'''Kilkenny''' [http://www.kilkennytourism.ie] is a city of about 26,000 in the 'Sunny South East' of Ireland. As Ireland's Mediaevel Capital, it offers the traveller a mixture of an exciting vibrant night-life, beautiful street-scapes, great shopping opportunities & a rich cultural heritage.

Understand

Kilkenny (Irish: ''Cill Chainnigh'') is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland as well a weekend getaway for many Irish citizens. Well regarded for its vibrant nightlife it has become increasingly popular in recent years. The city is also famous for its many mediaval buildings and is referred to as the "Marble City." Despite its small population, it holds ancient city status due to having a cathedral and an old royal charter. The locals do not take kindly to the city being referred to as a "town". Sightseeing, partying or a spot of shopping in Kilkenny's array of excellent shops, this city is certain to have it all for everyone.

  • Kilkenny's Royal Charter is this year celebrating its 400th birthday. For information on the upcoming celebrations regarding this, visit [http://www.kilkenny400.ie Kilkenny 400]
  • History

    Kilkenny has a long and interesting history. The city's origins predate the medieval landmarks existing today. Saint Canice founded a monastic settlement in Kilkenny in the sixth century, unfortunately the sole remaining landmark from this settlement is the round tower positioned alongside the cathedral. Strongbo, the famous Norman Conqueror, then built a fortress in the City, Kilkenny Castle, and soon the construction of the walled city began. However, it wasn't until the seventeenth century that Kilkenny really entered its golden age. The parliament known as the Confederation of Kilkenny was founded in 1641. One of the parliament's main objectives was to unite resistance against English persecution of Irish Catholics. With the emergence of this parliament, Kilkenny entered a period of unparalleled success. Over time, however, the influence of the Confederation of Kilkenny diminished. Oliver Cromwell's arrival in Kilkenny heralded the dissolution of the parliament, and the city never quite regained the prosperity it had previously been celebrated for.

    Get in

    Plane

    The only way to fly to Kilkenny is if you fly yourself and to land on Kilkenny airfield[http://www.kilkennyflying-glidingclub.com]. For everyone else, the international airports near Kilkenny are:

  • '''Dublin Airport'''[http://www.dublinairport.com] - Ireland's biggest and busiest airport is a mere 117km from Kilkenny. JJ Kavanagh's[http://www.jjkavanagh.ie/] run a direct bus to Kilkeny city, or else catch a bus into Dublin city centre, then catch a bus or train from there.
  • '''Waterford Airport'''[http://www.waterfordairport.ie] - This is the nearest international airport to Kilkenny, from where Aer Arann[http://www.aerarann.com] flies to the UK and Spain. There is presently no public transport from the airport. It's a 15/20min taxi ride to Waterford city bus/train station, and from there about 40mins to Kilkenny. Or if you rent a car, it's a 45 minute drive to Kilkenny.
  • Other airports within a few hours of Kilkenny include: '''Cork International Airport'''[http://www.corkairport.com/], and '''Shannon International Airport'''[http://www.shannonairport.com]. These are both served by public bus.

    Train

    Kilkenny Railway Station (MacDonagh Station, phone 056-7722024) is located on the top of St. John's Street, within easy walking distance of anywhere in the city centre. It was named MacDonagh Station after Thomas MacDonagh, one of the executed leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising.

    The station is on the Dublin - Waterford line, which also serves Athy, Carlow, Bagenalstown and Thomastown. There are 6 trains a day in each direction.

    It is wheelchair friendly and has a left luggage facility. There is a taxi rank at the station and free taxis always appear when a train pulls in. Tickets and timetable information can be got at the station, online[http://www.irishrail.ie] or by phone (01 7034070 between 09.00-17.00 Monday-Friday).

    Bus

    Kilkenny Bus Station is located by the train station.

    Both '''Bus Eireann'''[http://www.buseireann.ie/], the national bus company and '''JJ Kavanagh'''[http://www.jjkavanagh.ie] serve Kilkenny. JJ Kavanagh had a driect bus from Kilkenny to Dublin Airport.

