The best way to fully uncover a destination is through immersive tours with knowledgeable guides and Kilkenny certainly has no shortage of excellent tour options. As well as taking a tour of some of Ireland’s top attractions, Kilkenny is also home to a number of independent tours that allow you to discover the Marble County on foot, bike or even by boat!
From history and sports to food and witchcraft, you will find a tour in Kilkenny that will paint a picture of this vibrant destination, its extensive history and the true character of the county.
Please note: Some tours may run on specific days of the week or operate on a seasonal basis, so check with each individual tour provider for their operational dates.
BoatTrips.ie
Embark on an informative tour along the River Nore with BoatTrips.ie. View the city from a unique perspective as your knowledgeable tour guide Cliff gives you facts about the sights that you encounter along your journey. The tour lasts approximately 40 minutes during which you sail along the river hearing the history of the buildings you pass by and perhaps even spotting some river wildlife.
Hurling Tours Ireland
Hurling is one of Ireland’s national sports, so why not give it a go? It is one of the fastest field sports in the world and Kilkenny is known nationally as the home of hurling. Tour leader James will introduce you to the hurley and the sliotar before teaching you the basics of the fascinating ancient sport. We can guarantee that attending a hurling match will make it onto your bucket list after getting a flavour for the sport!
Kilkenny Cycling Tours
Explore Kilkenny on two wheels with Jason from Kilkenny Cycling Tours. With a variety of tours giving you the opportunity to discover lush countryside or cycle through the city at sunset, it is a brilliant way to see a lot in just 2 hours. Have longer to spend exploring Kilkenny? They also offer a bike rental service for up to 8 hours, so you can discover the county at your own pace.
Kilkenny Foodie Tours
All that exploring by bike can work up an appetite, so stick with Jason who also leads Kilkenny Foodie Tours. Sample local food and drink while you uncover the stories behind Kilkenny’s vibrant food scene. With culinary delights at every stop of the way, you’ll quickly see why Kilkenny was previously named Ireland’s Foodie Destination and you will be eager to make a dinner reservation for even more glorious food!
Kilkenny Foodie Tours at Ballykeefe Distillery
Kilkenny Ghost Tours
Who says ghost stories are just for Halloween? Starting at Lanigans Bar, Kilkenny Ghost Tours are guided by one of their ghastly characters: The Witch, Dr Death, Highwayman, Priest Hunter, the Monk or the Banshee. Pop on your witch hat and cape before following your guide into the night and brace yourself for the terrifying tales that follow. If you’re brave enough, join the graveside tour that takes visitors through St. Mary’s graveyard on the site of the Medieval Mile Museum.
Kilkenny Hydrobikes
Have you cycled on water? Drop by the picturesque village of Graiguenamanagh and you will be able to back up this mad claim with proof! Kilkenny Hydrobikes are a mix between a kayak and a bike that you pedal to propel yourself along the water. Just pop on a lifejacket and follow your guide along the river on a tranquil and unique tour that you won’t forget.
Malzards Hurling Experience
Not only is Malzards an award-winning pub, but you can also learn a thing or two about hurling while you’re there. Fred will start by telling you about the pub – which has been run by his family for over 200 years – before you head onto the field for a puck about. It is an intense sport which will no doubt work up a thirst, so quench it with a pint of local beer or a locally distilled spirit in the pub afterwards!
Ormonde Language Tours
Nothing beats learning about the places you visit from the people that live there. Ormonde Language Tours are led by John who is a local and he offers informative walking tours in English, French and German. Tours last 2 hours and will take you past a dozen points of interest across the city. So whether you prefer a tour in English, en français or auf Deutsch, John will be able to communicate the stories of Kilkenny through all of these languages to really bring it to life.
Pat Tynan Kilkenny Walking Tours
Kilkenny Walking Tours delves into the medieval stories of Kilkenny city. Follow Pat through the cobbled streets and ancient alleyways which are bursting with stories of days gone by. Find out how Butterslip Lane got its name, hear about the Tholsel’s importance in the city and learn about the ecclesiastical sites across the city. So, grab your walking shoes and start discovering!
Riverbend Adventures
Learn historical facts and spot native wildlife from a new viewpoint: the water! Riverbend Adventures run a variety of water-based tours along the rivers in Kilkenny so you can explore the city and the countryside from a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Take to the water with Roger on the River Nore in the city or paddle through the countryside along the River Barrow. It is a relaxing experience – as long as you can keep your balance!
Shenanigans Walks
Shenanigans Walks walking tours are a unique blend of history and humour, ensuring an entertaining exploration of Kilkenny’s streets. Tour guide Nevin will tell you all about the fascinating history of the city while making sure that you’re paying attention with jokes and even magic tricks sprinkled in throughout. They also offer a mobile puzzle tour where you have to solve riddles at different points of interest.
Kilkenny City Tours
All aboard! It’s hard to miss the Kilkenny City Tours black and amber train roving through the streets. Hop on and tour guide Paul will take you past all of the city’s key sights. Tours are offered in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish and are weather-proof with the covered caboose – perfect for the unpredictable Irish weather!
Kilkenny Road Train Tours
A tour with Kilkenny Road Train Tours is one of the most comfortable and efficient ways to see the city. Lasting 30 minutes, sit back as the train takes you through Kilkenny and join the inevitable singalongs on the journey with Jimmy! With a variety of languages and a panoramic, you won’t miss a single detail.
The Kilkenny Way Hurling Experience
The Kilkenny Way run daily midweek hurling tours during the summer months, so make the most of the sunny south east by giving hurling a go. You will also get the unique opportunity to visit Nowlan Park for a tour of the home grounds of Kilkenny GAA before taking to the pitch with Andrew and Peter to practise your newfound skills. Who knows, you may even be a future hurling star!
