Kilkenny Visitor Attractions

Castlecomer Discovery Park

Castlecomer Discovery Park Kilkenny boasts an array of woodland pathways centred around two Rainbow Trout Fishing Lakes connected by cascades. An array of wooden sculptures; picnic areas. A children’s adventure playground and a wonderful design craft yard.

Duiske Abbey

Duiske Abbey or Graiguenamanagh Abbey is a 13th century Cistercian monastery situated in Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny in Ireland. It was founded by William Marshall in A.D.1204. Duiske Abbey was one of the first, largest and perhaps the finest of the thirty-four medieval Cistercian monasteries in Ireland and dominates the town centre. The Abbey is located in the valley of the river Barrow, on a site between the main river and the Duiske tributary.

Dunmore Cave

Dunmore Cave is eleven kilometres north of Kilkenny City and, like other caves across the country, is formed by limestone which was laid down over 300 million years ago. It contains almost a quarter of a mile of passages and at its deepest point is 150 foot below the surface. Although this is smaller than many of the caves around the country, the beauty and magic of its calcite formations as well as its scientific and historical interest make it one of Ireland's most fascinating caves. Mention of the cave was made in the 9th century Irish Triads.

Jerpoint Abbey

Jerpoint Abbey The present Cistercian structure dates mainly from about 1180 to 1200, and was probably built on the remains of a Benedictine abbey founded about 1158 by Donal MacGillapatrick, King of Ossory. The oldest parts are the Irish-Romanesque transepts and chancel, where Bishop O'Dulany lies.

Kells Priory

Kells Priory is one of the largest and most impressive medieval monuments in Ireland. The Augustine priory is situated alongside King's River beside the village of Kells, about 15 km south of the medieval city of Kilkenny. The priory is a National Monument and is in the guardianship of the Office of Public Works. One of its most striking feature is a collection of medieval tower houses spaced at intervals along and within walls which enclose a site of just over 3 acres (12,000 m2). These give the priory the appearance more of a fortress than of a place of worship and from them comes its local name of "Seven Castles".

Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle the home and headquarters of the powerful Butler Family since 1391 has long established rose garden, together with 50 acres of charming and extensive pleasure grounds. The grounds overlooking the Nore river features mature trees and shrubs with an ornamental lake numbered among the many items of interest. Very well maintained and presented<

Kilkenny Design Centre

Kilkenny Design Centre based in the city centre is situated in what was once the stables of historic Kilkenny Castle, and is fittingly located adjacent to the National Craft Gallery one of Ireland’s most exciting artistic venues. It offers an unrivalled selection of Irish handcrafted gifts. .The Centre’s unequalled supplier list, drawn from Ireland’s most eminent craftspeople and designers, gives visitors a uniquely special shopping experience, allowing them to purchase the best of Irish crafts and design under one roof.

Rothe House

Rothe House a historic house in Kilkenny in the South East of Ireland, is a unique example of an early 17th century merchant's townhouse in Ireland. Rothe House and Garden are owned by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, and managed by Rothe House Trust Limited. The House is open to the public as a Museum, displaying some of the 2,500 artefacts collected by the Society since its founding in 1947. These artefacts all relate to life in Kilkenny city and county throughout the ages and some date from pre-historic times.

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Saint Canices Cathedral

Saint Canices Cathedral and Round Tower are an essential part of the structural heritage in the vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny. This ecclesiastical site was founded in the 6th century and named after St Canice. Cill Channigh is the Gaelic for the Church of Canice, the church that originally stood on the site in the 6th century. Worship has taken place at this site for over 800 years. The Round Tower is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny City. Tourists can enjoy climbing the Round Tower capturing great views of the city (weather permitting). St Canice’s Round Tower is one of only two Round Towers that people can climb in Ireland.

Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum

Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum are located in the picturesque village of Inistioge on the banks of the River Nore. The gardens were once regarded as one of the great gardens of Ireland and with this in mind, Kilkenny County Council has embarked on an ambitious scheme of restoration.