Kilkenny has a rich and well documented history. Originally an ecclesiastical settlement, Kilkenny’s foundations can be traced back to a 6th century church dedicated to St Canice, giving its name to the town and county. Today, visitors can explore what is now St Canice Cathedral. The town was faced with many invasions throughout the years and was Norman-Irish by the 13th century. Interestingly, Kilkenny was the site of the earliest recorded witch trial in Irish history. Taking place in 1324, Dame Alice de Kyteler, along with her maidservant Petronella de Meath, were put on trial for being accused of practising witchcraft. Alice de Kyteler managed to flee while Petronella was tortured and ultimately burned at the stake, one of the first to be put to death in this way for the crime of heresy in Ireland. 20 years later, the Black Death swept Kilkenny and shook up its social structures, including the Norman-Irish stronghold on the area. In the mid 17th century, the area was overtaken by the English during the Cromwellian conquests of Ireland, until the 1798 Revolution.
Home to some of Ireland’s most beloved landmarks, Kilkenny is an undeniably fascinating city and county. A historic town with a wealth of culture and stories to tell, it’s an ideal place to familiarise yourself with Irish history, cultures and traditions. The town has its very own out-of-time feel, visiting feels like stepping out of a time machine and into a medieval Ireland. Combining history with the stunning surrounding countryside, Kilkenny manages to assert itself as a beautiful and delightfully well-rounded place to go explore while visiting Ireland.
Kilkenny castle and Bridge.
- © saul goodman / Shutterstock
About the town
St Canice’s Cathedral
The second largest cathedral in Ireland after St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, St Canice’s is a glorious example of “Celtic Christian” architectural features. Its 9th century round tower being the most obvious example of this.
A library was later established in the church by Bishop Thomas Otway and contains many precious religious texts and theological documents.
The distinctly medieval church is shaped like a crucifix, making it rather conservative and traditional. Visitors are free to take one of the guided tours of the church which are organised by the establishment from Monday to Saturday at 11am and 3pm. You can also do a self guided tour, freely exploring the church and learning about its history through the information plaques.You can book your tickets online in advance on their designated webpage. Tickets start at 3,50€ for kids and 6€ for adults and are valid for an entire day. You can also choose to go up the tower with a designated all day and tower ticket.
Kilkenny Castle
What was once a local symbol of Norman occupation is today one of Kilkenny’s most important and interesting landmarks. Built in 1260, the castle is a witness to all the changes and turmoil Kilkenny has seen over the centuries. Overlooking the Nore, the castle offers an impeccable vantage point.
The castle was sold to the Butler family in 1391, establishing themselves as local rulers. After the siege of Kilkenny by Oliver Cromwell in 1650, the then Lord Butler decided to remodel the castle into more of a “château” in 1661.
As the 20th century rolled around, it began to deteriorate as the family couldn’t manage with the upkeep due to financial and practical reasons. They sold the castle to the city of Kilkenny for £50. The castle now belongs to the people of Kilkenny.
The castle and its parklands are open to visitors seven days a week, please check specific opening and closing times on their website ahead of time. You can also book your tickets in advance online. Tickets start at €8 for adults. Be sure to stick around to see whatever temporary exhibition they have on, these really compliment your visit and you can find out more about them on their designated webpage.
Practical information about your visit
- Kilkenny is a beautiful old Irish town, so be sure to allow enough time there to be able to fully explore everything it has to offer. We recommend staying at least a couple of days.
- Just like everywhere else in Ireland, you’ll want to be prepared for all kinds of capricious weather. Make sure you pack a windbreaker and some rain gear, as you never quite know how it’s all going to turn.
Our favourite hotel in Kilkenny
Ireland
Mount Juliet Estate, Autograph Collection
Not far from Kilkenny town, stands the stunning Mount Juliet Estate. This historic Georgian Manor House dates back to 1757 and is now a breathtaking 5 star hotel in the heart of Kilkenny’s quiet countryside.How to get to Kilkenny?
By car:
- The town is easy to find, the roads to Kilkenny being well signposted. From Dublin, the drive into town is about an hour and 35 minutes via the M9.
- Find out more about parking in Kilkenny here.
By bus:
- Kilkenny is easy to reach by coach. To figure out the easiest bus route for you, visit the Official Bus Eireann website.
By plane:
- The nearest airport is Dublin airport.
