How to Spend a Rainy Day in Kilkenny

Hone your art skills, try a new craft or marvel at the experts at work by spending a drizzly day immersing yourself in Kilkenny’s rich craft scene. Let little ones unleash their creativity at Art It while you wander around Butler Gallery. Meet the makers at the Design & Craft Centre such as Eimear Vize Design creating contemporary jewellery pieces. See the glassblowers at work at Jerpoint Glass and take home some stunning glassware from Duiske Glass gift shop. Drop by Nicholas Mosse Pottery to get some new tableware and stop by their café. Watch the masters of yarn spinning colourful wares at Cushendale Woollen Mills at their Victorian spinning mule.

One of the ultimate evening’s out that you can enjoy is dinner and a show – and two things Kilkenny is known for is our food and our arts! Enjoy an early bird menu at one of the many incredible restaurants followed by a spectacular show across our various stages. Barnstorm Theatre hold a number of family-friendly performances throughout the year. The Set Theatre (pictured) plays host to intimate gigs, comedy shows and insightful talks. The Watergate Theatre always has a packed programme covering film screenings, drama, musicals and much more.

Cosy up with a pint of locally brewed beer or tuck into delectable dishes filled with produce from Kilkenny’s award-winning food producers. We pride ourselves on local producers which you will find displayed on menus across the county. Want to learn more about how your tipple of choice was made? Simply ask the knowledgeable team behind the bar who will be happy to impart their wisdom. We have extensive guides to Kilkenny’s food and drink scene, so click the links below to learn more!

– Brunch spots in Kilkenny

– A to Z of Kilkenny’s Restaurants

– A Guide to Kilkenny’s Pubs & Bars

– Breweries & distilleries

It may be a bit miserable to go outside and get moving, so take it indoors! Book a swim session at The Watershed (pictured), let the little ones roam the indoor play zone at The Playstation and have a fun, competitive round of bowling at KBowl Kilkenny. Don’t mind a shower of rain? Throw on the rain gear and zoom around Kiltorcan Raceway in their karts.

A rainy day is the perfect excuse to indulge in some relaxing treatments at the spa and there are plenty of zen zones to escape to in Kilkenny. Do you prefer a facial or a massage? Or perhaps you prefer quality time in the thermal suite? Whatever type of relaxation you’re looking for, escape to an oasis in Kilkenny. Browse the treatment lists at Mint Spa at Pembroke Kilkenny, Oasis Spa at Lyrath Estate, the Orchard Spa at Hotel Kilkenny, the treatment suites at Mount Juliet Estate and the Escape Spa at Newpark Hotel Kilkenny.

Kilkenny’s history is a rich tapestry woven with stories of knights, witch trials, monks and more, so a wet day spent learning fascinating stories is a day well spent! The city is home to Ireland’s Medieval Mile – a mile-long stretch across the city with historic buildings whose doors are still open to tell the tale of time gone by. Start at St. Canice’s Cathedral where you’ll find one of just two of the remaining round towers in Ireland where you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. Wander down to Rothe House and Garden for a self-guided tour of the 16th century merchant house and stunning walled garden – the only one of its kind open to the public. Hidden in the ancient alleys of Kilkenny is the Medieval Mile Museum (pictured) where guided tours are regular to tell the full story behind the wealth of artefacts on display. Finally, make time for a visit to the iconic Kilkenny Castle. The 13th century structure has been a focal point of Kilkenny city for many years and there are countless stories between its walls to be told.

A more solemn history awaits at Kilkenny Famine Experience where you can take a free self-guided audio-visual tour of the site of the former workhouse. Marvel at the stunning stained glass and intricate gothic architecture at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Pay a visit to Shankill Castle whose history as a tower house dates back to medieval times and has been beautifully restored to view on guided tours.

If there’s one thing you can be guaranteed in Kilkenny, it’s that you will enjoy an experience like no other whether you are on a day trip or an extended visit. You’ll find plenty of unique experiences here – many of which you can still enjoy on a rainy day! Get up close to incredible reptiles and amphibians at The National Reptile Zoo and for a more immersive visit, take on their Zookeeper For A Day experience. Pop into The Hot Box Sauna and watch the river flow through Graiguenamanagh while you stay toasty and relax from the river bank. Find your signature scent at Valley of Roses perfumery (pictured) and to truly tailor your own fragrance, why not book a workshop to create your own? If you prefer to cook up a storm, look into a cookery class at Ryeland House Cookery School and Edward Hayden’s Cookery School to hone your skills to whip up a hearty dish.