Ireland has many great cities to explore, and Kilkenny is one such city you should add to your itinerary. After spending a few days at Dingle and later Wexford, I went to Kilkenny County in the south. Ireland A few days to explore the city of Kilkenny and its surrounding area. Below is a guide to visiting Kilkenny Ireland that will help you plan your own visit.
Stay: Lyrath Estate
For a few days in Kilkenny City, I checked in gorgeously Rice EstateIt is located a few kilometres away from the city itself. The hotel is located around a 17th century mansion in the 170-acre Irish countryside. Today, the hotel is a much more modern and popular wedding venue. Therefore, if you want to stay in a place with more local boutique vibes (this hotel is very large), you will need to enjoy the famous afternoon tea or visit as a guest of the day to take advantage of the spa facilities. You can use the spa facility as a guest for the day, book treatments, or enjoy the spa at the same time.
Visit Kilkenny Castle
Once you check in, make sure you go to Kilkenny City for a full day of exploration. There is a lot to do in this city to watch and do on the action packed day, so plan to start early and visit Kilkenny Castle before the crowd arrives.
The castle doors are open daily at 9am and open seven days a week. You can choose to use a guided or self-tour depending on the time you want to spend in the castle. I spent about an hour in the castle and its surrounding gardens before heading towards the Smithwick brewery in Kilkenny for a tour.
Kilkenny Castle was built in 1195 and is one of Ireland’s most maintained and most beautiful castles. A visit to the castle offers much history to Kilkenny County and its importance to the country as well. The price to enter is 15 euros, but if you prefer to visit the castle from outside and enjoy it, you can walk through the garden and walk through the park for free. Deliver it to the fountain in front of the castle for a spectacular view of the entire castle.
Afternoon Tea at Mount Juliet
If you’re staying in the city of Kilkenny and looking for an escape into the countryside, I can’t fully recommend Mount Juliet. This property is a short drive from Kilkenny city, but is surrounded by plenty of land, making it feel like an escape in a remote countryside!
Afternoon tea Mount Juliet It was the highlight of my visit to the property. In addition to a pot of tea selection, you’ll be warmly welcomed with three plates of tall towers, delicious sandwiches and tarts, clot cream, homemade scones with jam and lemon tofu, the final event, and pastries.
Discover the Kilkenny pub scene
Back in Kilkenny, there is plenty to see, do and experience beyond attractions and tourist attractions. Wander the high streets, tickle fashion, pop inside and find a pub to meet locals. That’s the pub I enjoyed most Bridie’s Bar & General Store On John Street. I happened to find this pub and loved the old school atmosphere inside. Plus, we’ve added a bonus of Frank Sinatra playing in the background!
Where to eat in Kilkenny?
Another big highlight of my time at Kilkenny was the food. It was a surprise to me that the city was so full of gastronomy restaurants, great pub food and a huge cafe scene. My favourites are listed below:
Zuni – An award-winning restaurant with a Degu Station menu. Don’t leave without trying dessert!
Matt the Millers – A truly lively pub that is one of the best places in town on weekend nights.
Lady Helen – Fancy Michelin Star Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate. A date night that won’t surprise you when you see a suggestion at one of the other tables!