We knew it couldn’t last – the weather has been mighty, but in true Irish form, the change has to come and Met Eiréann have issued a weather warning for the weekend. But, a bit of rain, needn’t put a dampener on your weekend break in Kilkenny.
To help you make the most of your weekend, we’ve put together our top five rainy day activities in Kilkenny city and county…
1. Explore the chambers of Dunmore Caves
A visit to Dunmore Caves combines history and geology for an interesting and unique insight into County Kilkenny. Consisting of a series of chambers formed over millions of years, the cave contains some of the finest calcite formations found in any Irish cave. The cave has been known to man for many centuries and is first mentioned in the 9th century Irish Triads.
Admission to the cave is by guided tour only and tours are only €5 per person.
2. Follow in Royal Footsteps at Kilkenny Castle
After hosting royalty this week with Charles and Camilla’s visit to Ireland, Kilkenny Castle will be in tip top shape for a browse over the weekend and is the perfect way to while away a couple of hours out of the rain.
Kilkenny Castle is a 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. Kilkenny Castle was built to control a fording-point of the River Nore and the junction of several routeways and was a symbol of Norman occupation. Much have the Castle has been restored and you will be in awe at the splendour as your stroll around the corridors and grand rooms.
Pop on a rain jacket and end your visit with a walk around the gardens – you won’t be disappointed.
3. Slow Down with the Turtles at the Reptile Zoo
A great one for the kids – and completely indoors – is the National Reptile Zoo at Gowran.
Along with all their usual scaley friends, all throughout the month of May they will be showcasing the Turtles and Tortoises. They will feature special encounter sessions so you can learn all about them, their habitat, how we care for them in the Zoo and the struggles they face in the wild.
4. Something for Your Sweet Tooth at Cakeface Patisserie
If you’re anything like me, gloomy weather makes me want to treat myself – and there’s only one place to do it in Kilkenny….Cakeface Patisserie.
Located on the ‘medieval mile’ between St’ Canice’s Cathedral and High St., Cakeface Patisserie offers a unique and quirky range of sweet treats and dessert all handmade by owners, Laura & Rory. Sit and enjoy the best coffee in Kilkenny and take in the buzz of this busy patisserie while your taste buds will be taken on an absolute adventure with their delectable desserts!
5. Visit Kilkenny’s newest attraction, the Medieval Mile Museum
For a long time, there was no single attraction that told Kilkenny’s full story, until the launch of the Medieval Mile Museum, in the old St Mary’s Church.
The 13th century church and graveyard is the finest example of a medieval church in Ireland and is the starting point of the ‘Medieval Mile’ trail,. Now a museum, it brings to life Kilkenny’s history as Ireland’s premier medieval city. Displays of Kilkenny’s civic treasures and replicas of some of the High Crosses of Ossory illustrate the local Gaelic monastic heritage and the ancient city’s historic role in Ireland.
Kilkenny’s 800-year story is told with a contemporary twist within the new museum. The customer experience contains a long colourful interactive table similar to a giant iPad, an elongated plasma TV screen and projected imagery onto a giant wall allowing visitors to get immersed in the rich history with the aid of modern technology.
It is fantastic to have such an international standard attraction in Kilkenny and definitely a must-visit for any visitor to Ireland’s Ancient East.