Kilkenny

Kilkenny [1] 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.

Culture and History

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 mediæval 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 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.

Travel to Kilkenny - Visa Requirements

Plane

The only way to fly to Kilkenny is if you fly yourself and to land on Kilkenny airfield[2]. For everyone else, the international airports near Kilkenny are:

• Dublin Airport[3] - Ireland's biggest and busiest airport is a mere 117km from Kilkenny. JJ Kavanagh's[4] 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[5] - This is the nearest international airport to Kilkenny, from where Aer Arann[6] flies to the UK, Spain and Amsterdam. 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[7], and Shannon International Airport[8]. 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[9] 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[10], the national bus company and JJ Kavanagh[11] serve Kilkenny. JJ Kavanagh had a driect bus from Kilkenny to Dublin Airport.

Car

• Carlow - about 30 mins. Take N9 primary road.
• Cork - about 2 hours.
• Dublin - about 2 hours. Take N9 primary road.
• Waterford - about 40 mins. Take N9 primary road.

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.

Tours and Getting around Kilkenny

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.

• Ace Cabs, ☎ 056 7772777.  
• Kilkenny Taxi, ☎ 056 7722224, mobile (087)2255333, [12].  
• 7 Sevens, ☎ 056 7777777.  

If you have any problems contact the Taxi Regulator[13].

Kilkenny tourist attractions and sightseeing

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(Shee Arms House), Rose Inn St, ☎ 056 7751500, [14]. 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, Parade, Kilkenny, ☎ 056 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, Abbey St, Kilkenny. Founded in 1225, this impressive Dominican Abbey has beautiful stained glass windows and is itself surrounded by the old city walls.Free Admission.  
• Rothe House, Parliament Street, Kilkenny, ☎ 056 7722893. A unique merchant's house built in the 16th Century. It contains Kilkenny's History Museum.€5 Adults, €3 for groups (10+).  
• St. Canice's Cathedral, Irishtown, Kilkenny, ☎ 056 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. 
• Grace's Courthouse, Parliament Street, Kilkenny(Opposite 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, Butler House, Patrick Street, Kilkenny(Across 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', Throughout Kilkenny(Running Perpendicular to High Street). These winding streets that ramble through the city are a true view of Medieval Kilkenny. 
• St. Francis Abbey Brewery, Parliament 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. 

Kilkenny city tours

• Go to a Concert, Nowlen 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. 

Tours

• City Sightseeing Bus Tour, (Starting point: The Parade), [15]. Jun-Aug: 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00. This tour covers all the big tourist sites in Kilkenny with an English speaking guide.€10.00, 5-15yrs €6.00, senior/student €8.00, family (2 Adult + up to 3 Children) €25.00.  
• Tynan Walking Tours, Tourist Office, Rose Inn St, ☎ 087 2651745(tynantours@eircom.net), [16]. Mar-Oct, Mon-Sat: 10.30, 12.15, 15.00, 16.30. Sun: 11.15, 12.30. Winter - ask tourist office. Hours long tours, leaving from the tourist office. This popular tour shows you around mediaeval Kilkenny city on foot.€6, senior/student €5.50, under 12 free.  

Sports

• Watch a Hurling Match, Nowlan Park, [17]. Check the website or local paper for upcoming match details. Hurling is big in Kilkenny, with their county team the perennial Irish champions. There are matches on every weekend all over the county. Nowlan Park is the main stadium holding 30,000 people. It's also possible to check out a smaller match in the local club grounds. 

Golf is very popular in Kilkenny, with courses to suit every level. The following are in the city, but there are lots more courses in County Kilkenny.

• Kilkenny Golf Course, Glendine, ☎ 056 7765400(enquiries@kilkennygolfclub.com, fax: 056 7723593), [18]. A members owned 18-hole golf course. Can rent clubs.Green fees €25-45.  
• Pococke Golf Course. A par 3 course for beginners to the game 
• Kilkenny Driving Range, Newpark, ☎ 056 7752205.  
• Lacken Pitch and Putt, St. Canice's Hospital Grounds, Dublin Road, ☎ 056 7763440.  

• 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. 

