- Trains from Dublin Heuston take about 1h30, or it's around 1h45 by car from Dublin Airport
- The castle, cathedral and Medieval Mile are all within a short walk
- Rosslare ferry port is about 1h30 away, handy if you bring your car
- Book ahead for festival weekends and hen and stag season
- Airports
- Dublin (DUB)
- Best time to go
- May-September; August for the Arts Festival
- Type
- City
Kilkenny is one of Ireland's most appealing small cities. Its narrow lanes, known locally as slips, link a medieval core that stretches from the grand Kilkenny Castle to St Canice's Cathedral, a route now known as the Medieval Mile. Add a lively pub and restaurant scene, craft shops and good festivals, and it makes a great weekend break or a stop on a road trip from Dublin.
For UK visitors there's little to adjust to: Ireland is on the same time as the UK, uses the same three-pin plugs and drives on the left. British citizens don't need a passport under the Common Travel Area, but airlines and ferries ask for photo ID. Prices are in euros. For the wider picture, see our Ireland guide or start with our Dublin guide.
Where to stay
- City centre and High Street – close to the castle, pubs and restaurants, ideal for a short break without a car.
- John Street and the train station area – across the River Nore, with hotels and bars a short walk from the centre.
- Irishtown and St Canice's – the older northern end, quieter at night but still central.
- Country house hotels – several lie in the countryside around the city, good for a more relaxed stay with a car.
- Inistioge and Thomastown – pretty villages to the south-east, convenient for Jerpoint Abbey.
Things to do
- Kilkenny Castle – a Norman castle remodelled over centuries, with restored rooms and large parklands that are free to walk.
- The Medieval Mile – walk from the castle to the cathedral, ducking down slips and past historic buildings.
- St Canice's Cathedral and round tower – a 13th-century cathedral; climb the round tower for views over the city.
- Medieval Mile Museum – the story of the city, housed in a former church.
- Rothe House – a restored Tudor-era merchant's house and garden.
- Smithwick's Experience – the story of the beer brewed in Kilkenny for centuries, with a tasting.
- Kilkenny Design Centre – Irish crafts in the castle's former stables.
- Jerpoint Abbey and Dunmore Cave – a Cistercian abbey with fine carvings, and limestone caves, both within about 20-30 minutes.
Best time to visit
May to September brings the mildest weather, usually high teens °C. The Cat Laughs comedy festival is held in early June and the Kilkenny Arts Festival in August, when accommodation is in demand. Kilkenny is also a popular stag and hen destination, so Friday and Saturday nights can be boisterous. Winter is quiet, with Christmas markets and cosy pubs.
Getting there from the UK
The nearest major airport is Dublin, with direct flights from most UK airports taking about 1h15 from London. From the airport, it's around 1h45 by car, or take a coach or bus into the city and the train from Heuston station, which reaches Kilkenny in about 1h30. Cork and Waterford are other options for the south.
By sea, Rosslare is about 1h30 from Kilkenny by car, with ferries from Fishguard and Pembroke. From Holyhead or Liverpool to Dublin, allow about 1h45 more to drive down.
Getting around
Kilkenny is small and easily explored on foot. For Jerpoint Abbey, Dunmore Cave and the surrounding villages you'll need a car or a tour. Kilkenny also works as a stop between Dublin and Cork, Killarney or Waterford. Ireland drives on the left, with speed limits in km/h.
Visit the castle grounds early in the morning or in the evening, when they're quiet and free to wander.
Top attractions in Kilkenny
Kilkenny on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Kilkenny worth a day trip from Dublin?
Yes, it's an easy day trip by train or car. Staying overnight lets you enjoy its pubs and restaurants after the day visitors leave.
How many days do you need in Kilkenny?
One full day covers the main sights. Two days lets you add Jerpoint Abbey, Dunmore Cave and the countryside.
Can I get to Kilkenny without a car?
Yes. Trains run from Dublin Heuston in about 1h30, and the station is a short walk from the centre.
Is Kilkenny good for families?
Yes, the castle parklands, Dunmore Cave and the compact centre suit families, though weekend nights can be loud in the centre.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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