Kilkenny is a medieval city in the South East of Ireland. It is built on both banks of the River Nore and has deep religious roots and many churches and monasteries, including St. Canice’s Cathedral and the Black Abbey Dominican priory, both from the 13th century.
If you want to know more about the history of Kilkenny City, here are some ideas about a one day trip, which will tell you everything you need to know about the medieval capital of Ireland.
We will start our journey with Kilkenny Castle, right in the center of Killenny City. it is a 12th century castle surrounded by a beautiful park and gardens. It is open every day from 9 until 5.30 pm and I advise you to book a guided tour which will give you the history of the castle from the early 12th century until present as well as the story of Butler family, who owned the castle from 1391 until the end of the 20th century.
After visiting Kilkenny castle, St Mary’s cathedral is just a 5 minutes walk, on James Street.
This is a magnificent cathedral built at the end of 19th century, made from cut-limestone, which was sourced locally. The architecture is using the Early English Gothic Style, which was predominating from the end of 12th century to mid 13th century. It is situated on the highest point of Kilkenny city and it is a must see on your check list when visiting Kilkenny.
From James Street to St Kieran’s Street is only a 5 minutes walk. If you are looking for a place to eat, Kytelers Inn is the perfect place for you.
This place not only has the best food in Kilkenny, but it is a place with its own history. Kyteler’s Inn was first established by Dame Alice de Kyteler in the 13th century and it is one of the oldest inns in Ireland. Alice de Kyteler was daughter of a banker and she was very wealthy woman. She was accused of witchcraft and sentenced to be burned, but she managed to leave the country to England, before the execution took place. So if you want to enjoy good food and drink while listening to live music, Kyteler’s Inn is the perfect place to spend your afternoon.
We will finish this day out with St. Canice’s Cathedral, called also Kilkenny Cathedral.
It was built in the 13th century and it is the second largest cathedral in Ireland. Beside the cathedral there is a 9th century 100 ft round tower, from where you can admire panoramic views of Kilkenny City. The tower is well preserved and is one of only three such medieval towers in Ireland that can be still climbed to the top. The cathedral was built in the same style as St Mary’s Cathedral, Early English Gothic Style, from limestone and marble. It contains some of the finest ancient monuments in Ireland, including tombs of several bishops and owners of Kilkenny Castle.
After visiting St Canice’s Cathedral, the day is not over yet. Kilkenny City is known for the multitude of pubs and restaurants and for the busy night life. If you want to have a nice evening meal, We would suggest heading back to Kilkenny Castle. Opposite Kilkenny castle there is Rinucinni Restaurant, which is a lovely Italian style restaurant with savories dishes.
After you finish dinner and you still don’t want to go back to the hotel, Left Bank is just 10 m away from Rinuccini, and it is the most popular events and night time center in Kilkenny.