    Car

  • Carlow - about 30 mins. Take N9 primary road to Paulstown, then the N10 to Kilkenny.
  • Cork - about 4 hours. Take the N8 towards Fermoy. After Mitchelston, turn right (N24) towards Cahir/Clonmel. About 8km after Clonmel, turn left (N76) and follow signposts for Kilkenny.
  • Dublin - about 2 hours. From the M50 motorway, take the Red Cow Roundabout exit south (N8, N9). This road becomes a motorway. A junction 9, the road splits. Take the turn for M9 (Waterford, Kilkenny). Continue on this road through Carlow. At Paulstown, take the N10 to Kilkenny.
  • Limerick - Take the N24 to Tipperary town. Just after the centre, take a right towards Cashel/Kilkenny (N74). Drive through Cashel, then take the N8 to Urlingford. After Urlingford, follow the signposts to the right to Freshford/Kilkenny (R693). In Freshford, at the T junction turn right, cross the bridge and turn left. The road goes straight to Kilkenny.
  • Waterford - about 40 mins. Take N9 primary road towards Dublin. North of Waterford, take the N10 to Kilkenny.
  • Wexford - about 1 hour. Take N25 towards New Ross. Take the bypass around New Ross, until you hit a T junction. Turn right towards Enniscorthy for a few hundred metres, then turn left towards Kilkenny(R700).
  • The N9 primary road is being replaced by the M9 moterway. By 2010, the journey from Kilkenny to Dublin will take a mere hour by car, thanks to the new M9 motorway.

    Get Around

    By Foot

    Kilkenny, due to its size, is a most walkable city. You can reach both ends of the city in a matter of minutes. All sites are within walking distance of one another and the walks through this Medieval city are extremely enjoyable.

    The main streets are layed out like a backwards '''L'''. From the railway station, '''John's Street''' runs southwest to the River Nore, becoming '''Rose Inn St''' on the other side. This ends at the '''Parade''', where the castle is located. A 90 degree turn here brings you on to '''High St''', the main shopping street. This runs on, becoming '''Parliment St''', then '''Irish Town''', where St. Canices Cathedral and round tower are.

    By Taxi

    Taxis are available throughout the city. They can be found in the train station or in many of the taxi-ranks in Kilkenny. One of the major taxi-ranks is behind Dunnes Stores on the banks of the River Nore.

    All taxies run by the meter. The initial fare is ?4.10 for first km or 170secs, followed by ?1.03 per km up to 14km.

  • <listing name="Ace Cabs" alt="" directions="" address="" phone="056 7772777" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></listing>
  • <listing name="Kilkenny Taxi" alt="" directions="" address="" phone="056 7722224, mobile (087)2255333" email="" fax="" url="http://www.kilkennytaxi.com"></listing>
  • <listing name="7 Sevens" alt="" directions="" address="" phone="056 7777777" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""></listing>
  • If you have any problems contact the Taxi Regulator[http://www.taxireg.ie/].

    See

    Kilkenny City, Ireland's most beautiful Historic City, is a perfect hub for arts and culture in Ireland. It is the historic gem in Ireland and the historic sites are concentrated in a small area in the City Centre:

  • Kilkenny Tourist Office. hee Arms House. ose Inn St. 56 7751500. ttp://www.kilkennytourism.ie Kilkenny Tourism. Not only is this a great place to get information about Kilkenny, it is also a tourist attraction itself. It is located in Shee Alms House, a Tudor building built in 1582. It was originally used by the church. before lawyer Richard Shee bought it as a home for the poor. Originally it cared for 12 homeless people, and continued in this purpose for 150 years.

