Things to Do in Kilkenny: Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, the Medieval Mile and Dunmore Cave

Kilkenny Castle is the focal point along the River Nore, and the Medieval Mile runs from its gates to St. Canice’s Cathedral. Start at the castle, walk the Mile, then climb the cathedral’s round tower for the view over the city. Rothe House and Dunmore Cave are the next two stops.

At a glance

• Top sights to see first: Kilkenny Castle, St Canice’s Cathedral, Rothe House and Garden
• Medieval Mile: from the Castle to St. Canice’s Cathedral
• Round tower climb: 121 steps
• Nore Valley Walk: 6 miles (10 km), linear, from the city centre along the River Nore
• Mildest months: July and August, highs of 68°F (20°C)

What are the best things to do in Kilkenny?

Kilkenny Castle

The Normans originally built the castle in 1195, and it later became an elegant estate. It stands on the River Nore, and the Medieval Mile begins at its gate.

Use the castle as the starting point of the day. From here the Medieval Mile leads straight to St. Canice’s Cathedral, so the rest of the city unfolds on foot.

St Canice’s Cathedral and its round tower

Christians have worshipped on this site since the 6th century. The round tower beside the cathedral is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny. It stands 100 feet (30 meters) tall and dates from the 9th century.

Visitors can climb its 121 steps for panoramic views of the city and the countryside. Wear shoes with a good grip for the climb.

The Medieval Mile and the Medieval Mile Museum

The Medieval Mile links St Canice’s Cathedral and the Anglo-Norman castle through the heart of the city. The Medieval Mile Museum sits on the 13th-century site of St Mary’s cruciform church and graveyard, and it is housed in the church itself.

Walk the Mile in one direction and you pass most of the central sights, so there is no need to backtrack.

Rothe House and Garden

Rothe House is Ireland’s best preserved late medieval merchant house. This Tudor townhouse has gardens and courtyards, and it sits on the Medieval Mile.

Its position on the Mile makes it an easy stop between the castle and the cathedral.

Jerpoint Abbey

The abbey was founded in the 12th century and is preserved from its 1158 origins. Guided tours take in the remains of a former medieval town.

Dunmore Cave

Dunmore Cave is a series of limestone chambers with calcite formations, and guided tours lead through its chambers.

It lies about 6 miles (9.3 km) from Kilkenny Castle, so it needs its own trip out of the city.

Kells Priory

Kells Priory is a collection of medieval tower houses within enclosed walls.

It is about 8 miles (12.5 km) from Kilkenny Castle.

When is the best time to visit Kilkenny for sightseeing?

July and August are the mildest months for walking between sights, with highs of 68°F (20°C). May reaches 61°F (16°C), and October still gets 57°F (14°C), so a jacket is enough for the round tower climb. In January the highs sit at 47°F (8°C), so dress warmly for the long stretches outdoors on the Medieval Mile.

Beaches and outdoor things to do in Kilkenny

The Nore Valley Walk is a 6 mile (10 km) linear trail that starts in the city centre and follows the River Nore. Because the trail is linear, plan how you will get back to town before you set out.

Castlecomer Discovery Park offers treetop walks, climbing walls, ziplines, canoeing and orienteering. For water, Kilkenny has tranquil lakes, gently meandering rivers and white water adventures.

Day trips from Kilkenny

Five trip ideas for Ireland’s Ancient East give a sense of how far a longer drive can go. They range from 3 to 5 days.

• Electric road trip in Ireland’s Ancient East: 3 days · 249 miles (401 km) · for electric car drivers
• Ireland’s Ancient East on Dublin’s doorstep: 3 days · 248 miles (399 km)
• Ireland’s Ancient East with your dog: 3 days · 227 miles (365 km) · for travelers with a dog
• Trails and tales from Ireland’s Ancient East: 4 days · 212 miles (342 km)
• Ireland’s Ancient East: a coastal odyssey: 5 days · 188 miles (303 km)

With only three days, take the dog-friendly route for the shortest distance of the three-day options.

What to eat in Kilkenny

Sullivan’s Taproom at 15/16 John’s Street serves pints and pizzas in its beer garden. The café at Nicholas Mosse Pottery makes scones with Little Mill flour. Arán Bakery and Deli is on Barrack St., and Cakeface Patisserie is on the Medieval Mile, so it fits easily into a sightseeing walk.

The Truffle Fairy has a boutique-style chocolate shop in Thomastown.

Things to do in Kilkenny at night

The Secret Garden Series holds performances at Kilkenny Castle Rose Garden, Butler House Garden, Heritage Council Garden and Rothe House Garden. Extended Secret Garden Music took place at The Walled Garden in Mount Juliet Estate on Sunday, August 9, at 3 p.m., and at Lyrath Estate Hotel on Sunday, August 16, at 3 p.m.

Open-air concerts return in July at Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre, a former quarry. The Irish Country Music Festival is held at Gowran Park, and the Town of Books Festival takes place in Graiguenamanagh. UPMC Nowlan Park opens its gates for the Gaelic Games season.

Things to do in Kilkenny with kids

Children can climb the 121 steps of the round tower, then look out over the city and the countryside. The Kilkenny Famine Experience is a free, self-guided audio-visual tour. The Coal Mining Museum & Exhibition offers an interactive digital tour experience.

At Jerpoint Park, daily guided heritage tours come with sheep dog herding demonstrations. Castlecomer Discovery Park has treetop walks, climbing walls, ziplines and canoeing. Dunmore Cave offers guided tours through its chambers.