Smithwicks Brewery Experience
Brewed using the finest of ingredients and centuries of experience, meet the ale that has taken centuries of turbulent times on the chin and survived against all odds. Immerse yourself in the amazing heritage of the Smithwick’s family and enjoy a multi-sensory and interactive experience of what life was like at the St Frances Abbey Brewery over the past 300 years. Dive in head first and experience first-hand how to stir the mash and sniff the hops, learning what distinguishes this storied ale from lager and stout.
Rothe House & Gardens
Nestled in the centre of Ireland’s Medieval Mile, Rothe House and Garden is one of Kilkenny’s hidden gems. Built between 1594 and 1610 this was the home of the renowned merchant, landowner and Mayor of Kilkenny City, John Rothe Fitz Piers, his wife Rose Archer, and their twelve children.
Hole in the Wall
The Hole In The Wall is a new music venue situated in the heart of Kilkenny City. It is housed in the oldest surviving townhouse in Ireland – the 1582 Archer Inner House, 17 High St. The Elizabethan building with its tavern, snug and Archer room has been fully restored over the last 10 years and is now open to visitors for the first time in hundreds of years.
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle is a must visit during your stay in Kilkenny. Whether you take in a tour or just grab a coffee and take a stroll around the Castle gardens – it’s a lovely way to spend a couple of hours.
The Castle tands dramatically on a strategic height that commands a crossing on the River Nore and dominates the ‘High Town’ of Kilkenny City. Over the eight centuries of its existence, many additions and alterations have been made to the fabric of the building, making Kilkenny Castle today a complex structure of various architectural styles.
Jerpoint Abbey
Located just outside of Thomastown, this outstanding Cistercian abbey was founded in the second half of the 12th century. The church with its Romanesque details dates from this period. In the transept chapels the visitor can see 13th to 16th century tomb sculpture. The tower and cloister date from the 15th century. The chief delight of the Abbey is the sculptured cloister arcade with unique carvings. The Visitor Centre houses an interesting exhibition. Access for visitors with disabilities. Guided tours available.
St Canices Tower & Cathedral
St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower are an essential part of the structural heritage in the vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny. This ecclesiastical site was founded in the 6th century and named after St Canice. Cill Channigh is the Gaelic for the Church of Canice, the church that originally stood on the site in the 6th century. The Round Tower is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny City. Tourists can enjoy climbing the Round Tower capturing great views of the city (weather permitting). St Canice’s Round Tower is one of only two Round Towers that people can climb in Ireland.