer sensory-friendly tours. These designated low-sensory hours cater to autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals, offering noise and light reductions for a more comfortable experience. Sensory kits, visual guides, and sensory maps are available year-round, and trained staff ensure a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors are also entitled to one complimentary carer ticket, if required.

Private Events and Venue Hire

Looking for a unique venue? Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny offers indoor and outdoor spaces for exclusive hire, perfect for any occasion:

Smithwick’s Bar (Indoor Space): 65 (seated) - 100 (standing) guests

Barrel Yard (Outdoor Space): 65 (seated) - 150 (standing) guests

Gala Dining: Catering for 60-70 guests

With a minimum group size of 30, you can host your next event surrounded by centuries of brewing history.

Savour the taste of Kilkenny this October Bank Holiday weekend!

25th - 28th October 2024

One of Ireland’s favourite food festivals, Savour Kilkenny marks the end of autumn in the stunning setting of Kilkenny’s Medieval city. Known for its diversity and quality of food producers, distilleries, breweries, restaurants and cafés, Kilkenny is home to some of Ireland’s and Europe’s best food.

Taking place over the October bank holiday weekend Savour Kilkenny brings visitors on a journey of discovery and taste that will truly awaken the senses! With a programme that showcases the very best of Kilkenny and Irish products, chefs and culinary ideas.

Expect talks from experts, demos from top chefs, unique dining experiences and all the food stalls you can imagine packaged into a festive atmosphere in the beautiful surrounds of Kilkenny city. Entry to the Savour Market and the majority of cookery demos and talks is free!

A visit to Savour is the perfect foodie weekend away or day trip with the family. Follow @SavourKilkenny for programme announcements and the latest event news.

This is a weekend you won’t want to miss so get planning and book your trip to Kilkenny for the October Bank Holiday weekend!

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Available for Exclusive Hire

-Indoor Event Capacity (Studio) : 25 pax

Take a guided boat tour of Kilkenny in a traditional Irish Open-Boat on the historic river Nore as it flows through the city. Learn of the often unspoken and local history that the river holds. Witness the wildlife that thrive in the urban environment and that have shared the waterways with man for thousands of years. See Kilkenny as both invaders and settlers did, entering the city by boat. Be sure to bring your camera as you'll have the opportunity to capture some very unique views of Kilkenny including a rarely viewed angle of the Castle, as seen from river level.  

The guides are friendly, entertaining and possess a love for the job they do. You'll find the boat trips relaxing, informative and most of all memorable. To get a feel of what to expect, have a look at this fantastic video.

For more information, see BoatTrips.ie

Ormonde Language Tours offers walking tours of Kilkenny in English, French and German. Each kilkenny walking tour is conducted in one language by John, a history loving native of Kilkenny. John is studying modern languages with the Open University and he has also completed the National Tour Guide training course. John will show you the best of Kilkenny city and you will be amazed by our fascinating history. You can book a tour online and if you request a tour in your language at a different time, just ask.

Kilkenny has many fabulous sights to see. Old ecclesiastical monuments such as St. Canice’s Cathedral, St. Francis and the Black Abbey. Medieval buildings such as Shee Alms house, Kytler’s Inn and Rothe House. Our most well-known building though is Kilkenny Castle, originally built in the 12th century, much of the current building comes from this period and is mixed with a 19th century remodelling. The river Nore flows through the city centre and is crossed by five bridges in the city. After you have finished your walking tour, take a stroll through the castle park. Kilkenny has a vibrant nightlife and also some of the best restaurants in Ireland and boasts having one of Ireland’s 16 Michelin star restaurants. We have plenty of superb casual eateries as well. Kilkenny has a very creative craft scene and many studios can be visited.

Walk through Ireland’s most beautiful city with Ormonde Language Tours and admire the fantastic scenery. Stroll along the river Nore and appreciate the view of the Blackstairs mountains in the distance. Visit Kilkenny’s architectural heritage dating back to the 9th century. Learn about the many important people native to Kilkenny with your guide who is Kilkenny native and speaks French and German. If you are short on time, a walking tour with Ormonde Language Tours is the ideal way to get to know Kilkenny. 

