Kilkenny

Kilkenny is the ideal place for a relaxing weekend of good food, great craic and fabulous shopping.

 

Things to see and do

Kilkenny’s historic past is famous around the world, with its ‘Medieval Mile’ of narrow lanes and ancient buildings strung between the castle and the cathedral, drawing tourists to the city for generations. The impressive Anglo-Norman castle is probably most visitors first stop but don’t forget to have a look around the fantastic grounds, in particular the Rose Garden. At the other end of the town is St Canice Cathedral, where you can climb one of the oldest towers in Ireland and have a view over the city and the surrounding countryside.

Some of Kilkenny’s other historic gems include the tudor merchant house of Rothe House, the spellbinding Black Abbey and the Shee Alms House that is home to the local tourist information office. As famous as Kilkenny is for its medieval history, the history of the city goes back much further. There is evidence of Mesolithic and Bronze Age settlement, and at Dunmore Cave visitors can learn about a Viking massacre that took place in 928 that is said to have claimed the lives of up to 1,000 people.

Read more in the November issue…