  • Kilkenny Castle and Gardens. arade, Kilkenny. 56 7704100. 5.30 Adult, ?2.10 Child. This stunning Norman Castle, which is the dominant feature in the city, is its principal attraction. Its huge forested gardens are beautiful to walk during the day.
  • Black Abbey. bbey St, Kilkenny. ree Admission. Founded in 1225, this impressive Dominican Abbey has beautiful stained glass windows and is itself surrounded by the old city walls.
  • Rothe House. arliament Street, Kilkenny. 56 7722893. 5 Adults, ?3 for groups (10+). A unique merchant's house built in the 16th Century. It contains Kilkenny's History Museum.
  • St. Canice's Cathedral. rishtown, Kilkenny. 56 7764971. Built over 800 years ago, this impressive Cathedral and round tower are one of Kilkenny's main attractions. With one of Ireland's only accessable Round Towers, on top of which one can see the most amazing view of Kilkenny, this is a must for anyone's trip to Kilkenny. The cathedral itself is wheelchair accessable.</see>
  • Grace's Courthouse. arliament Street, Kilkenny. pposite Rothe House. Housing Kilkenny's Court House, this former fortress built in 1210 (Grace's Castle) and then converted into a prison in the 1500s is full of history.
  • Butler House. utler House, Patrick Street, Kilkenny. cross the Street from the Castle, through the old stables. This stunning Chateau-like building is one of the residences of the Butler family that ruled Kilkenny for many years. During Arts week it has many exhibitions.
  • Kilkenny 'Slips'. hroughout Kilkenny. unning Perpendicular to High Street. These winding streets that ramble through the city are a true view of Medieval Kilkenny.
  • St. Francis Abbey Brewery. arliament Street, Kilkenny. This is Ireland's OLDEST brewery, founded in 1221. Heard of Kilkenny Beer? Smithwicks? Budweiser? They have all, at one stage, been brewed in this brewery.

    Do

  • Craft Council of Ireland. astle Yard. pposite Castle, behind Kilkenny Design Craft Centre. 56 7761804. nfo@ccoi.ie. 56 7763754. ttp://www.ccoi.ie. Funded by the government, this organization promotes the craft industry in Ireland. Check out its latest exhibitions and see crafts people at work in their studios.
  • Go to the Theatre. atergate Theatre. arliament St.. 56 7761674. atergategc@eircom.net. 56 7761887. ttp://www.watergatetheatre.com. The main theatre in Kilkenny has shows or music most nights of the week. For something smaller, check out Cleers Bar and Theatre, just across the road.
  • Go to a Concert. owlen Park. During the summer every year, Kilkenny plays host to a major concert in Nowlan Park, the local stadium. Past acts include Andrea Bocelli, Bod Dylan, Shania Twain and Rod Stewart, to name but a few. 2008's main headliner was Dolly Parton.
  • Kilkenny Parks. Kilkenny County has an array of parks, not only in the city. The Woodstock Gardens in the South and Mount Juliet Estate are wonderful, yet the city centre Kilkenny Castle Park is the most enjoyable.

    Tours

  • City Sightseeing Bus Tour. tarting point: The Parade. ttp://www.city-sightseeing.com/index.phtml?command=search&clear-search=true&destinations=kilkenny. un-Aug: 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00. 10.00, 5-15yrs ?6.00, senior/student ?8.00, family (2 Adult + up to 3 Children) ?25.00. This tour covers all the big tourist sites in Kilkenny with an English speaking guide.
  • The Kilkenny Traditional Music Trail. 353-59-9141067. tricia@kilkennytradtrail.net. ttp://kilkennytradtrail.net. une-August, Fri+Sat, 7pm-9pm. Private tours at other times possible. uy tickets at Bollards Bar, Kieran St. Adults ?12, students ?10. Listen to Irish music and stories in some traditional pubs. The musicians explain about the instruments and music.
  • Tynan Walking Tours. ourist Office, Rose Inn St. 87 2651745. ynantours@eircom.net. ww.tynantours.com. ar-Oct, Mon-Sat: 10.30, 12.15, 15.00, 16.30. Sun: 11.15, 12.30. Winter - ask tourist office. 6, senior/student ?5.50, under 12 free. Hours long tours, leaving from the tourist office. This popular tour shows you around mediaeval Kilkenny city on foot.

