The Medieval City of Kilkenny is an easy trip from Dublin – under 2 hours if you travel direct by car – and is a terrific day trip from Dublin by train.

But too many travelers consider Kilkenny as a ‘stop through' in route to another spot (usually Cork), which often leads to regret, as this small city has more than just a magnificent castle to offer visitors.

Kilkenny Castle was built at a fording point of the River Nore in 1159AD by William Marshall.

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Dublin to Kilkenny: Opt for a Day or a Longer Stay

The choice comes down to time: arrive by late morning for a full day in Kilkenny, or wind your way through Wicklow and reach the city by evening.

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The Quick Route: Arrive by Late Morning

This option is quite direct, with only one stop (but it's terrific), allowing you a full afternoon and evening in Kilkenny city.

Depart Dublin by 10am and plan a quick stop at the Rock of Dunamase, a wonderful castle ruin in COunty Laois.Stop at the Rock of Dunamase

Arrive to Kilkenny no later than 1pm and visit Kilkenny Castle first. (Kilkenny Castle is an OPW Heritage site.)

After visiting the castle you'll want to enjoy the highlights of Kilkenny.

I recommend joining the Shenanigans tour for fun history & a terrific overview of the city.

St. Canice's Cathedral and round tower

If you want to DIY your explorations,follow the Medieval Mile between the castle and St. Canice's Cathedral.

Highlights

• Medieval Mile Museum at St. Mary's Church – medieval relics, treasures & skeletons; highly interactive
• Kytelers Inn – parts of the building date to 13th or 14th century; an inn since 1639. Dame Alice Kyteler was the first recorded person condemned for witchcraft in Ireland. Now a pub with Irish music – terrific for dinner
• Smithwick's Experience – 300 years of brewing; ends with a pint
• St. Canice's Cathedral – oldest medieval building in the city, site of worship since the 6th century; one of 3 ancient round towers that can be climbed
• Kilkenny Design Centre – the former stables are a great place for gifts and souvenirs, specializing on local artisans and crafters

As attractions shut down it's time to think about dinner. A few tasty spots:

• Rafter’s Gastro Pub
• Kyteler’s Inn (amazing history)
• The Grapevine – tapas

Visit a pub this evening – just follow the music or look for the sign that Hole in the Wall is open (it will appear on the Medieval Mile).

The Scenic Route via County Wicklow: Arrive in the Evening

This route gives you a full day to explore the natural beauty of ‘the Garden County' and arrive in Kilkenny in the late afternoon or evening.

Wicklow highlights:

• Powerscourt Estate – the 3rd best gardens in the world. Also home to a lovley distillery and Ireland's tallest waterfall.
• Glendalough – 6th century monastic site, wonderful walks
• touring through Wicklow Mountains National Park
• photo-op at the Hollywood sign
• Avoca Woolen Mill – the oldest working woolen mill in Ireland
• Beyond the Trees Avondale

Unfortunately you won't make it to all of those sites in one day – 3 may be the limit.

Enjoy your first taste of Kilkenny this evening.

How to Spend a Full Day in Kilkenny City

If you enjoy a morning walk, kick off your day in Kilkenny with a stroll along the Canal Walk beginning at Canal Square, passing the hurling statue, and continuing along the River Nore. This trail skirts the Kilkenny Castle grounds, ending at Bennettsbridge Road, which winds back to Castle Road and The Parade past the castle gates.

Plan Kilkenny Castle for your first stop, then I would choose a tour- there are a few options, so you can choose the one that best fits your interests

• Shenanigans Kilkenny City Walk – with Nevin, great for history & a laugh, a terrific choice for families
• Kilkenny Daytime Food Tour – learn more about the city as you wander its streets, meet local food producers, and taste regional delicacies and global influences
• Kilkenny History Walk with Whiskey Tasting – learn about the city as you stroll through the medieval streets before enjoying a whiskey tasting at the city's oldest medieval inn
• Guided Cycling Tour of Kilkenny – another family friendly option, this tour takes in the city's highlights and a few ‘hidden spots' that you wouldn't reach as easily on foot

Break for a wee bite.
I really like the Kilkenny Cafe at Kilkenny Design Centre if you want something quick and easy.
If you would rather have a bite of something sweet and a cuppa, head to Cakeface – it's not far from the cathedral on the Medieval Mile – the flavors and presentation will blow you away.

Learn the sport of hurling in Kilkenny.

Sporty types – or those who enjoy a bit of activity with a good laugh – should consider the Hurling Experience. Kilkenny is known as the ‘Hurling Capital of Ireland and getting your hands on a hurley is like connecting with the heart of the Irish people.

Be sure to get to St. Canice's to climb the round tower, and if you enjoy a good pint make sure Smithwick's is part of your itinerary.

And if you have gifts to buy, or just want to pick up something special for yourself, visit the Kilkenny Design Centre across from the castle.

Wrap up your day with a great meal and live music – just follow your ears from pub to pub.

Where to stay in Kilkenny

Butler House – charming boutique inn, the former dower house of Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny River Court Hotel – perfectly located, across the river from the castle

Kilkenny Ormonde – 4-star boutique hotel, the only one in the city centre with a pool

Hotel Kilkenny – a great option for families located on the ‘ring road'

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