24 Hours in Kilkenny Ireland

View of River Nore in Kilkenny, Ireland.

The town of Kilkenny is two and a half hours southwest of Dublin. You will follow the M9, a mostly flat but greenery-lined highway. The best thing about the relatively short drive is that it can easily be a day trip from Dublin or make it a stop on your broader road-trip itinerary.

Exterior of Kyteler’s Inn in Kilkenny, Ireland.

Morning:

When you arrive in Kilkenny, your first stop should be Kilkenny Castle.  This medieval castle has been standing for over 800 years and is full of history. You can find parking nearby on the street or in a parking lot but there aren’t any onsite. We parked at Black Abbey about a kilometer into town so that we would be in a more central location after the castle. Once at the castle, there is an entrance fee, but the self-guided tours are under ten euro, and you get to see well preserved artwork and artifacts. You can also explore the grounds and enjoy the gardens and surrounding park.

Ice cream on the River Nore with view of Matt the Millers pub in Kilkenny, Ireland.

Midday:

It is time to head into town for a bite. The curvy, cobblestoned streets are lined with pubs and restaurants with flowers hanging from the windows. Each building’s front had its own personality, and they weren’t shying away from bright colored facades.  I could not resist stopping for ice cream at a shop near the castle overlooking the River Nore.

Instead of going to the St. Canice’s Cathedral and climbing the round tower, after a long day of driving, we opted for a cold beer instead. However, it is recommended if you are looking for a little bit more adventure in your day in Kilkenny.

Exterior of the Pumphouse Pub in Kilkenny, Ireland

Evening:

Stop for fish and chips at Matt the Millers. It was a little touristy but still decent food and in a cool location. Scattered along the wood paneling were quirky signs from an older era. After dinner, you can either head back to Dublin or if you plan to stay in Kilkenny for the evening, find the next pub to spend the rest of the evening.

There is a lot of charm about a small Irish town at night.  The lights turn on and the streets and pubs fill with people out for a bite and some live music. Many places leave their doors or windows open so you can hear the fiddles, clanking glass, and chatter to draw you in.

We stayed in Kilkenny for the night at an Airbnb located above the Pumphouse Pub. How often do you get to say that you stayed above a pub? Though the accommodation was small and involved a shared bathroom, we were only staying for one night and did not mind. We loved the proximity to the bar where we felt like characters in a 90’s sitcom, walking downstairs to the local watering hole.

The Verdict:

Kilkenny is a lovely small Irish town to add to your itinerary. It is small enough to feel less like a tourist trap and more like a genuine experience. You can enjoy the walkable town with plenty of activities and sights.

Notable Restaurants:

Matt the Millers – classic pub along the river

Café La Coco – intimate café for a bite or coffee

Kyteler’s Inn - two story inn and pub

Blaa Blaa Blaa – sweets shop near the Kilkenny castle