Kilkenny walking tour & city guide

The Medieval Mile

Kilkenny Castle, the former seat of the Butler family, has elegant rooms and parkland. The Medieval Mile leads to St Canice's Cathedral, whose round tower you can climb. The Smithwick's brewery has made ale here for centuries.

Visiting tips

Kilkenny is about 90 minutes from Dublin. The Kilkenny Arts Festival in August and the Cat Laughs comedy festival are popular events.

A day in Kilkenny

Walk the Medieval Mile from Kilkenny Castle to St Canice's Cathedral, where you can climb the round tower. Visit the Smithwick's brewery experience.

In the afternoon, explore the craft shops in the castle yard.

Why it is worth the trip

Kilkenny is often called Ireland's medieval capital, and its compact center is one of the most enjoyable in the country to explore on foot. Narrow passages called slips connect the main streets, old shopfronts are painted in deep colors, and Kilkenny Castle overlooks the River Nore with a large park perfect for picnics. Rothe House, a 16th-century merchant's home with gardens, shows how wealthy families lived in the past.

The city is also known for its crafts. The Design Centre in the old castle stables sells pottery, glass, jewelry and textiles made across Ireland. In the evenings, the pubs along Parliament Street and John Street have live music, and in August the Kilkenny Arts Festival brings concerts, theater and exhibitions to venues across the city.