TOUR MEETING POINT

Located in the heart of one of Ireland’s most vibrant cities, W.H.Good ltd, or ‘Goods of Kilkenny’ as it is known was founded in 1927 by William Henry Good, who first opened a small shoe shop at no. 90 High Street. Later the store grew and expanded to include clothing and linens.

During the sixties his son, Vivian Good joined the business and the expansion and development of the store continued for what was to become a 5 decade period, seeing the addition of a basement in 1977 to house the expanding shoe business and in the early 1990’s the extension of the second floor along with the addition of a lift to service all four floors.

These additions increased the stores retail space to 20,000 sq ft consolidating Goods’ position as Kilkenny’s leading Department store.

In 2004 Goods underwent a major refurbishment and refocusing program which saw the whole store being refitted and modernised as well as the addition of some top national and International brands. The store now focuses on fashion, lingerie, cosmetics, footwear and accessories for stylish women of all ages.

Highbank Organic Farm in Co. Kilkenny was a 17th century farmyard and the present farm house was built by the Calder-Potts family in the 19th Century. The first apple orchards were planted by the Rod and Julie Calder-Potts in 1969. 

Highbank Orchards are a fully organic farm, they  have used no pesticides or chemicals on the land for over 30 years. 

Highbank is home to the multi-award-winning Orchard Syrup and Treacle, both perfect additions to your sweet and savoury recipes. They also produce several delicious Apple juices, including their acclaimed non alcoholic Drivers Cider as well as Highbank Proper Cider and Medieval Cider, matured on wild yeasts with no added sulphites.

Take a trip to the Orchard and take part in their Self-Guided Red Gates tour, where you can follow a virtual Rod around their organic farm and learn about the rich history of the area. Don't forget to taste test some of their yummy apple products!

Book your self-guided tour

The Kilkenny Whiskey Guild is a collection of 10 establishments throughout Ireland's Medieval capital. Each premises will stock a minimum of 60 Irish Whiskeys and will assist in the customers experience through knowledgeable staff, tasting flights, food pairings and mixology.

Regular whiskey tasting Kilkenny events will be held in each of the Guild Houses designed to heighten the public’s knowledge of Irish Whiskey history production and various styles. The guild aims to make Kilkenny the leading Whiskey tourism destination in Ireland.

Kilkenny Whiskey Guild Members include: Brewery Corner, Billy Byrne's, The Dylan Whisky Bar, Langton's, Lanigan's, Left Bank, Matt the Miller's, Paris Texas, The Hibernian Bar and The Wine Centre

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The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) is the national agency for the commercial development of Irish designers and makers, stimulating innovation, championing design thinking and informing Government policy. DCCoI's activities are funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation via Enterprise Ireland.

Set-up in 2017 by Morgan Ging & his wife Anne, Ballykeefe Distillery is an eco-friendly, Single Estate Irish Family Farm Whiskey Distillery, located in picturesque countryside, just 15 minutes out-side the medieval city of Kilkenny, producing a range of premium spirits. A ‘field to glass’ family operation, every grain of barley in our Whiskey is sown, grown, harvested, milled and distilled on our family farm. Located in the area where the birth of Irish Whiskey was first recorded in 1324, Ballykeefe Distillery is a multiple award winner for quality and sustainability.

A tour of Ballykeefe Distillery is a must for anyone with an interest in Kilkenny’s historical association with Irish Whiskey. Our guided tour enables guests to explore our distillery and discover the ancient art of Irish Whiskey making and the craftmanship that goes into each of our casks. Guests will experience first-hand the sound, smell and feel of a fully operational distillery, with a behind-the-scenes tour visiting each stage of the brewing and distilling process. Guests will sample the spirits in the repurposed horse stable which now serves as the tasting room, with its high ceilings, exposed brick and reclaimed wood tables and bar, fresh with knowledge of their history and the craftsmanship devoted to their making. The duration of the tour is approx. 1 hour.

Guided Distillery Tours are offered on a request basis. Tours may be arranged, Monday to Friday (excl. Bank Holiday Mondays), subject to availability, from April to October.

