Must-see places in Kilkenny

Kilkenny's Must-See Treasures

Kilkenny, known as the Marble City, features a dense concentration of medieval landmarks and cultural hubs. This selection includes the 17th-century Rothe House merchant complex, the 13th-century St. Mary’s Church—now the Medieval Mile Museum—and the expansive fifty-acre parkland surrounding Kilkenny Castle. The city's heritage is further reflected in the 18th-century architecture of Butler House, the industrial history of the Smithwick’s Brewery site, and the contemporary Irish design showcased at the National Craft Gallery.

Kilkenny's Must-See Treasures — Map

Eirian Evans / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

Lower Cathedral Building

Historic structure within the St. Canice’s Cathedral close, contributing to the city's medieval ecclesiastical complex.

Becky McReynolds / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Maudlin Castle

Maudlin Castle is a tower house which formed part of a medieval hospital and National Monument located in Kilkenny, Ireland.

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C

Butler House

Butler House is an 18th-century Georgian Dower house located in Kilkenny, Ireland.

Elisa.rolle / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Rothe House & Garden

A 17th-century merchant's townhouse complex comprising three distinct houses, courtyards, and a restored Tudor-style walled garden containing heritage fruit and vegetables.

Andreas F. Borchert / CC BY-SA 3.0 de

E

Medieval Mile Museum

Located in the 13th-century St. Mary’s Church, this museum displays civic treasures, including the 1609 Royal Charter and a collection of medieval stone carvings.

National Library of Ireland on The… / Public domain

F

Kilkenny MacDonagh

The city's primary railway station, originally opened in 1848 and later renamed in honor of Thomas MacDonagh, a leader of the 1916 Easter Rising.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

G

Kilkenny Castle Park

Fifty acres of landscaped grounds featuring a terraced rose garden, mature woodland walks, and a man-made lake adjacent to the River Nore.

Jelka Pekolj / CC-BY-SA

H

Saint Canice's Church

A 19th-century Roman Catholic parish church built in the Gothic Revival style, featuring a prominent spire and intricate interior stonework.

I

Craft Council Of Ireland

Headquartered in the former stable yard of Kilkenny Castle, this center promotes contemporary Irish craft through exhibitions at the National Craft Gallery.

J

Smithwick's Brewery Experience

A multi-sensory tour located on the site of a 13th-century Franciscan abbey, detailing the history of Ireland's oldest beer brand since its founding in 1710.

Other Lists

Kilkenny's Sacred Sites Kilkenny Parks and Gardens