Dublin Day Trips: Kilkenny

September is here and summer is nearly over – but not yet! It’s time for our final summer day trip in Dublin, and this time we’re taking you to Ireland’s Medieval City, Kilkenny (pronounced kuhl-keh-nee). Discover the brewing process behind local ales, explore hidden caves, and follow the fabled Medieval Mile on this easy city escape.

Why Visit Kilkenny?

Kilkenny is over 400 years old, and it shows: in the timeworn stone buildings and quaint cobbled alleyways, the secret corners and moss-clad ruins that surround the sleepy River Nore. History buffs love this place, but there’s something for everyone, whether it’s an outdoorsy retreat in Kilfane Glen with a side of city buzz, or a quirky shopping trip amongst centuries-old castles and Victorian townhouses.

And the best part? It’s super easy to get to – only 1.5 hrs by direct train. Keep reading to find out how you can get there.

Top 8 Things to Do in Kilkenny

1) Journey Back in Time along the Medieval Mile

We’re starting with Kilkenny’s best-known attraction: the Medieval Mile. Spanning from Kilkenny Castle to St Canice’s Cathedral, this walking trail takes you from modern day to 13th-century Ireland, where the Normans ruled and the trail buzzed with merchant houses, markets, and taverns. It’s the closest you’ll get to a time machine.

Begin at Kilkenny’s famous Anglo-Norman castle, originally built at the start of the 13th century. It’s since been extended and adapted over a long period of 800 years, adding up to what it is today: a magnificent collection of grand period rooms and tapestries surrounded by 50 acres of rose gardens and rolling parkland.

Don’t forget to stop at the Medieval Mile Museum, an old converted church only 5 minutes away from Kilkenny Castle.

Did You Know?

Despite its lavishness, Kilkenny Castle was sold for just £50 in 1967 to the Castle Restoration Committee to ensure its preservation and public access.

From here, book a guided tour from the museum or set off solo. You’ll pass a series of little side streets along with the Tholsel (‘tax hall’ in Old English), Black Abbey, the 13th-century Rothe House and Garden, and Kytler’s Inn. The Tholsel is Kilkenny’s historic town hall built in 1761 – but this is more than a place to pay your taxes. Legend has it that its distinctive clock tower witnessed some gruesome events, like the witch trial of Patronilla de Meath in 1324.

Finally, you’ll reach the oldest building in the entire city: St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower, with almost 1500 years of history. Explore the building’s gothic stonework and stained-glass windows before climbing the round tower for panoramic views of Kilkenny.

2) Get Lost in Kilkenny’s Historic Lanes and Alleyways

Kilkenny is full of winding cobbled lanes that snake through the city. The most famous is Butter Slip Lane, a narrow alleyway connecting the High Street with St Kieran’s Street.

Butter Slip gets its name from the butter vendors that used to sell their products along the passage in the 17th century. While you won’t find any artisan butter here anymore (you’ll have to locate the nearest corner shop we’re afraid), Butter Slip is as evocative as ever, with ancient stone archways, moss-covered walls, and quirky boutiques. The perfect place for an aesthetic Instagram post.

3) Explore the ‘Darkest Place in Ireland’

Where is the darkest place in Ireland? Well, according to the 9th-century Triads of Ireland, a collection of old Irish wisdom texts, it’s Dunmore Cave. While we can’t support this claim with any scientific evidence, we do know that you need a trusty guide and a torch to explore its depths.

The cave’s limestone chambers formed millions of years ago and were potentially the site of a Viking massacre in 928. Archaeologists have found the skeletal remains of at least 44 people, as well as collections of Anglo-Saxon coins believed to have fallen from Vikings’ pockets during the event.

Dunmore Cave is a bus ride away from the city centre, so make sure to plan ahead.

4) Tour a Famous Brewery

Nope, not the Guinness Factory – although it has been owned by Guinness since 1965.

Smithwick’s Brewery is a great alternative to Dublin’s Guinness Factory if you’re not a fan of ‘the black stuff’. Conveniently located on the Medieval Mile, it’s been brewing ale for centuries – and was, for a long time, Ireland’s oldest operating brewery.

While Kilkenny’s factory officially closed down in 2013, its boozy legacy lives on through The Smithwick’s Experience. Experts will lead you through 300 years of brewing tradition, from ingredients to technique and machinery – and of course, a pint to mark the end of the journey.

5) Immerse Yourself in Irish Art and Heritage

Art lovers should visit the Butler Gallery, one of Ireland’s best contemporary art galleries. Once tucked away in the basement of Kilkenny Castle, its collections now live in the beautiful Evans’ Home, a former 19th-century alms-house with modern accents. Here, you can explore 20th-century art alongside contemporary works by living artists. And the entry price? Free.

More interested in art you can own? Located in Kilkenny Castle’s former stables is the Kilkenny Design Centre, an impressive historic building housing the best of Irish artistry and craft. From pottery to fine jewellery and cosy knitwear, it’s a great place for a souvenir. Before you leave, stop at their award-winning restaurant upstairs for a slice of cake beneath old wooden beams.

6) Escape to Kilfane Glen

If you could live inside a fairytale, this is what it would look like: boulders thick with moss, light dappling through ancient forest, bluebells and babbling brooks – Kilfane Glen is Kilkenny’s own secret garden, just 7 miles outside the city, and it’s well worth a visit.

Inspired by the Romantic movement, the garden was designed by the Power family as a private retreat. Later, it was restored by the (aptly named) Moss family, who reopened the glen with a sculpture trail, white moon garden, and even a mysterious hall of mirrors. Wander along winding woodland paths and you’ll stumble upon a 30-foot waterfall and quaint thatched cottage straight out of a storybook.

7) Relax in a Medieval Tavern

After a day of exploration, it’s time to relax. Established in 1324, Kytler’s Inn is one of Ireland’s oldest pubs, complete with an open fire, stone walls, and rustic furniture.

In the 13th century, the pub was run by the notorious Dame Alice de Kytler, who, after amassing a small fortune, was accused of witchcraft and sentenced to be burned. Kytler managed to escape the execution, and the inn lived on with her. Today, it’s still serving up pints of Smithwick’s and hearty bowls of Irish stew to locals and tourists alike. Plus, they play live Irish trad throughout the summer.

Alternatively, drop into The Hole in the Wall, one of Ireland’s oldest Elizabethan townhouses. Run by a retired cardiologist as a passion project, this quirky venue is well known for its live music, from rock & roll to jazz and everything in between.

How to Get There

By Train: take a direct train from Dublin Heuston Station to Kilkenny Station. Trains run throughout the day and take roughly 1.5 hours.

By Bus: Multiple buses run frequently to Kilkenny but often take a little longer. Check the options here.

By Car: Renting a car might be the best option if you’d prefer to explore more of the city’s surroundings and natural beauty. Expect to drive each way for 1.5-2 hours. For tips on a no-car trip, see here.

From enchanting natural scenery to medieval towers and gothic cathedrals, Kilkenny is the perfect day trip for when you’re tired of Dublin. There’s no better way to celebrate the end of summer.

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