For all tour enquiries, please contact us on +353 87 700 4538 / info@ballykeefedistillery.ie

Nestled at the foot of the old Ballykeeffe Quarry, Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre brings the authentic atmosphere of an open-air Italian theatre to the quaint Kilkenny countryside. The once-bustling slate quarry had lain abandoned and in disarray for many years, with most indifferent to its very existence.

However, in the late 1990s, a team of dedicated volunteers recognised a unique potential which was brought to fruition through hard work and perseverance, and in the year 2000 the amphitheatre proudly played host to the first of many performances – the Irish Defence Forces band & the Dublin Male Welsh Voice Choir.

Since its foundation in 1974, Kilkenny Arts Festival has gathered many of the world’s finest musicians, performers, writers and artists in Ireland’s medieval city each August. For ten days, the city’s historic churches, castle, courtyards, townhouses and gardens offer a magical setting for unique collaborations and intimate encounters between audiences and artists.

Kilkenny Cat Laughs is Ireland’s annual craic pilgrimage, and has been heralding the start of the summer season since 1995. Now in it’s 25th edition, the festival has played host over the years to international and domestic world class comedy and is renowned for treating both talent and audience to a warm, welcoming and convivial atmosphere in Kilkenny, at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. Cat Laughs has a reputation for being the comedians’ comedy festival, and for creating an atmosphere where anything can happen.

Over the years the festival has nurtured the fledgling careers of Irish acts like Dara Ó Briain, Aisling Bea, Graham Norton, Dylan Moran, Maeve Higgins, Ardal O’Hanlon, Joanne McNally, Deirdre O’Kane, David O’Doherty, Des Bishop and many, many more. We have also welcomed international luminaries like Bill Murray, Zach Galifianakis, Laura Kightlinger, Bill Burr, George Wendt, Ross Noble, Peter Kay, Bill Bailey, Tig Notaro, Emo Philips and Sarah Millican among others.

In 2017, Matt Smyth and Dan Colley of Collapsing Horse Theatre took over the reins as Artistic Directors, bringing some of their own comedy influences onboard and and building on the fine legacy of the festival. They took the helm again in 2018 and 2019 and look forward to combining the best in comedy standup with new names in the world of improv, sketch, podcasts and more. Roll on summer!

Kilkenomics is Europe’s first economics festival which brings together some of the world’s leading economists, financial analysts and media commentators with some of our funniest, sharpest standup comedians. We’ve been called “Davos with jokes” and we wouldn’t disagree with that assessment.

Our informal, entertaining formats invite our audiences to engage and enjoy. As we like to say: it’s serious, but it’s fun too! Jump into Kilkenomics now and engage with as many shows as possible, equip yourself with the information and insight we hope can help us all make smart choices for our futures - inform and entertain yourselves.

People who have taken part in previous years include David McWilliams (co-founder of the festival), Constantin Gurdgiev, Max Keiser, Gillian Tett, Rory Sutherland, Linda Yueh and Yanis Varoufakis.

The Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots Festival will celebrate its 25th year with a wide range of Irish and international acts, performing in venues throughout Kilkenny city from 28th April to 1st May. Since 1998 the festival has attracted some of the finest names in the Americana/Roots canon, including Calexico, Giant Sand, Ryan Adams, Alejandro Escovedo, Guy Clark, Chuck Prophet, Ray LaMontagne, Richmond Fontaine, Rodney Crowell, Phosphorescent, Sturgill Simpson and Alabama Shakes.

Audiences wind their way through the medieval streets sampling the huge range of music in the 30 plus venues, hosting over 40 Irish and international acts, with over 90 ticketed and free shows from early afternoon until late into the night.
There’s a mixture of old and new acts on the free pub gig trail and all styles are catered for, from swing to bluegrass, rockabilly to cajun, folk, blues and beyond.

View the 2023 programme here.

