Kilkenny Hotels & Information
Kilkenny, the 'Medieval County' is an area of good rich farmland bordered by Laois, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Carlow.
It is dotted with medieval ruins, solid stone walls, charming villages and a host of historic monuments. Pre-historic portal dolmens, Iron Age earth works, early Ogham stones, a plethora of early Christian monastic sites, Anglo-Norman defensive towers, imposing castles, Elizabethan manor houses and Georgian estate houses are to be seen throughout the county.
There are forest parks, natural wonders and some of Ireland's finest studio workshops clustered in the scenic valley of the River Nore. There are lots of hotels and B&B accommodation in the county.
Kilkenny City, sometimes known as 'Marble City' because of the black limestone used in many of its buildings, has origins dating back more than 1500 years. Kilkenny, from the Gaelic Cill Ceannaigh, derives its name from a 6th century monk called Saint Canice.
Kilkenny City is compact enough to explore on foot, yet full of fascinating historical buildings and contemporary shops, design galleries, caf?s and restaurants.
Kilkenny Castle, near the centre of the town, was built by Richard le Clare in 1172 and overlooks the River Nore. This has been restored and is now open to the public.
St.Canice's Cathedral, dating from the 13th century is very impressive, both inside and out.
The Smithwicks Brewery building is in Parliament Street and produces its own brand beers as well as Budweiser and is open to the public during the peak summer season.
The National Craft Gallery, in Castle Yard, is a must-see for visitors. It features works by international as well as local craftspeople, much of which is worked on site.
If you want to stay in a hotel, guesthouse or B&B in Kilkenny there are plenty of choices in the city cente as well as on the outskirts. Many of the hotels now have leisure centres and the hotel staff will be happy to give you information on things to do locally.
Other towns in the county include:
Bennetsbridge, just south of Kilkenny city, famous for Chesneau Leather, Graiguenamanagh featuring Duiske Abbey, dating from the 13th century, Inistioge, south west of Graiguenamanagh, with nearby Woodstock House Demesne, now being restored to its 18th former glory, Thomastown, famous for Jerpoint Abbey, one of Ireland's finest monastic settlements,Mullinavat with nearby Clonhassey Waterfall, Castlecomer, an attractive little town in the hilly northern part of Kilkenny which lies in a wooded valley where the river Dinin is joined by a tributary from the west, Callan, an ancient market town, with a memorial in Kilkenny limestone to Edmund Ignatius Rice, founder of the Irish Christian Brothers, Gowran, with St.Mary's Church, is well worth a visit, featuring tombs, carvings and monuments.
Other Local Attractions/Activities
- Bishops Mountain Shooting Ground, Mullinavat
- Black Abbey, Kilkenny city
- Dunmore Cave, Ballyfoyle
- Foulksrath Castle, Ballyragget
- Kilfane Glen and Waterfall
- Kiltorcan Raceway Kart Circuit, Ballyhale
- Leisure Afloat, Kilkenny
- Nicholas Mosse Pottery
- Nore Valley Open Farm in Bennetsbridge
- Tynan Walking Tours, Kilkenny city
- Gowran Park racecourse, (3 day festival in October)
The river Nore is a noted trout and salmon river. The season dates from February 1st for Salmon and March 1st for trout to end of September each year. Angling permits are available from Kilkenny tourist Office and, in general from angling suppliers. The coarse angling enthusiast will find that the Graiguenamanagh area provides all his requirements.
Clay-pigeon shooting and horse riding are available in Mount Juliet Hotel & Golf Club, Thomastown, as well as a beautiful 18-hole golf course. Other golf courses include Callan, Kilkenny and Mountain View, Ballyhale.
Go with the Flow River Adventures in Graiguenamanagh is the place for those interested in canoeing. With its beautiful scenery, the county is very popular for walking with 'way marked ways' walking routes, which link many towns and villages.
Ireland In1 has a selection of hotels and B&B Accommodation in Kilkenny. To book your hotel or B&B use the search button on this page.
