What to do in Kilkenny

Activities, attractions and tours

Kilkenny
Kilkenny
Kilkenny
Kilkenny
Kilkenny

Kilkenny Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Kilkenny has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Kilkenny is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Kilkenny to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Kilkenny Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Kilkenny.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Kilkenny attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Kilkenny

Tours & day trips

See all 28 activities
Full Day Tour to Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough and Kilkenny

Full Day Tour to Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough and Kilkenny

Activity duration is 9 hours and 15 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 79 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $64 per adult
Full Day Tour to Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough and KilkennyOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 9 activities
Tour of Kilkenny and The Rock of Cashel

Tour of Kilkenny and The Rock of Cashel

Activity duration is 9 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $1,930 per traveller*
Tour of Kilkenny and The Rock of CashelOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities
Kilkenny Food and Drink Tasting Adventure Tour

Kilkenny Food and Drink Tasting Adventure Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $129 per adult
Kilkenny Food and Drink Tasting Adventure TourOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 3 activities
Kilkenny: Guided City Boat Tour with Kilkenny Castle Views

Kilkenny: Guided City Boat Tour with Kilkenny Castle Views

Activity duration is 45 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 36 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $24 per adult
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Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 3 activities
Kilkenny: Guided City Boat Tour with Kilkenny Castle Views

Kilkenny: Guided City Boat Tour with Kilkenny Castle Views

Activity duration is 45 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 36 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $24 per adult
Kilkenny: Guided City Boat Tour with Kilkenny Castle ViewsOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Kilkenny

Number of things to do
36
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Kilkenny: St Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower Climb: CA $17
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Kilkenny

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle

4.5/5(35 reviews)

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
Aerial drone view on Galway city. River Corrib and rowing club. Dark dramatic sunset sky. Nobody. Popular tourist and business city with rich history.

The Hub

4/5(8 reviews)

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. Canice's Cathedral

St. Canice's Cathedral

St. Canice's Cathedral is just one of the places to see in Kilkenny, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're here, you can savor the lively bars.

St. Canice's Cathedral
Rothe House

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
Black Abbey

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. John the Evangelist Church

St. John the Evangelist Church

St. John the Evangelist Church is just one of the places to see in Kilkenny, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're here, you can savor the lively bars.

St. John the Evangelist Church
St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum

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

Butler House

4.5/5(4 reviews)

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

The National Reptile Zoo

See the exotic and native animals who call The National Reptile Zoo home during your travels in Kilkenny. While you're here, you can savor the lively bars.

The National Reptile Zoo

Explore areas of Kilkenny

Kilkenny City Centre

Kilkenny City Centre

4.5/5(35 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 Black Abbey.

Kilkenny City Centre
Castillo de Kilkenny. Ciudad de Kilkenny. Condado de Kilkenny. Sureste de Irlanda.

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
Kilkenny Castle

Talbotsinch

While Talbotsinch isn't home to many top sights, Black Abbey and Smithwick's Brewery Tour are some notable places to visit nearby.

Talbotsinch
Kilkenny Castle during the day in Ireland

Walkinslough

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Walkinslough and surrounding area, you can visit Butler House and Black Abbey.

Walkinslough
Main facade of Kilkenny Castle, a historic landmark in the town of Kilkenny, Ireland.

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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Deansground

While Deansground might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Butler House and Smithwick's Brewery Tour.

Deansground

 

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?
Kilkenny offers a unique blend of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or traditional food, there's a lot you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Kilkenny?
After you've checked off major attractions like The National Reptile Zoo and Dunmore Cave, spend the rest of your day exploring Kilkenny's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kilkenny?
Don't leave without checking out Smithwick's Brewery Tour, ranked the top tourist attraction in Kilkenny.
Is three days enough to stay in Kilkenny?
Three days in Kilkenny is more than enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many travellers stay for two days on average. Smithwick's Brewery Tour, The National Reptile Zoo and Dunmore Cave are top-rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a little longer to visit nearby hotspots like Waterford.
Is Kilkenny a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Kilkenny is a good destination to tour on foot. Enjoy wandering between Smithwick's Brewery Tour and The National Reptile Zoo. Then take a stroll through Kilkenny City Centre, located 0.32 kilometres from the centre, and Lyrath, which is roughly 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Kilkenny with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Kilkenny with kids.

What to do in Kilkenny for adults?
Smithwick's Brewery Tour and St. Mary's Medieval Mile Museum are just a couple of the things to do in Kilkenny. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Kilkenny?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Kilkenny. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. St. John the Evangelist Church is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.

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