    Festivals

  • Cat Laughs Comedy Festival. irst weekend in June annually. ttp://www.thecatlaughs.com. An annual comedy festival. It was first held in 1995 and usually runs over the first weekend in Nicholas Mosse Pottery. ennettsbridge. 56 7727505. ttp://www.nicholasmosse.com. on-Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 13:30-17:00. The famous pottery of Ireland has its workshop just a few minutes south of the city.
  • Rosemarie Durr Pottery. astlecomer Discovery Park, Castleomer. ttp://www.rosedurr.com. Beautiful hand made pottery perfect for any home or gift.
  • Stonware Jackson Pottery. ennettsbridge. 56 7727175. 56 7727493. ttp://www.stonewarejackson.com. on-Sat 10:00-18:00. 250+. Hand thrown ceramics lamps and tableware, with 2 colour glazing and Celtic motifs

    Eat

    Kilkenny has an excellent selection of some of the finest restaurants around, including many luxury and traditional places to eat.

  • Cafe Sol. illiam Street, Kilkenny. 56 7764987. One of Kilkenny's favourite places to dine for lunch and dinner. Located just off the bustling High Street, its lively atmosphere and delicious international menu are not to be missed.
  • Fleva. 4 High Street, Kilkenny. eside the Tholsel. 56 7770021. ttp://www.fleva.ie. losed Monday. This delightful first-floor restaurant offers a modern menu in a sophisticated surronding.
  • The Grapevine Cafe/ Winebar. Rose Inn Street. 0 seconds from The Parade on the right.. 56 7712956. 2pm till late. Serving wine, world beers and great tapas in a wonderful old world meets contemporary setting. Live music most weekends.
  • Jacobs Cottage. Ormonde Street, Kilkenny. ound in the Hibernian Hotel. 56 7791220. Two menus, Table d'Hote and A la Carte. This splendid restaurant is open from 6.30 to 10 Monday to Saturday for dinner, and till 9 on Sundays. Lunch times are as expected.
  • Kilkenny Design Centre. astle Yard, Kilkenny. 56 7722118. Beautiful setting, opposite the castle and in the old stables of the Castle. This is the perfect cafe for a lunch during the day.
  • Kytelers Inn. ieran Street, Kilkenny. Probably Kilkenny's most famous pub and restaurant, this place is steeped in history and is the centre of Kilkenny's ancient witchcraft scene. The food is wholesome Irish food and with a pint of Guinness is an experience in itself.
  • Rinuccini. The Parade, Kilkenny. 56 7761575. Authentic Italian restaurant opposit the castle. Can be very busy. Lunch from 12 - 2.30 and dinner from 6 to 10.30.
  • Zuni. 6 Patrick Street, Kilkenny. 56 7723999. Stunning 'boutique' restaurant on Kilkenny's Edwardian Street, Zuni offers fine attention to detail on all their food.

    Other notable restaurants include Chez Pierre, Marble City Bar and Italian Affair, a wonderful Italian restaurant in Bennettsbridge where Italy surely comes to you.

    Drink

    The City of Kilkenny has a large array of pubs and clubs for all ages. While Parliament street remains the traditional area for quiet, comfortable pubs, John street is more for the younger clubbing crowd. The drinking age is 18. Pubs are open from 10:30am-11:30pm (12:30pm Friday, Saturday), while off-licences are open from 10am-10pm (12:30pm-10pm Sundays).

    Why not try the native Kilkenny beer or the native Smithwicks ale[http://www.diageo.ie/brands/smithwicks], famous the world over as the distinct taste.

    Pubs

  • Cleere_fs Bar and Theatre. 8, Parliament Street. pposite the Watergate Theatre. Very popular bar that also puts on small shows in its theatre out back.
  • The Grapevine Cafe Winebar. Rose Inn Street. 0 seconds walk from The Parade . 567712956. 2pm till late. Great wine, world beers, tapas and music 6 nights a week. Open for coffee daily too!
  • The Left Bank. arade. ight on the Parade. 56 7750016. ttp://www.leftbank.ie. nfo@leftbank.ie. 56 7750018. A trendy bar in a former bank. This stunning building is in the heart of the city.
  • Kytelers Inn. ieran Stret. 56 7721064. nfo@kytelersinn.ie. ttp://www.kytelersinn.ie. Great old bar, full of character, tourists and locals. Has a great beer garden.
  • Matt the Millers. John Street. ight beside John's Bridge. 56 7761696. nfo@mattthemillers.com. 56 7771209. ttp://www.mattthemillers.com. Very popular pub. Often has a late bar, so open after other pubs close.
  • The Marble City Bar. 6 High Street. ttp://www.langtons.ie/marble-city-bar.
  • The Pumphouse. pposite the Watergate Theatre. ttp://pumphousekilkenny.ie/. Great pub for a quite drink during the week, but can be very busy on weekends. Shows live sport and has pool table.