The festival brings together a selection of European films that invites you to see cinema in a whole new way. Many of the films in the 2017 festival have never been screened theatrically in Ireland and 15 of them are Irish premieres; highlights for this year include a special VIP preview of Aku Louhimies’s epic film UNKNOWN SOLDIER, which has already smashed box office records in Finland; Valery Todorovsky’s terrific drama, BOLSHOI (he will be in Kilkenny to present both screenings), Alexei Uchitel’s lavish new picture, MATILDA and Tonie Marshall’s outstanding new film, NUMBER ONE (she will be in Kilkenny too).

For our 2017 edition, we are presenting 29 films. We have a terrific collection of thrillers, dramas and comedies from Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, The Netherlands, Russia, Georgia and Bulgaria. We are very excited about the mix of movies available and we are confident that there’s something on offer for all tastes. There will be over 200 guests in Kilkenny for the festival, including over 50 brilliant European actors and some of the finest casting directors on the planet.

The Iverk show, The oldest show in Ireland, is a one day traditional yet modern. Now in its 188th year the Iverk show is a family / community based event hosting All Ireland championship finals and qualifiers for other finals. There are local classes for horses, sheep, crafts, cattle, flowers, poultry, dogs, fruit, cakes, vegetables, farm produce, arts, jams and honey. There are classes are for adults and children with special sections for primary and secondary schools. There is a competition for the ‘Most Appropriately Dressed Lady’ and a bonny baby competition as well as a fashion show. A display of vintage cars, tractors and machinery with working demonstrations is one of the highlights.

The 100’s of trade stands from large outdoor exhibits to small indoor industries & artisan food stands attracts local and national food producers. A garden and entertainment section has been developed in the past couple of years. The show has a total prize fund of almost €30,000.

The Graiguenamanagh ‘Town of Books’ Festival, now in its 21st year, was ‘born’ in 2003. From its origins as a small weekend event promoted on an experimental basis for one year, it has now grown into a fully-fledged festival that features art, music, food and crafts, and a whole host of fringe activities. Of course, at its core the Graiguenamanagh ‘Town of Books’ retains its original vision, to transform Graiguenamanagh, for one weekend only, into a book lovers' paradise where booksellers are matched up with a number of empty spaces in the town.

Celebrating Irish traditional and folk music with ceol agus craic. Kilkenny Tradfest takes place each March, on the St. Patrick's festival weekend, in the fantastic pubs and venues of Kilkenny city.

With headline gigs, the Bulmers Music Trail, and a mix of ticketed and free events, there is a gig,session and venue to suit everyone. Plus, St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny takes place on the same weekend. Guaranteed fun from day to night!

Visit KilkennyTradfest.com to plan your St. Patrick's weekend of music in Kilkenny!

Soak up the atmosphere and savour the ancient craft of independent, artisan brewing at Sullivan’s Taproom, located at 15 John Street Kilkenny.

Combine internationally award winning craft beer with a delicious daily menu containing items such as wood fired pizzas, burgers, tacos, wings and more! Established in 1702 at The Malting’s on James's Street, Kilkenny, the brewery survived a fire in 1880 and was lost on horse bet in 1918 before being revived in 2016 by members of the Sullivan and Smithwick families.

Sullivan’s Brewing Company is now back stronger than ever producing award winning beer – The Malting’s Red Ale was voted Best Draught Ale in the world, 2017/18! Sullivan’s Taproom also boasts rotational taps allowing you to sample a variety of craft beer each time you visit, as well as a new and improved heated outdoor dining area, including the extremely popular 8 person outdoor pods!

Christmas party packages

Kiltorcan Raceway is one of Ireland's best go-kart circuit's and is known to be challenging, exhilarating and fun, while still being an extremely safe track.

So whether you are coming as an individual, group of friends, on a corporate team building day or that all important fun filled hen or stag party the team at Kiltorcan Raceway will make sure your time here is packed with excitement and fun while ensuring your safety at all times.

If you are new to go-kart racing or are an experienced driver our state of the art kart's paired with our outdoor super smooth 1000 metre, all weather, floodlit go-kart track will offer you the buzz of a lifetime.

Mountain View Market is the South East’s largest weekly market and simply a must visit
while in Kilkenny!

Our market features a selection of over 80 small businesses selling delicious hot food, tasty baked goods and fabulous Irish-made consumer retail products. The market is a real pleasure to wander around and there is a fantastic buzz about the place each Sunday with regular market events taking place.

