Nowadays, more and more visitors are flying solo and Kilkenny is the ideal location for those looking to explore the world of solo travel and experienced independent adventurers alike!
Kilkenny city is very walkable making it easy to see plenty during your visit, while the towns are well-connected by public transport to allow you to see even more of the county. The Cats (a common nickname for those from Kilkenny) are known for being a welcoming bunch so although you are travelling alone, you will not feel lonely in Kilkenny.
Considering exploring County Kilkenny at your own speed? We have put together a useful guide packed with local knowledge to help you to plan a memorable trip for one!
WHERE TO STAY
If you are planning to stay in a hotel, the 4-star Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel in the city centre and boutique Avalon House Hotel in Castlecomer offer single occupancy double rooms for solo travellers. You can stretch out in a comfortable hotel bed and enjoy all of the hotel amenities such as bed and breakfast rates, and on-site restaurants and bars.
Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel single occupancy double room
Those who prefer a more homely feel to their stays have a wealth of options to choose from in Kilkenny. The 1 bedroom self-catering cottage at Killure Lodge provides a tranquil countryside retreat, Fanad House guesthouse is a cosy spot not far from the bustling city centre and Celtic House B&B is centrally located so that you can grab a freshly cooked breakfast before heading out the door to explore.
Fanad House double room
Click the links below for in-depth accommodation guides:
WHERE TO DINE
Delight your taste buds at Kilkenny’s incredible array of eateries during your solo trip. Kilkenny is a treasure trove of cosy cafés and restaurants serving up mouth-watering food. Expect warm, attentive service that will make you want to return and try everything on the menu!
You are on your own time, so take advantage of it and enjoy a relaxed brunch. Treat yourself to freshly brewed coffee and homemade cake at Café la Coco, kick back in a cosy nook with a book and brew at The Book & Coffee Shop or enjoy relaxed dining with exceptional lunch dishes at charming Nóinín. Just grabbing lunch on the go? Not only do Cakeface Patisserie whip up amazing desserts, swing by for a tasty takeaway sandwich – and a cake for later, of course!
The Book & Coffee Shop
Just because you are travelling alone doesn’t mean that you can’t indulge in the gastronomic delights in Kilkenny’s restaurants. Grab a table for one and prepare for an incredible meal that will have you recommending your favourite spot to everyone after your trip.
Aroi Asian Fusion’s communal seating layout means that you can easily pull up a stool as a solo diner to sample the flavours of their Asian dishes. Petronella boasts an array of Modern European dishes in an intimate space along Butterslip Lane. Fancy a tipple or two? Pop into Zuni’s where you’ll find a trendy restaurant and The Box Office – a stylish cocktail bar where drinks are whipped up by their expert mixologists.
Aroi Asian Fusion
THINGS TO DO
Not all solo travellers want to be on their lonesome for the whole trip, so tours are a great way to see and do things as part of a group. Kilkenny is chock-full of a variety of tours where something is sure to pique your interest. From ghost tours and food tours to road trains and cycling, you will find it all here. Click here to read all about Kilkenny’s tours.
Malzard’s Hurling Tours
If galleries and museums are more your speed, take a guided tour (self-guided, guided and audio options available) of Kilkenny’s landmarks. No trip to Kilkenny would be complete without paying a visit to Kilkenny Castle, hear sombre stories of the city’s past with the audio visual tour at the Kilkenny Famine Experience and learn all about the medieval city at the Medieval Mile Museum. Art lovers will be in their element at Butler Gallery which often hosts events and classes, while foodies will undoubtedly enjoy a tour at Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny to find out more about the brewing process of Kilkenny’s iconic red ale.
Kilkenny Famine Experience
Gig-goers are sure to find a show at The Watergate Theatre or The Set Theatre which always have a jam-packed programme of events including musicians, comedy, drama and musicals while Ballykeefe Amphitheatre is home to fantastic open-air concerts during the summer. Opting for a more relaxing solo getaway? A spa day is always a welcome break and the perfect activity to do alone to allow you to fully disconnect. Kilkenny is home to a number of amazing spas to help you to unwind and detox with a rejuvenating treatment. Click here for a list of Kilkenny’s spas.
And, of course, Kilkenny is known for our warm welcome and friendly faces so drop into any of our lively pubs or bars for a pint and a chat with the locals. It is a great way to get local recommendations on what to see or do from the people who live it every day. You will also find live music in many pubs throughout the week, so dance like nobody’s watching and celebrate an incredible experience in Kilkenny!
Kyteler’s Inn