    Nightclubs

  • Langtons Club. angtons House Hotel. 7 John Street. 56 7765133. eservations@langtons.ie. ttp://www.langtons.ie. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, from 10pm.. Very popular nightclub in a beautiful ballroom that is also used for weddings.
  • Nero's Nightclub. ytelers Inn. ieran Stret. 56 7721064. nfo@kytelersinn.ie. ttp://www.kytelersinn.ie. pens 9pm. Long running, small nightclub.
  • The Venue. ilkenny Ormonde Hotel. rmonde Street. min walk from Parade. 56 7723900. nfo@kilkennyormonde.com. 56 7723977. ttp://www.kilkennyormonde.com. Busy, modern nightclub, very popular with the younger crowd.
  • Amber Blacks. 3 Parliament Street, Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny. 56 777 2746. Kilkenny's newest night club, ultra luxurious and excellent fun.

    Sleep

    Budget

  • Kilkenny Tourist Hostel. 5 Parliament Street. 56 7763541. nfo@kilkennyhostel.ie. ttp://www.kilkennyhostel.ie/. ouble ?20-21, twin ?20-21.
  • MacGabhainns Backpackers Hostel. 4 Vicar Street. ear St. Canices Cathedral and Round Tower. orms from ?13.75.
  • Foulsrath Castle Hostel. enkinstown, Co. Kilkenny. 2km north of Kilkenny. Take the Castlecomer Rd for 6km, then take the turnoff for Durrow (N77). 56 7767674. pm. 0am. orm ?17. oulksrath@eircom.net. A HI hostel in a 15th century Norman Tower House. This is in the countryside and can be hard to get to without a car.

    There are two camp sites near by the city.

  • Tree Grove Camping. anville House, Newross Road, Kilkenny. .5km from Kilkenny, on R700. 56 7770302, Mobile: 086 830 8845. reecc@iol.ie. ttp://www.treegrovecamping.com. Mar-15 Nov. wo adults ?15-20. This family run campsite is located just outside the city's ringroad.
  • Nore Valley Park. ennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny. 1km south of Kilkenny, take R700 to Bennettsbridge. 56 7727229. orevalleypark@eircom.net. 56 7727747. ttp://www.norevalleypark.com. ent ?8-12, caravan ?11. A campsite and working farm, overlooking the River Nore.

    Mid-range

  • Club House Hotel. atrick Street, Kilkenny. 56 7721994. ttp://www.clubhousehotel.com/. pm. 1.30am.
  • Days Hotel Kilkenny. mithsland South, Springhill, Co.Kilkenny. n the ring road, near the Waterford Road roundabout. 56 7783100. ttp://www.dayshotelkilkenny.com. ouble ?85 (?75 if booked online in advance). New hotel, but a little far from the city centre.
  • Fanad House. astle Road, Kilkenny. 567764126. ttp://www.fanadhouse.com/. This lovely Bed and Breakfast is in a beautiful setting, just across from the gates into the Castle Park.
  • Kilford Arms. ohn Street, Kilkenny. 567761018. ttp://www.kilfordarms.ie/. A hotel just down from the train station and shopping centres.
  • Kilkenny Inn Hotel. 5-16 Vicar Street, Kilkenny City. 56 7772828 . ttp://www.kilkennyinn.com/. A Hotel on Vicar street, just down from St Canice's Cathedral, this is in the heart of the old town.
  • Newlands Lodge. ells Rd, Kilkenny. ead south from the Kells Road Roundabout, it is about 5km on the left hand side. 353 56 7729862. 45 pppn. ttp://www.newlandslodge.com/. This charming B&B is a few km outside the city but has one of the warmest welcomes you are ever likely to receive.