Drawing visitors from all over Ireland, it’s the perfect location for social connection and to catch up with friends.

Our market attracts Irish based food vendors from all over the world who feature exciting cuisine from their culture, made the authentic way. Mountain View Markets offers a true taste of the world.

At Mountain View Markets, we don’t just showcase good food and artisan products, we celebrate it. Our market is a fantastic alternative for Sunday lunch, you’re sure to find something to keep everyone in the family happy!

Open every Sunday 10am to 4pm. We’re proudly dog friendly!

Please note our market is seasonal. We are open in Spring & Summer, and again for during the Winter for Christmas markets. To ensure we are open on the Sunday you’d like to visit, please check our social media or google page. Please note all dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.

Welcome to Nore Valley Park Pet Farm!

Embark on a delightful adventure at our pet farm nestled by the picturesque Nore river. Whether you're yearning for a nostalgic trip to the past or seeking a fresh adventure, our farm promises fun-filled memories for all ages!

Step into our enchanting world as you meet our friendly animals. From playful lambs to adorable baby bunnies, there's no shortage of furry friends to cuddle and adore. Have a hands-on experience like no other as you bottle-feed our adorable lambs or goat kids, or marvel at the sight of newly-hatched chicks. It's a heart-warming activity the whole family will
cherish!

Ready for some excitement? Hop aboard our pedal go-karts or tractor and trailer ride for an exhilarating spin around the farm. Challenge your friends to a round of crazy golf or engage in a thrilling game of giant chess. The possibilities for fun are endless! Let the little ones unleash their energy in our outdoor playground, indoor sandpit or wander through our scenic 3km river walk and nature trail. Don't forget to pack a picnic and unwind in our inviting picnic area.

When it's time to recharge, swing by our shop for a well-deserved break. Treat yourself to a cup of tea or coffee paired with delicious home-baked goods, hot food and snacks, the perfect ending to a perfect day on the farm. So why wait? Come join us at Nore Valley Park Pet Farm and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. There's never been a better time to experience the magic of farm life!

Pure Adventure is based in the heart of the Barrow Valley in the Picturesque Village of Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny. Pure Adventure is a family run business that is built on a passion for the outdoors and for water sports and our mission is to share our passion with our visitors, giving you a great experience and memories that will last a lifetime.

Pure Adventure offers a range of Kayaking, Canoeing, Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Hill Walking activities to suit all ages and abilities. All equipment is supplied and all guides are fully qualified and highly experienced.

Castlecomer Discovery Park offers an exciting range of activities around the estate including tree top walks, climbing walls, boating, adventure playgrounds, orienteering and most recently Ireland’s longest zip wire and high ropes challenge. At the hub of the site, there is the Irish Mining Museum, a purpose-built cafe, craft village, and spaces for educational activities.

Castlecomer Discovery Park comprises 80 acres of natural woodland and lakes. It opened to the public in 2007 to commemorate the coal-mining heritage following the closure of the local mines in 1969. It aims to develop rural tourism, generate local employment and regenerate the town.

Purchase an annual car parking pass to make the most of their walking trails and see the area in all its beauty throughout the seasons!

New for 2025!

Operation Minefall
Uncover a buried secret. Solve the mystery. Save the future. Step into the shadows of Castlecomer’s mining past in this AR-enhanced investigation. As a W.I.S.E. agent, you’ll solve riddles and uncover buried clues. Using an iPad as your guide, navigate through the museum’s rooms and piece together a long-lost antidote. Stopping a mind-controlling element once mined in Castlecomer from falling into the wrong hands. Time is running out—can you uncover the truth?

Ages 10+ (younger with adult assistance)
Interactive puzzles and hands-on discovery
Think fast, work together and rewrite history!
Will you dig up the truth… or be left in the dark? 

Junior Play Area Pass
You can now purchase a Junior Play Area Pass for €48. This pass includes 4 sessions with, your 5 th session free, on our Junior Woodland Adventure course and Bouncing Nets. Perfect for frequent visitors.