Only In Kilkenny For The Weekend? Follow Our 48 Hour Itinerary…

Kilkenny is so compact, it is one of the easiest cities to navigate on foot in Ireland. For a walk with a difference, Shenanigans Walks (pictured) will take you on a jolly jaunt tracing Kilkenny City’s fascinating Medieval Mile, regaling you with unique anecdotes, fun facts and a good dollop of irreverent humour, craic and mischief.

Stop by Cakeface Patisserie for a quirky range of artisan breads, gourmet sandwiches, sweet treats and desserts to keep you going until lunch. The brainchild of pastry chef duo Laura & Rory Gannon, their creations specialise in the unexpected, and are sure to impress the foodie in you. 

You can’t come to Kilkenny without visiting the iconic landmark that is, Kilkenny Castle. Dating back to the Norman period, the Castle’s interior is preserved in Victorian style. Explore the tales of all the inhabitants of the castle from the Butlers to the Ormondes, it was a very busy place! Wander through the 50-acres of rolling parklands and be greeted by the charming wildlife that call the park ‘home’.

Just a stone’s throw away from the Castle is the Kilkenny Design Centre, filled with beautiful handmade Kilkenny crafts, the finest Irish handcrafted jewellery, knitwear, Celtic gifts, china and crystal, pottery and glass and stunning one off contemporary design pieces. It is the perfect place to grab some souvenirs to remind you of your fabulous trip to Kilkenny. While you’re there, venture upstairs to the Kilkenny Café and pick up some snacks for a lovely picnic in the Castle Parklands- weather permitting! 

After all that walking why not take a guided boat tour of Kilkenny in a traditional Irish open boat on the historic River Nore with BoatTrips.ie. Learn of the often unspoken and local history that the river holds. Witness the wildlife that have shared the waterways with man for thousands of years. Or perhaps you want to see the city from a new angle and hop in a kayak for a guided tour with Riverbend Adventures.

Explore the Medieval Mile Museum, formerly the 13th century St Mary’s Church. This is the starting point of the ‘Medieval Mile’ trail and it brings to life Kilkenny’s history as Ireland’s premier medieval city. Take a tour of the on-site graveyard and learn about burial traditions in the past. Meander through the cobbled Medieval streets until you see the round tower belonging to St. Canice’s Cathedral. The Round Tower in Kilkenny (pictured) is one of the only two round towers in the country that people can climb. Standing at 30m tall with 121 steps to the top, the tower gives stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Dining Delights
A new addition to the Kilkenny restaurant scene, Ember at the Hibernian Hotel (pictured), treats you to a display of new flavours. Taking inspiration from South African cuisine, the chefs transform quality fresh Irish seafood and meat to char-kissed delights.  

Cocktails anyone?
Wander through the Medieval streets to find Statham’s at the Pembroke Kilkenny, who are well-known for showcasing the best of Irish and Kilkenny food producers. Browse their extensive cocktail menu, try locally-produced whiskey from Ballykeefe Distillery or grab a pint of the famous Smithwick’s red ale.

Kick back and relax after an exciting day of exploring the city in cosy, vibrant rooms at Billy Byrnes’. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, above the live music and fun taking place in the bar. Discover 6 quiet and comfortable, newly refurbished rooms, all en-suite with tea and coffee-making facilities. Find a secret staircase to access all the fun in the pub downstairs! 

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Before leaving the city, collect a picnic from Café La Coco and head out on a drive to Graiguenamagh.

Start the day the Finnish way with a sauna and refreshing dip in the river with the Hot Box Sauna. Pick up bikes from Waterside Guest House Bike Hire and cycle along the spectacular river Barrow towpath on a quality mountain bike, traffic free and relaxed in a beautiful landscape. 

Drive on to the picturesque village of Inistioge on the River Nore where the famous movies ‘Circle of Friends,’ ‘Widow’s Peak’ and ‘The Secret Scripture’ were filmed. Visit Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum where you can enjoy your picnic surrounded by the wonders of natural beauty. 

Venture up the mountains for a white-knuckled drive in a go-kart at Kiltorcan Raceway. Unleash your inner Formula1 driver and go for the gold in their Grand Prix. Driving not your thing? They also have an indoor virtual golf simulator to keep you entertained while others battle it out on the track. 

After a busy morning, find peace in the little things and explore Jerpoint Abbey, a 12th century Cistercian abbey. Learn more about the monks who once inhabited the impressive building and gaze in wonder at one of the most intact structures of its time. It is an exemplary experience of Ireland’s Ancient East. 

Before heading back to the city for dinner, stop off at Jerpoint Glass, a family-run glassblowing studio. Watch as the master craftspeople create beautiful creations in front of your very eyes. Visit their on-site shop and purchase some one-of-a-kind mementos of your trip to Kilkenny.

Have some well-deserved R&R after a long day of exploring. The multi-award winning Ristorante Rinuccini (pictured) serves some of the finest Italian dishes in Kilkenny. Each dish is expertly paired with rich wines by their in-house sommeliers. A truly enriching experience is always to be had at Ristorante Rinuccini! As said by the famous Irish food bloggers, John and Sally McKenna, “Rinuccini is an intoxicating delight.” So don’t miss out!

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Wander through the Medieval streets and find yourself at the door of the most famous woman in Medieval Kilkenny. Kyteler’s Inn dates back to the 1300’s and its most famous tenant, Alice Kyteler, still has her name brandished on the door. Kyteler was the first person to be accused of witchcraft in Europe. Inside, find an electric atmosphere of authentic live music and the famous Kilkenny craic. Enjoy a pint of the exclusive Witches Brew and learn more about the spooky past associated with the Kilkenny witch.

Based in the heart of the city, Langton’s Hotel has a unique charm and is the perfect haven for a relaxing nights sleep after a busy 48hrs in Kilkenny. There are 34 bedrooms that are all are equipped with luxuriously comfortable beds. On-site you will find The Bar, Restaurant and Tearoom offer dining throughout the day serving Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Early Bird and Dinner. 

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