    Splurge

  • Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel. rmonde Street, Kilkenny. 56 7723900. ttp://www.kilkennyormonde.com/. One of Kilkenny's Premier Hotels.

  • Lyrath Estate Hotel. ublin Road, Kilkenny. 567760088. ttp://www.lyrath.com/. Kilkenny's Premier Hotel. This Famous Hotel, Spa and Confrence Centre is set in rolling countryside, just a mere mile from the city centre. Its Renovated Building is a treat to dine in.

  • Mount Juliet Conrad Hotel. homastown, Kilkenny. 56 7773000. ttp://www.mountjuliet.ie/. This fabulous hotel, set in one of Ireland's best golf courses which has played host to Tiger Woods and Pardaig Harrington, is a luxury. Its unbeatable setting with rivers, valleys and forests is worth a day in itself for fishing and riding.

  • Newpark Hotel. astlecomer Road. 56 7760500. eservations@newparkhotel.com. 56 7760555 . ttp://www.flynnhotels.com/Newpark_Hotel. Four star hotel, with a spa and swimming pool. About 15 minutes walk from the town centre. They have some great deals on their website.

  • Rivercourt Hotel. ohn Street. 56 7723388. ttp://www.rivercourthotel.com/. This stunning hotel, built on the banks of the River Nore with undoubtedly the most spectacular views of the Castle, is truly worth a stay.

  • The Pembroke Hotel. atrick Street. 567783500. ttp://www.pembrokekilkenny.com/. Situated on Patrick Street, some of its rooms have a stunning view of the Castle. Kilkenny's Boutique Hotel is a culmination of style and luxury. It is no longer affiliated with the Ormonde Hotel.

    Stay Safe

    Kilkenny is a very safe city with very little crime. Due to its small size, serious crime is almost non-existent. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 999 or 112.

  • <listing name="Kilkenny Garda Station" alt="" directions="" address="Dominic Street" phone="056 7722222" email="" fax="056 7751507" url="http://www.garda.ie/"></listing>
  • <listing name="St. Luke's General Hospital" alt="" directions="" address="" phone="056 7785000" email="" fax="056 7721149" url=""></listing>
  • Get out

    Indeed, while the principal attractions are to be found in Kilkenny city, there are many towns and villages around County Kilkenny which are well worth a visit.

  • Kells Augustinian Priory. ells, Co. Kilkenny. 0km from Kilkenny. 56 7728255. One of Ireland's best intact priories. This priory, surrounded by its old walls, was built in 1193 and contains celtic crosses from the 9th Century. These are some of the largest runes in the country and you are free to wander throughout the whole complex. There is a Round Tower and High Cross nearby. It is well worth a visit.

  • Dunmore Caves. unmore, Co. Kilkenny. 0km from Kilkenny, off the N78. 56 7767726" email="dunmorecaves@opw.ie. 56 7767262. ttp://www.heritageireland.ie/en/South-East/DunmoreCave. :30-17:00 (15:00 Nov-Feb, 18:00 Mid Jun-Mid Sept). 2.90 Adult, ?1.30 Child. The show cave is incredibly well developed and is a wonder to walk around.

  • Jerpoint Abbey. homastown, Co. Kilkenny. .5km west of Thomastown (N9). 56 7724623. ttp://www.heritageireland.ie/en/South-East/JerpointAbbey. 0:00-17:00 (18:00 June-Sept, 16:00 Nov-Feb). 2.90 Adult, ?1.30 Child. Built in the 12th Century. It is Ireand's finest Cistercian monastic ruin with a magnificantly sculptured cloister arcade. Includes visitor and exhibition centre. </see>

    Tours

  • <listing name="A Rural Experience" alt="" directions="Tours leave from the Parade" address="" phone="056 7727590" email="info@aruralexperience.com" fax="056 7727590" url="http://www.aruralexperience.com" hours="" price="">Runs day tours to different places in Co. Kilkenny and some neighboring counties.</listing>