There’s great fun to be had in Kilkenny in 2025 with a range of activities and attractions that will be waiting to welcome you after the busy Christmas season. With delicious dining and terrific tours, there’s so much to choose from in the Marble City in the new year.
Activities
The Medieval Mile Museum offers a range of different tours and touring options from interactive audio tours to a guided tour of the Medieval Mile trail. Discover new pathways that tell you interesting stories of the walled city. Tickets start from €9 for adults and €4.50 for kids.
You can’t visit Kilkenny and not come to the iconic Kilkenny Castle! (pictured) Enjoy exploring the Castle Gardens or head inside to see the Norman castle adorned with Victorian decorations, a reflection of the past inhabitants of the building. Tickets start from €4 for kids and €8 for adults on self-guided visits.
Stop by the impressive Butler Gallery, which was built on the former home of the Evans’ family who came to Kilkenny during the Cromwelian plantation. The former military barracks is now home to a range of contemporary art with a particular focus on local, Irish artists. Entrance to the gallery is free of charge with donations always welcome to support the artists.
Time for some R&R after the silly season, head off to The Hot Box Sauna to enjoy a 45-minute steam and cold plunge. A great way to reset your body and mind in for a busy New Year! You can even choose to take part in the ‘Silent Sauna’ session which allows you to enjoy the peace.
Crafts & Culture
Pay a visit to the Internationally acclaimed and a recent addition to Thom Browne’s cardigan catalogue, Cushendale Woollen Mills (pictured). Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the working mill. Visit the showroom, see their creations firsthand and don’t be afraid to ask the experts some questions.
Visit Jerpoint Glass and see the master craftspeople at work, hand making stunning glass pieces. Their open workshop allows you to ask questions about the craft and see firsthand the skill that glassblowing takes. Pop next door to their on-site store and browse all of their pieces.
Venture out to Bennettsbridge to Nicholas Mosse Pottery, where they hand throw and hand paint every piece. Their factory doubles as a café, where you can settle down and enjoy homemade treats and a coffee after watching the potters and painters’ precise work.
Tours
Meet Nevin aka Mr. Shenanigans Walks (pictured), Kilkenny’s much-loved magical tour guide. Shenanigans tours are like no other- experience a traditional city tour with a modern twist. Retrace the footsteps of the Normans, the monks and most importantly, the witches that used to reside in Kilkenny. Get 30% off with Shenanigans Walks for January and the New Year using discount code ShenanigansNY25
Step into the creative world of the Oscar-nominated studios, Cartoon Saloon. The multi-award winning animation studio is opening its doors every Thursday morning to animation enthusiasts for FREE! Over 75 minutes, discover an exclusive My Father’s Dragon exhibition and learn about how the studio came to be in the Marble City!
Follow a trail of QR coded red gates at Highbank Orchards for their self-guided tour. Learn about the 5 generations of Calder-Potts who resided on the land where the tastiest apple juice in Kilkenny is now made. Your virtual guide, Rod, will take you through the orchard and will tell stories of his family and his farm. The tour is €15 with €5 redeemable at their orchard shop.
A legend in the Kilkenny drinks scene, the Smithwick’s Experience brings you through the original brewery on Parliament Street. Enjoy interactive experiences and learn about the 300 year journey of the ale. The tour is open to people of all ages with a complimentary ale or soft drink available at the end of your tour.
Food and Drink
Grab your reusable cup and pay a visit to the multi-award-winning, Arán Bistro & Bakery (pictured) to avail of their Bring Your Own Cup (BYOC) deal, which runs every Tuesday and Thursday. Simply bring your own sustainable, reusable cup, buy a pastry and get your coffee FREE!
Unwind after a crazy festive season at The Book and Coffee Shop. Find a cosy nook, order a coffee and sweet treat then sit back and dive into a different world with a large selection of quality secondhand books.
Stays
You’ll need somewhere to rest your weary head at the end of your exciting day in Kilkenny, check out some great 2-night stays offers from a range of our hotels.
Prices taken 10/12/2024 for dates from 08/01/2025 – 21/01/2025 and are subject to change.
Accommodation options listed are all subject to availability. Book directly with the accommodation providers for the best rate. Prices below refer to 2-night bed and breakfast rates for 2 people, unless otherwise stated. Please check individual property’s websites for additional accommodation packages.
The Hoban Hotel
HOBAN ESCAPE
Breakfast and 3 Course Evening Meal + Complimentary Drink
From €376 total stay
Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel (pictured)
WINTER WARMER
-Delicious breakfast each morning
-2 Course Dinner in HOBAN Bar & Brasserie including tea/coffee
From €324 total stay
Winter Wind Down – 2 Night Package
-Full Irish Breakfast on both mornings
-Four-course evening meal in Riverside Restaurant on one evening of your stay
From €260 total stay
Young at Heart package
-2 Night Stay with dinner on first evening in Tupper’s Bar
-Dinner on your second evening will be at The Grill Restaurant
-Cosy tea or coffee accompanied by a freshly baked scone from The Atrium on an afternoon of your choice.
From €490 total stay
