Kilkenny Castle Tours

Kilkenny Castle which includes flowers, a river or creek and a small town or village
Kilkenny Castle showing a castle, a bridge and heritage architecture
Kilkenny Castle showing art, heritage elements and interior views
Kilkenny Castle which includes heritage architecture and chateau or palace
Kilkenny Castle showing interior views, chateau or palace and heritage elements


You'll have sightseeing choices galore when in Kilkenny City Centre. Kilkenny Castle is a great place to begin here, but there are many other worthy attractions to discover. The Hub, Smithwick's Brewery Tour, and Nowlan Park are not far from the fortified complex and will top off your day nicely.

Plan a trip to see Kilkenny Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Kate's Rest
Curragh Lodge
Thistledown Lodge

Reviews of Kilkenny Castle

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
82
5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
30
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

KarenA

Wonderful! Worth the entrance fee. The grounds are beautiful too.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This castle is amazing. Beautiful grounds. Plan to spend a few Euro to tour the inside of the castle - totally worth the money.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Beautiful, but very short tour that did not require a full night's stay close by unless you plan to do other things in town. Loved the bar at The Hibernian Hotel!

3/5 - Okay

Beth

Too refined - looks more like an office building.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel

Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel

4 out of 5
Ormonde Street, Kilkenny, Kilkenny
Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel
Kilford Arms Hotel

Kilford Arms Hotel

3 out of 5
John Street, Kilkenny, Kilkenny
Kilford Arms Hotel
The Club House Hotel

The Club House Hotel

2 out of 5
Patrick Street, Kilkenny, Kilkenny
The Club House Hotel
Hotel Kilkenny

Hotel Kilkenny

4 out of 5
College Road, Kilkenny, Kilkenny
Hotel Kilkenny
Pembroke Hotel

Pembroke Hotel

4 out of 5
11 Patrick Street, Kilkenny
Pembroke Hotel
Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel

Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel

4 out of 5
1 Ormonde Street, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel
The Hoban Hotel Killkenny

The Hoban Hotel Killkenny

4 out of 5
Ring Road, Springhill, Kilkenny, Kilkenny
The Hoban Hotel Killkenny
Newpark Hotel

Newpark Hotel

4 out of 5
Castlecomer Road, Kilkenny, Kilkenny
Newpark Hotel
Langtons Hotel Kilkenny

Langtons Hotel Kilkenny

4 out of 5
John Street, 69, Kilkenny, Kilkenny
Langtons Hotel Kilkenny
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Kilkenny Castle

While visiting Kilkenny Castle, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as exploring the historic castle itself through guided tours. Nearby, indulge in a brewery tour to sample local brews or plan a romantic getaway in the charming surroundings. Additionally, golf enthusiasts can take advantage of the scenic golf courses in the area, making Kilkenny a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

While visiting Kilkenny Castle, enjoy local shopping in the area. If you're up for a drive, check out Carlow Farmer's Market and Fairgreen Shopping Centre, both 19 miles away, offering a variety of shops and entertainment. The Piano Gallery is also worth a visit, located 20 miles away.

Recreation

Nowlan Park, located 0.7 miles from Kilkenny Castle, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere perfect for outdoor activities. The Watershed, 2 miles away, provides a tranquil space for relaxation and wellness. For golf enthusiasts, Kilkenny Golf Club is just 0.5 miles away, featuring beautiful outdoor scenery.

Adventure

Explore Freedom Surf School & Adventure, located 27 miles from Kilkenny Castle, where you can enjoy thrilling water sports in a vibrant outdoor setting. Additionally, embark on a scenic hike at Blackstairs Eco Trails, located 18 miles away, and immerse yourself in the beautiful landscapes and adventurous vibes.

Nightlife

In Kilkenny, The Hub is perfect for a laid-back night out with its charming pub atmosphere just 2 miles from the castle. For a cultural experience, the Visual Centre for Contemporary Art and The George Bernard Shaw Theatre, 19 miles away, offers captivating performances and romantic vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Kilkenny Castle

When visiting Kilkenny Castle, don't miss the chance to explore its impressive collection and iconic architecture. The surrounding area offers historic churches and cathedrals, perfect for culture enthusiasts. For outdoor fun, consider local sports activities. Additionally, there are several hotels nearby for a comfortable stay while enjoying Kilkenny Castle today and its rich history.

  • Butler House: Located a short walk from Kilkenny Castle, Butler House is a stunning historic residence that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the area. The beautifully maintained gardens and elegant interiors provide a serene atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a leisurely afternoon tea.
  • St. Canice's Cathedral: This magnificent cathedral, situated half a mile from Kilkenny Castle, is renowned for its impressive medieval architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. Visitors can climb the round tower for breathtaking views of the city and immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance of this historical landmark.
  • Black Abbey: Just over a quarter mile from Kilkenny Castle, Black Abbey is a stunning 12th-century church known for its intricate architecture and peaceful setting. The beautiful stained glass and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect spot for reflection and appreciation of Kilkenny's ecclesiastical history.

Best time to go to Kilkenny Castle

The best time to visit Kilkenny Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Kilkenny Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Kilkenny Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October50.5°F (10.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kilkenny Castle

To save money on your trip to Kilkenny Castle, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February or November. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best deals, especially on Tuesdays, which are the least expensive days. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations and consider their package deals for flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide you with exclusive discounts and the opportunity to earn cashback for future bookings. Look for last-minute deals for additional savings on your stay near the castle.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kilkenny Castle are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Kilkenny Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kilkenny Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Kilkenny Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Kilkenny Castle with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.