Things to do in Kilkenny

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Ireland featuring landscape views, a small town or village and forests
Inistioge which includes a river or creek, landscape views and a bridge
Kilkenny Castle which includes flowers, a river or creek and a small town or village
Kilkenny City Centre which includes a bridge and a river or creek
Black Abbey which includes heritage architecture

Kilkenny Attractions

There's something quite endearing about smaller cities. Whether you're heading to Kilkenny for a day or two or you're thinking of staying a little longer, you'll easily fall in love with this place. In fact, with so many fun things to do and awesome attractions to take in, you might never want to go home!

If you're ready to explore Kilkenny, sign up for a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly expert show you the most popular landmarks. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {31 fun activities in Kilkenny fun activities in Kilkenny} are also worth looking into.

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Recommended things to do in Kilkenny

Number of things to do
31
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Kilkenny: St Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower Climb: $12
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Kilkenny

Free Things to Do in Kilkenny

There's no need to endlessly reach for your wallet in Kilkenny. The following won't even cost a dollar.

Grace's Castle - If you're fascinated by times gone by, this is one stop you really shouldn't miss.

St. Lukes General Hospital - Widely renowned among local residents, this place is worth taking a look at.

Kilkenny Methodist Church - Enjoy some quiet reflection and find out a thing or two about this site's religious significance.

Things to Do in Kilkenny with Kids

You'll find plenty of fun activities to do with your kids in and around Kilkenny. Keep the crew entertained with our family friendly experiences.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Kilkenny? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle which includes flowers, a river or creek and a small town or village

Kilkenny Castle

After visiting Kilkenny Castle, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kilkenny. While you're here, you can savor the lively bars.

Kilkenny Castle
St. Canice\'s Cathedral which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

St. Canice's Cathedral

You can find out about the history of Kilkenny with a visit to St. Canice's Cathedral. While you're here, you can savor the lively bars.

St. Canice's Cathedral
Black Abbey which includes heritage architecture

Black Abbey

You can find out about the history of Kilkenny with a visit to Black Abbey. While you're here, you can savor the lively bars.

Black Abbey
St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum featuring interior views

St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum during your trip to Kilkenny. While in this walkable area, you can savor the lively bars.

St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum
Rothe House featuring outdoor eating, street scenes and a city

Rothe House

You can browse the exhibits at Rothe House, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Kilkenny. While you're here, you can savor the lively bars.

Rothe House
St. John the Evangelist Church featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

St. John the Evangelist Church

Learn about the local history of Kilkenny with a stop at St. John the Evangelist Church. While you're here, you can savor the lively bars.

St. John the Evangelist Church

The Hub

There are two distinct sides to Kilkenny that combine to make it one of the best cities to visit in the Republic of Ireland. Recently voted Top Tourism Town by Failte Ireland, the medieval capital of Ireland boasts a rich historical heritage immediately apparent in the very architecture of the Marble City, while it is also a thriving cosmopolitan centre for the arts, for music and design, and host of the popular Cat Laughs Festival every May.

The Hub

St. Lukes General Hospital

Though St. Lukes General Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Kilkenny while you are here.

St. Lukes General Hospital

Butler House

Learn about the local history of Kilkenny when you take a trip to Butler House. While in this walkable area, you can savor the lively bars.

Butler House

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Kilkenny

Kilkenny City Centre which includes a river or creek, a bridge and a small town or village

Kilkenny City Centre

5/5(135 area reviews)

Kilkenny City Centre is popular for its lively bars, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Smithwick's Brewery Tour or St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum.

Kilkenny City Centre
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Newpark

When in Newpark, you can plan a visit to Nowlan Park and The National Reptile Zoo, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Newpark
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Walkinslough

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Walkinslough and surrounding area, you can visit Butler House and St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum.

Walkinslough
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Lyrath

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lyrath and surrounding area, you can visit The Hub and The National Reptile Zoo.

Lyrath
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Smithsland

Though Smithsland might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Butler House and St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum.

Smithsland
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Talbotsinch

While Talbotsinch isn't home to many top sights, St. Canice's Cathedral and Black Abbey are some notable places to visit nearby.

Talbotsinch
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Kilkenny worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor activities and history, there are plenty of fun things to do in Kilkenny. Be sure to discover the area's blend of unmissable sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Kilkenny?
The National Reptile Zoo and Dunmore Cave are two good places to begin your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in Kilkenny while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kilkenny?
The top tourist attraction in Kilkenny is Smithwick's Brewery Tour, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Kilkenny?
Three days will give you plenty of time to check out many city highlights, like Smithwick's Brewery Tour, The National Reptile Zoo and Dunmore Cave. The average stay in Kilkenny is two days. If you have the urge to extend your vacation, Waterford isn't far away.
Is Kilkenny a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, Kilkenny is a great place to discover on foot. Wander between Smithwick's Brewery Tour and The National Reptile Zoo. Then take a stroll through Kilkenny City Centre, located 0.2 miles from downtown, and Lyrath, which is about 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Kilkenny with kids?
Planning what to do in Kilkenny with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're traveling with teenagers or little ones, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Kilkenny for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Kilkenny, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Smithwick's Brewery Tour or St. Mary's Medieval Mile Museum.
Are there free things to do in Kilkenny?
From visiting parks to strolling around exciting neighborhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Kilkenny. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. St. John the Evangelist Church is a must for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.