10 Things To Do in Kilkenny This Autumn

Nothing says ‘autumn’ quite like a ramble through an orchard full of trees laden with juicy apples ready for picking. Highbank Orchards is just outside of Kilkenny city and has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. The organic orchard is now known for its award-winning food and drink products which were made using the apples grown on site. Take a tractor tour through the orchards, hear the fascinating stories and maybe even sample some of their wonderful products from treacle and apple cider vinegar to brandy and gin.

An annual event on every foodie’s calendar, Savour Kilkenny is one of the top food festivals in Ireland. The city bursts with flavour during the October bank holiday weekend when the festival takes place, featuring top Irish chefs and food experts. With a market of over 100 Irish vendors, free cooking demos and talks, street entertainment and exclusive dining events, sample the very best food and drink on offer across the weekend. Our stomachs are rumbling just thinking about it!

Autumn is a time for relaxed getaways at a slower pace, so why not consider Kilkenny’s wide range of alternative accommodation options? B&Bs, guesthouses and self-catering accommodations all offer that ‘home away from home’ feel for a cosy escape. Enjoy home comforts like curling up in front of the fire with a hot cuppa at the end of a long day exploring Kilkenny. Hosts are also happy to give their guests recommendations on things to see and do in the area, so be sure to ask for their local knowledge.

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*Note: Some properties may close during off-season, so please be sure to check that they are still accepting guests when you plan to visit before making a booking.

With the kids back in school, a little bit of retail therapy may be on the cards. Kilkenny boasts over 500 shops from independently-owned boutiques to your favourite high street brands, making it the ideal destination for a shopping trip. It is a great way to spend a rainy autumn day – browsing the wide range of products while sipping on a seasonal hot drink from a local café. Click here to learn more about shopping in Kilkenny.

Kilkenny is one of the cultural capitals of Ireland and that doesn’t stop during autumn. Culture Night takes place on the penultimate Friday in September with a variety of attractions and events open to the public for free. Butler Gallery has introduced late opening hours on certain dates to allow visitors to explore their exhibitions later in the evenings, while Music In Kilkenny has announced a busy programme of gigs in venues across Kilkenny this autumn.

Autumn is the perfect time to try your hand at a new skill or hobby. What better place to learn more about art than Kilkenny? We are known worldwide for our exceptional standard of artists and craftspeople. Pick up a paintbrush or get the clay wheel turning to see what you enjoy.

Kids will love arts and crafts workshops at Art It, while local craft workshops such as Cushendale Woollen Mills, Jerpoint Glass, Duiske Glass, the National Craft & Design Gallery and even jewellers open their doors to visitors to see the master crafters in action creating beautiful pieces. Visitors young and old will find something that piques their interest at Kilkenny Animated – a unique festival celebrating animation by Kilkenny’s Oscar-nominated animation studios Cartoon Saloon and Lighthouse Studios. Industry experts from all over the world descend on Kilkenny to lead sketching tours, sound workshops, talks and screenings at the end of September.

Click here to view our event guide for festivals and events across the county.

The theatre scene in Kilkenny is thriving and there are plenty of dramas, musicals, comedy and more to experience this autumn. The Set Theatre and The Watergate Theatre have heaving programmes of events for the second half of the year with something exciting to attend each week. Make the most of your evening with dinner and a show as many restaurants in Kilkenny offer early bird menus – perfect for a pre-show meal. View our event guide or visit The Set Theatre and The Watergate Theatre’s websites for full theatre programmes.

There may be a chill in the air, but the season calls for exploring the outdoors with the trees turning a fiery shade and the crunch of leaves underfoot. Discover flora and fauna at gardens and animal sanctuaries across Kilkenny. Walk among towering trees and walled gardens at Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum in Inistioge, or escape to a garden oasis in the city centre at Rothe House & Garden. Get up close and personal to magnificent birds of prey at Hawkeye School of Falconry on the grounds of Lyrath Estate and learn about reptiles big and small and everything in between at theNational Reptile Zoo. Taking visits by appointment, Zwartbles Ireland is home to a flock of interesting Zwartbles sheep where you’ll find stunning products created from their chocolate brown wool. You may even meet Inca – the world’s smallest sheepdog!

Stay active this autumn by adventuring along Kilkenny’s walking and cycling trails. Bring your hiking boots, pack your helmet and don’t forget to bring your rain gear so that a little bit of seasonal rain won’t stop the fun! From looped walks through picturesque towns to more challenging routes up the hillside, there is something to suit all abilities. Venture a little bit further on two wheels and pedal along cycle routes linking historic villages and plenty of points of interest along the way.

Click here to learn more about Kilkenny’s walking and cycling trails.

And, of course, the main event in autumn – Halloween! In a county famed for its tales of witches and cats, it is no surprise that there is always plenty to do in Kilkenny in the lead up to Halloween. Hear ghoulish and gory stories of Kilkenny’s past as you wander through the medieval cobbled streets with Kilkenny Ghost Tours and stop by Kyteler’s Inn for a pint of Witches’ Brew while you hear all about the witchy former inn owner – Alice Kyteler. Spooky movies are the best way to get into the spirit of the season, so pop into Watergate Theatre on their Halloween movie screening evenings.

For more family-friendly fun, pick your own pumpkin at Nore Valley Park’s pumpkin patch and stick around for their Halloween Event complete with a scare maze, scavenger hunt and more spooky activities! Jurassic Newpark becomes home to the Wicked Walk – a spooky trail through the prehistoric playground of their famous dinosaurs with ghoulish surprises along the way. Keep an eye on our event guide for spooktacular Halloween events across the county! Do you dare take on the Skywalk after hours? Castlecomer Discovery Park are hosting a number of Halloween events for all ages including a Halloween camp over the midterm break.

Keep an eye on our event guide for spooktacular Halloween events across the county!