Day 1 - Morning
Walk the Walk:
Did you know Kilkenny is so compact, it is one of the easiest cities to navigate on foot in Ireland. For a walk with a difference, Shenanigans tour guides 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, craíc and mischief. www.shenaniganswalks.com
Fuel Up:
Kilkenny’s Cake Face patisserie offers a unique and quirky range of artisan breads, gourmet sambos, sweet treats and desserts. The brainchild of pastry chef duo Laura & Rory Gannon, their creations specialise in the unexpected, and are sure to delight and impress the foodie in you. Cake Face has just opened a new outdoor eating area also! www.cakeface.ie
Castle Grandeur:
Kilkenny Castle is one of Ireland’s most iconic and historic sites, year-round tours are available, and the parkland of the castle has 50 acres of woodlands and gardens to explore. www.kilkennycastle.ie
Crafty Gifts:
Just a stone’s throw away from the Castle is the Kilkenny Design Centre, filled with beautiful Kilkenny crafts, the finest Irish handcrafted jewellery, knitwear, Celtic gifts, china and crystal, pottery and glass and stunning one off contemporary design pieces. www.kilkennydesign.com
While you are there…pick up a Picnic to take away from the Food Hall Café at Kilkenny Design Centre and enjoy in the stunning Kilkenny Castle Parklands.
Day 1 - Afternoon
Row, Row, Row your boat:
After all that walking why not take a guided boat tour of Kilkenny in a traditional Irish Open-Boat on the historic river Nore. 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. Visit: www.boattrips.ie
Tudor Townhouse
Rothe House is a unique Tudor merchant’s townhouse, built between 1594 and 1610. The property is comprised of three houses, three enclosed courtyards and a large garden. www.rothehouse.com
Medieval Meanders:
Explore the Medieval Mile Museum which was 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. Displays of Kilkenny’s civic treasures and replicas of some of the High Crosses of Ossory illustrate the local Gaelic monastic heritage and the ancient city’s historic role in Ireland.
Visit: www.medievalmilemuseum.ie
Day 1 - Evening
Award winning cuisine:
Regarded as one of Kilkenny’s top restaurants, Zuni is an award-winning restaurant offering eat in or take aways. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, an a la carte evening meal and make sure to arrive early and check out their chic cocktail bar. www.Zuni.ie
Cocktails and drinks anyone?
Enjoy a drink in Paris Texas – Winner of the ‘Pub of the Year’ in the Irish Pub Awards 2019, it is a great spot to visit with family or friends. Visit: www.paristexas.ie
Overnight in the Kilkenny River Court Hotel
The Kilkenny River Court Hotel is a stylish 4 star Kilkenny hotel located right in the heart of this beautiful medieval city. Each of the 102 guest rooms are stylishly decorated with splendid fine furnishings, crisp white linens and soft neutral tones, ensuring a restful night’s sleep every night. Most guest rooms overlook the River Nore with sensational views of Kilkenny Castle. Free Wi-Fi and complimentary car parking is available. Guests can dine at the award winning Riverside Restaurant or Terrace both offering stunning views of Kilkenny Castle, exceptional service and delicious food. The Riverview Bar is comfortable and friendly with an extensive food menu that is served all day, every day! Guests also have the option of dining outdoors in the summer.
Offer: 1 Night in with Full Irish Breakfast and Dinner from €169 per room (total stay). Book Now
- Call: 056 7723388
- Visit: rivercourthotel.com
Day 2 - Morning
A countryside brunch & cycle:
Collect a picnic from Arán Bakery & Bistro and head out on a drive to Graiguenamagh. Arán serves delicious brunches made with local produce and stone baked breads with natural Irish ingredients such as flour from the local Little Mill Company on the River Nore. They are big believers and advocates of seasonality and local produce so their menus are like the weather – they can change from day-to-day. arankilkenny.ie
Pick up bikes from Graiguenamagh Bike Hire and cycle along the spectacular river Barrow towpath on a quality mountain bike, traffic free and relaxed in a beautiful landscape. www.watersideguesthouse.com
Drive on to the picturesque village of Inistioge on the river Nore where the famous movie Circle of Friends was filmed and visit Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum where you can enjoy your picnic surrounded by beauty. www.woodstock.ie
Day 2 - Afternoon
An Abbey visit & glass blowing:
Visit Jerpoint Abbey the outstanding Cistercian abbey founded in the second half of the 12th century and the lost town of Jerpoint Park. www.jerpointpark.com
Take a tour of Jerpoint Glass – Learn the art of glassblowing at Jerpoint Glass, an Irish handmade glass company and a true family business. www.jerpointglass.com
Day 2 - Evening
Italian fine dining and 14th century bars:
Enjoy dinner in Ristorante Rinuccini a multi award winning restaurant famous for its classic Italian cuisine. www.rinuccini.com
Complete your evening and your 48 hour stay in Kyteler’s Inn, a truly historic Kilkenny bar and venue dating back to 1324. www.kytelersinn.com
Overnight in the Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny
With spacious rooms and a peaceful charm, this 4 star boutique Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny is a welcoming place that excels at stylish comfort. It is surrounded by Kilkenny’s most famous landmarks, fashionable and funky boutiques are nearby and the hotel is just a walking distance to the city’s pubs and clubs. Consequently it is the ideal location for your getaway. This Kilkenny Hotel offers 74 quiet, spacious and air conditioned rooms to choose from allowing for a great night’s sleep in Kilkenny city centre. The hotel also has free private parking for all guests and free WiFi throughout. Enjoy a laid back style and hospitality, great selection of wines and cocktails in Statham’s Bar and Restaurant.
Offer –
- Explore Kilkenny’s Medieval attractions from the perfectly located base at Pembroke Kilkenny. This package includes a tour of Kilkenny Castle, full Irish breakfast the next morning plus complimentary wi-fi, complimentary car parking and free 24-hour cancellation
- From €155 per room
- Book Now
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Call: 056 7783500
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Visit: pembrokekilkenny.com
Top Tip
Book your breakfast and swim/leisure activity times in advance (if your hotel has a pool or leisure centre). Some cafes like Cake Face have spacious outdoor seating areas but cafés that are smaller in size offer great take out lunches and picnics that can be enjoyed in the many picnic areas and parks throughout the city and county. For evening dining it’s important to book your restaurant times in advance so you are not disappointed if places are at capacity.
