Things to Do in Kilkenny: Tours, Day Trips & Hotels

Ireland’s medieval city is an easy trip from Dublin. Walk the Medieval Mile, see Kilkenny Castle, cycle the River Nore or try hurling, then stay the night.

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Top things to do in Kilkenny

Kilkenny city is small enough to walk, but the best way to get its stories is with a local guide.

Walking tourThe Kilkenny City WalkKilkenny Castle, Rothe House, the Round Tower and the tale of Alice the witch.See tour → CyclingGuided Cycling Tour of KilkennyA 10km ride along river paths past the main sights. Bike included.See tour → On the riverKilkenny Boat TripSee the castle, the cathedral and river wildlife from the water.See tour → Food & drinkKilkenny Culinary TourIrish coffee, award-winning cheese and chocolate, and a Smithwick’s.See tour → SportKilkenny City Hurling ExperienceLearn hurling skills and drills with local coaches.See tour → FamiliesKilkenny City Detective MysteryA 4km self-guided murder mystery trail past the major sights.See tour →

Rothe House guided tour Sunset cycling tour Bike ‘n’ hike to Bennettsbridge Private boat trip The Big Escape

Book Kilkenny tours and tickets

Hurling, cycling, St Canice’s Cathedral and Kyteler’s Inn, with live availability.

Kilkenny day trips from Dublin

No car? These guided tours leave from Dublin and handle the transport for you.

From DublinKilkenny, Wicklow & GlendaloughMedieval Kilkenny, the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough in one day.See tour → By trainKilkenny & Waterford Crystal by TrainLeave Heuston Station by train for Kilkenny, then on to Waterford Crystal.See tour → From DublinRock of Cashel & Medieval KilkennyPair the Rock of Cashel with an afternoon in Kilkenny’s medieval streets.See tour →

Planning more? See our guide to day tours from Dublin.

More Kilkenny tours and activities

Getting to Kilkenny from Dublin

By bus

Express coaches run from Dublin to Kilkenny. Book ahead for a seat.

Book a bus ticket

By train

Trains to Kilkenny leave from Dublin’s Heuston Station.

By car

Drive south on the M9. Need wheels? Compare car hire in Dublin.

Hotels in Kilkenny

Stay over to see the city after the day-trippers leave. Search dates and compare prices.

Kilkenny FAQs

How do I get to Kilkenny from Dublin?

Take the train from Heuston Station, an express bus, or drive via the M9. You can also join a guided day tour from Dublin that handles the transport.

Can I visit Kilkenny as a day trip from Dublin?

Yes. Day tours from Dublin pair Kilkenny with Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains, Waterford Crystal or the Rock of Cashel.

What are the best things to do in Kilkenny?

Visit Kilkenny Castle, take a guided city walk, cycle along the River Nore, take a river boat trip, try hurling or tour Rothe House, a 17th-century merchant’s townhouse.

Can visitors try hurling in Kilkenny?

Yes. Hurling Tours Ireland runs hands-on hurling experiences in Kilkenny city, where local coaches teach the skills and drills.

Where should I stay in Kilkenny?

Staying in the city centre puts the castle, the Medieval Mile and the pubs within walking distance. Compare Kilkenny hotels and prices on this page.

Plan your Kilkenny trip

Castles, river walks, hurling and medieval streets, all a short trip from Dublin.

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