Festivals

• Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, [19]. First weekend in June annually. An annual comedy festival. It was first held in 1995 and usually runs over the first weekend in June. Many famous faces have appeared at it over the years including Bill Murray, Lewis Black, Rich Hall, Dom Irrera, Mike Wilmot, Dan Castellaneta, Doug Stanhope and David Cross. The festival includes stand-up comedy performances and has a film component called Kitty Flicks.There is also a traditional soccer match held on the Sunday afternoon between the Irish comedians and those from the rest of the world. 
• The Kilkenny Arts Festival, [20]. which runs during August ever year, is a time of much colour and enjoyment in the City. The long streets are flooded with artists and music can be heard throughout the city. 
• The Rythm and Roots Festival, [21]. is yet another hugely popular festival in Kilkenny city, where music like jazz can be fully appreciated. It usually takes place at the beginning of summer and is very enjoyable. 

Kilkenny souvenirs and shopping

Throughout county Kilkenny there are an excellent array of things to purchase. Be it pottery in Bennettsbridge or different arts and crafts in Kilkenny City or, of course, boutique items of clothing on the High Street you are guaranteed to come back shopped out.

• Kilkenny Design, opposite the Kilkenny Castle on The Parade, is home of the finest crafts in the City.
• High Street includes Kilkenny's many boutique shops, as well as the usual High Street brands.
• The New MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, [22], includes many excellent stores, as well as some of the finest cafés around in the brilliantly renovated Work House and old Railway Station (It includes a Great Famine Memorial Garden).
• Nicholas Mosse Pottery, Bennettsbridge. The famous pottery of Ireland has its workshop just a few minutes south of the city.

Kilkenny Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

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

• Fléva, 84 High Street, Kilkenny(Beside the Tholsel), ☎ 056 7770021. Closed Monday. This delightful first-floor restaurant offers a modern menu in a sophisticated surronding. 
• Jacobs Cottage, 1 Ormonde Street, Kilkenny(Found in the Hibernian Hotel), ☎ 056 7791220. Two menus, Table d'Hôte 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, Castle Yard, Kilkenny, ☎ 056 7722118. Beautiful setting, opposite the castle and in the old stables of the Castle. This is the perfect café for a lunch during the day. 
• Café Sol, William Street, Kilkenny, ☎ 056 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. 
• Rinuccini, 1 The Parade, Kilkenny, ☎ 056 7761575. Authentic Italian restaurant opposit the castle. Can be very busy. Lunch from 12 - 2.30 and dinner from 6 to 10.30. 
• Zuni, 26 Patrick Street, Kilkenny, ☎ 056 7723999. Stunning 'boutique' restaurant on Kilkenny's Edwardian Street, Zuni offers fine attention to detail on all their food. 
• Kytelers Inn, Kieran 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. 

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

• The Grapevine Café/ Winebar, 6 Rose Inn Street(30 seconds from The Parade on the right.), ☎ 0567712956. 12pm till late. Serving wine, world beers and great tapas in a wonderful old world meets contemporary setting. Live music most weekends. 

Kilkenny nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

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[23], famous the world over as the distinct taste.

Pubs

When in any Irish pub, a few phrases in the native language go a long way.

• Cleere’s Bar and Theatre, 28, Parliament Street(Opposite the Watergate Theatre). Very popular bar that also puts on small shows in its theatre out back. 
• The Grapevine Cafe Winebar, 6 Rose Inn Street(30 seconds walk from The Parade), ☎ 0567712956. 12pm till late. Great wine, world beers, tapas and music 6 nights a week. Open for coffee daily too! 
• The Left Bank, Parade(Right on the Parade), ☎ 056 7750016(info@leftbank.ie, fax: 056 7750018), [24]. A Trendy Bar in a former bank. This stunning building is in the heart if the city. 
• Kytelers Inn, Kieran Stret, ☎ 056 7721064(info@kytelersinn.ie), [25]. Great old bar, full of character, tourists and locals. Has a great beer garden. 
• Matt the Millers, 1 John Street(Right beside John's Bridge), ☎ 056 7761696(info@mattthemillers.com, fax: 056 7771209), [26]. Very popular pub. Often has a late bar, so open after other pubs close. 
• The Marble City Bar, 66 High Street, [27].  
• The Pumphouse, (Opposite the Watergate Theatre), [28]. 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(Langtons House Hotel), 67 John Street, ☎ 056 7765133(reservations@langtons.ie), [29]. .Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, from 10pm.. Very popular nightclub in a beautiful ballroom that is also used for weddings. 
• Nero's Nightclub(Kytelers Inn), Kieran Stret, ☎ 056 7721064(info@kytelersinn.ie), [30]. Opens 9pm. Long running, small nightclub. 
• The Venue(Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel), Ormonde Street(1 min walk from Parade), ☎ 056 7723900(info@kilkennyormonde.com, fax: 056 7723977), [31]. Busy, modern nightclub, very popular with the younger crowd. 
• Amber Blacks, Parliament Street. Kilkenny's newest night club, ultra luxurious and excellent fun.  

