Hotel Kilkenny is situated 10 minutes walk from Kilkenny City Centre. Kilkenny County has so much to offer – river walks, outdoor activities and adventures, plenty of open spaces to enjoy. Please see a list below of all the great things to do in Kilkenny. Hotel Kilkenny is also located just 40 minutes away from the wonderful County of Waterford, where you can enjoy the spectacular Copper Coast. Located 30 minutes from Carlow which offers magnificent walks, gardens and picturesque scenery.
Activities & Adventures in Kilkenny
Castlecomer Discovery Park – Fun for all the family. Ireland’s longest over-water zipline and new Advanced High Ropes Course opened April 2016 adding to the existing Tree-Top Adventure Walk, Boating, Elf & Fairy Village and more.
National Reptile Zoo – Ireland’s only dedicated reptile zoo. Displaying over 100 animals and 50 species, from geckos to giant spiders, cobras to crocodiles. Located in Gowran Co. Kilkenny.
Kilkenny Activity Centre – Activities include Splatball, Bubble Soccer, Paintball, ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Assault Course and loads of fun.
Kilkenny Road Train Tours – A fantastic way to view the city is to take the Kilkenny City Road train. The tour starts at Kilkenny castle and brings you on a 30 minute tour the Medieval City.
The Castle Express -Meander along the picturesque lanes and streets of Kilkenny and let the Castle Express take you on a nostalgic journey reminiscent of the gone steam train.
Nore Valley Park – Explore and enjoy some fun on the farm. There is something to do for the whole family.
Hurling Tours Ireland – Hurling Tours Ireland provide a unique experience for tourists in Co. Kilkenny. They are involved in giving tourists an introduction to the ancient national sport, Hurling.
Go with the flow – Enjoy eco safaris and white-water adventures in Kilkenny and Carlow.
Kilkenny Cycling Tours – Enjoy a fun and easy paced two hour Guided Cycling Tour with Kilkenny Cycling Tours visiting historical and cultural sites around Kilkenny.
Boat Trip – Enjoy a historic boat trip on the river Nore as it flows through Kilkenny City.
Kiltoran Raceway – Kiltorcan Raceway caters for 2 and plus group sizes and offers race formats to suit most tastes.
KBowl – Located within The MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre.
Golf – Kilkenny is located in a golfing heartland. With many courses to choose from including Kilkenny Golf Club, Gowran Golf Club, Callan Golf Club and of course Mount Juliet Golf Course. Hotel Kilkenny can avail of special rates for all our guests so please let us know if you intend playing golf in the area during your stay and we would be delighted to book your Tee Times.
Walks to enjoy in Kilkenny & surrounding counties
Trail Kilkenny – Whether it’s a quiet stroll by the river or a hike up to the highest peak in Kilkenny to view the breathtaking scenery from the mountaintop, there is a trail to challenge your ability.
Kilkenny Castle – The castle stands majestically beside the River Nore. This landmark medieval castle was built in the 12th century.
Woodstock Gardens Inistioge – Meander through the formal and informal gardens, which date back to Victorian times. Find walled and terraced gardens.
Kilfane Glen & Waterfall – It is a picturesque paradise with a waterfall tumbling its way to a rushing stream and woodland paths.
The Barrow Way Experience a peaceful, natural atmosphere while walking beside the river on the walk.
Clashganny Looped Walk – Part of the barrow way, this walk is through an old wood which has had forestry cover present since the 1800s.
Copper Coast Walking Trail in Waterford – Located an hour from Kilkenny, enjoy a walk starting at Annestown beach and then take a looped route around the Anne Valley past Dunhill Castle, finishing back at the beach.
Tramore Beach – Tramore is 50 minutes from Kilkenny. Relax on the sandy beach or take part in one of the many activities on offer in Tramore, County Waterford.
Mount Leinster – 50 minutes from Kilkenny, you can hike Mount Lenister situated in County Carlow. Enjoy breath – taking views of the south east of Ireland from the top of the mountain.
History & Heritage in Kilkenny
Irelands Ancient East – Take a short break in Ireland’s Ancient East and visit places filled with quirky and memorable experiences. Your adventure through Ireland’s Ancient East awaits!
Medieval Mile Museum – Discover over 800 years of History at Kilkenny’s newest visitor attraction. Located in the heart of the city and the centre of Ireland’s Medieval Mile. Set in the 13th century St Mary’s church and graveyard we tell the stories of Kilkenny’s powerful patrons and inspired creators through the monuments and artefacts they left behind.
Smithwick’s Experience – Located in the heart of Ireland’s Medieval Mile in Kilkenny city and Ireland’s Ancient East you will learn how this famous ale is made in Kilkenny and it’s amazing history story
Jerpoint Abbey – About 18km southeast of Kilkenny, this is an outstanding Cistercian monastery. Founded in the latter half of the 12th century. Preserved in a peaceful country setting, one of the abbey’s highlights is a sculptured cloister arcade.
Jerpoint Glass Studio – At the last stop on the craft trail from Kilkenny to Stoneyford, you can witness the creation of Jerpoint Glass, which you’ve probably admiring all across Ireland. The lines of the glasses, goblets, and pitchers are simple and fluid, highlighted with swirls of colors.
Nicholas Mosse Pottery – In a former flour mill on the banks of the River Nore, this is the studio of internationally acclaimed Nicholas Mosse, a potter since age 7. Located in Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny.
Rothe House – Nestled in the centre of Ireland’s Medieval Mile, Rothe House and Garden is one of Kilkenny’s hidden gems.
St Canice’s Cathedral – Located at the northern end of the city, the church that gave Kilkenny its name. Built in the 13th century on the site of a 6th century church. Here you can climb the round tower overlooking the City.
Kells Priory – Kells Augustinian Priory is one of the best preserved in Ireland, it is a National Monument and a must see.
Black Abbey – A Dominican church, founded in 1225. The magnificent Rosary Window, is a stained-glass work of nearly 45 sq. m (484 sq. ft.) representing the 15 mysteries of the rosary, created in 1892 by Mayers of Munich. A must see and free of charge.
Dunmore Cave – This gloomy series of chambers, formed over millions of years, contains some fine calcite formations. Known to humans for many centuries, the cave may have been the site of Viking massacre in A.D 928.
