County Kilkenny Information

County Kilkenny, from the Irish Contae Chill Chainnigh, is located in the South-East of Ireland, in the province of Leinster. Kilkenny's most important rivers are the Nore and the Suir on the border with Waterford, and its highest mountain peak is Brandon Hill (1,690 ft). County Kilkenny was once the site of the largest portion of the ancient Irish Kingdom of Osraige.

Kilkenny City has excellent restaurants, a variety of hotels and guesthouses and its nightlife is lively at weekends. There are plenty of music, comedy and literary festivals held in the county.

Bus Éireann services County Kilkenny from both Dublin and Waterford. The Dublin / Waterford railroad line has stops at Kilkenny City and Thomastown and the Rosslare ferryport is the closest one, servicing some UK and European ports.

By air, Kilkenny is accessible via the Shannon and Dublin Airports.

Rivers and Gardens

The Three Sisters are the Nore, the Barrow and the Suir, the main rivers in Kilkenny. Though the county lies inland, the rivers are responsible for Kilkenny´s fertile midlands.

The rapids together with peaceful sections at King's River and the Dinan have made them into preferred destinations for canoeing and kayaking, while the wider Nore and Barrow are highly regarded for fishing, boating and water sports.

Kilfane Glen & Waterfall in Thomastown includes a garden dating back to the Romantic era. It features a waterfall and a cottage ornee. It is only open during the warmer months of the year.

With seasonal opening times as well, Nore Valley Park is located in Bennettsbridge. It includes a farm trail, and a picnic & barbecue area.

Kilkenny's Heritage

Located in Graiguenamanagh, Duiske Abbey is an ancient Cistercian Church, which has been restored to its original condition. Its medieval floor tiles are the construction´s most interesting feature.

Dunmore Cave in Ballyfoyle is a unique geological site. The cave´s multiple chambers are the result of a process spanning millions of years, and the calcite formations there are among the most remarkable in all of Ireland.

Jerpoint is a Cistercian Abbey that dates back to the 12th century. The church is full of Romanesque ornaments, and there are some later tomb sculptures, a tower and a cloister.

Brod Tullaroan in Tullaroan, comprises an impressive restored 17th century mansion as well as a Gaelic sports museum.

A Taste of Irish Whiskey

The Irish Whiskey Tasting Event is a great opportunity to enjoy some local beverages and food, as well as some Irish humour and stories. It is an ideal tour for small groups, and it will be enjoyed by everyone, not just whiskey drinkers, as it focuses on Irish customs and traditions.

A favourite with Kilkenny visitors, the Kilkenny Brewery Tour at St Francis Abbey Brewery combines a visit to the 13th Century Abbey with a guided tour of Smithwick´s breweries and a sampling of some of the best house brews. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday. The tour takes an hour and a half, and people have to be over 18 to participate.

Kilkenny City

Kilkenny was founded in the 6th century as an ecclesiastical site. The building of Kilkenny Castle and various walls was a response to the Norman invasions, and Kilkenny first became a town in 1207.

Black Abbey is rather small, but it is one of the city´s most charming working churches. It features some beautiful stained glass and a magnificent Holy Trinity sculpture made of alabaster, which was found hidden during a restoration.

Rothe House is a 16th century Tudor style home, which houses an ancient costume display and a museum. The architecture and surroundings are both quite spectacular, and the permanent exhibitions are extremely interesting.

Dating back to the 12th century, Kilkenny Castle was remodelled during Queen Victoria´s reign. Once a seat of the aristocracy, the castle includes beautiful parks and gardens and an impressive library and drawing room.

Saint Canice´s Cathedral, which has been a place of worship since the 6th century, has played a key role in the city´s life. The Round Tower, which actually collapsed in 1332, was rebuilt and can now be climbed.