Kilkenny Castle Tours

Things to do near Kilkenny Castle

Visiting Kilkenny Castle offers a range of enjoyable activities, including golf and archery, making it a great destination for sports enthusiasts. While exploring the castle, you can also find tennis courts nearby and immerse yourself in the charm of Kilkenny. This historic site combines leisure and culture, ensuring a memorable experience for every visitor.

Food and drinks

Experience local flavors at Smithwick's Brewery Tour, just 0.4 miles from Kilkenny Castle, where you can enjoy craft beer in a romantic setting. For a unique twist, visit St. Francis Abbey Brewery, also 0.4 miles away, offering delightful brews in an entertaining atmosphere.

Shopping

While exploring Kilkenny Castle, you'll find charming shops nearby for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out Fairgreen Shopping Centre and Carlow Farmer's Market, both 19 miles away, or visit The Piano Gallery, located 20 miles from the castle for more options.

Recreation

At Nowlan Park, immerse yourself in energetic sports activities just 0.7 miles from Kilkenny Castle. Enjoy a round of golf at the scenic Kilkenny Golf Club, located 0.5 miles away, or relax at The Watershed, a wellness-focused recreation center 2 miles from the castle.

Adventure

Explore the Blackstairs Eco Trails, an 18-mile hiking trail from Kilkenny Castle, where you can immerse yourself in breathtaking outdoor scenery and experience the thrill of adventure. Enjoy the natural beauty and invigorating atmosphere as you trek through this stunning landscape.

Nightlife

Start your night at The Hub, a cozy drinking pub just 2 miles from Kilkenny Castle for a romantic vibe. For family fun, check out Laser Combat Kilkenny, an arcade adventure zone only 1 mile away. Finally, enjoy a show at The George Bernard Shaw Theatre, located 19 miles from the castle.

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.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	40.3°F (4.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	41.2°F (5.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	42.6°F (5.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
April	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
May	51.1°F (10.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	56.5°F (13.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	59.0°F (15.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
September	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
October	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	44.4°F (6.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kilkenny Castle

To save money on your trip to Kilkenny Castle, consider visiting during the off-peak season from November to January when hotel prices are lower. Look for last-minute deals on Expedia and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Nearby free attractions like the Herb Gardens at Kilgraney House can enhance your experience without the cost. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find the best deals and join their One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash rewards on future bookings. For budget-friendly transportation, check local public transport options or explore the area on foot.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Kilkenny Castle is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Kilkenny Castle are November to January, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June and August to September, where prices are moderately higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Kilkenny Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange 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 through 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.