Kilkenny cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

Budget

There are two hostels in Kilkenny.

• Kilkenny Tourist Hostel, 35 Parliament Street, [32]. Double €20-21, twin €20-21.  
• MacGabhainns Backpackers Hostel, 24 Vicar Street(Near St. Canices Cathedral and Round Tower). Dorms from €13.75.  

There are two camp sites near by the city.

• Tree Grove Camping, Danville House, Newross Road, Kilkenny(1.5km from Kilkenny, on R700), ☎ 056 7770302, Mobile: 086 830 8845(treecc@iol.ie), [33]. This family run campsite is located just outside the city's ringroad.Two adults €15-20.  
• Nore Valley Park, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny(11km south of Kilkenny, take R700 to Bennettsbridge), ☎ 056 7727229(norevalleypark@eircom.net, fax: 056 7727747), [34]. A campsite and working farm, overlooking the River Nore.Tent €8-12, caravan €11.  

Mid-range

• Newlands lodge, Kells Rd, Kilkenny(Head south from the Kells Road Roundabout, it is about 5km on the left hand side), ☎ +353 56 7729862, [35]. This charming B&B is a few km outside the city but has one of the warmest welcomes you are ever likely to receive.€45 pppn.  

• Kilkenny Inn Hotel, 15-16 Vicar Street, Kilkenny City, ☎ 056 7772828, [36]. A Hotel on Vicar street, just down from St Canice's Cathedral, this is in the heart of the old town. 
• Club House Hotel, Patrick Street, Kilkenny, ☎ 0567721994, [37].  
• Kilford Arms, John Street, Kilkenny, ☎ 0567761018, [38]. A hotel just down from the train station and shopping centres. 
• Fanad House, Castle Road, Kilkenny, ☎ 0567764126, [39]. This lovely Bed and Breakfast is in a beautiful setting, just across from the gates into the Castle Park. 

Splurge

• Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, Ormonde Street, Kilkenny, ☎ 056 7723900, [40]. One of Kilkenny's Premier Hotels. 

• Lyrath Estate Hotel, Dublin Road, Kilkenny, ☎ 0567760088, [41]. 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, Thomastown, Kilkenny, ☎ 056 777 3000, [42]. 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. 

• Rivercourt Hotel, John Street, ☎ 0567723388, [43]. 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, Patrick Street, ☎ 0567783500, [44]. 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. Its sister Hotel is 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.

• Kilkenny Garda Station, Dominic Street, ☎ 056 7722222(fax: 056 7751507), [45].  
• St. Luke's General Hospital, ☎ 056 7785000(fax: 056 7721149).  

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, Kells, Co. Kilkenny(10km from Kilkenny), ☎ 056 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, Dunmore, Co. Kilkenny(10km from Kilkenny, off the N78), ☎ 056 7767726(dunmorecaves@opw.ie, fax: 056 7767262), [46]. 9:30-17:00 (15:00 Nov-Feb, 18:00 Mid Jun-Mid Sept). The show cave is incredibly well developed and is a wonder to walk around.€2.90 Adult, €1.30 Child.  

• Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny(2.5km west of Thomastown (N9)), ☎ 056 7724623, [47]. 10:00-17:00 (18:00 June-Sept, 16:00 Nov-Feb). Built in the 12th Century. It is Ireand's finest Cistercian monastic ruin with a magnificantly sculptured cloister arcade. Includes visitor and exhibition centre. €2.90 Adult, €1.30 Child.  

Brochure

Kilkenny Tourism Brochure

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