County Kilkenny information

County Kilkenny is in Southeast Ireland in the province of Leinster. It is a land locked county, surounded by the counties of Carlow, Laois, Wexford, Waterford and Tipperary. It is named after the city of Kilkenny.

Kilkenny is famous for two beers, the Kilkenny Beer and the Smithwicks Ale, famous the world over as the distinct taste. Why not try them on your visit to the County? One of the best pubs to try a pint in the county is Mick Doyles in Main St. Graiguenamanagh.

Image: Brandon Hill at Graiguenamanagh

Cities and towns

Below you will find a list of cities and towns within County Kilkenny. If a Further information link is available, please click on it to find detailed information including accommodation, restaurants, bars, pubs, shops and more...

Kilkenny - The capital city of County Kilkenny is an attractive medieval town. It is home to the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, held annually in early June - Further information

Ballyragget - small town really off the tourist trail. It has a nice square and a fine Roman Catholic church just behind the square.

Callan - Check out The Moat, a great example of a Motte-and-bailey. Or visit the childhood home of Edmund Rice, the founder of the Irish Christian Brothers.

Graiguenamanagh - Home of magnificent Duiske Abbey. This 13th century Cistercian monastery was once the largest in Ireland. Now used regularly for classical and trad concerts where the brilliant acoustics have thrilled audiences with music from such notables as the Vienna Boys Choir and Irish trad legends such as the Chieftains. The town is perched on the banks of the river Barrow and is a base camp for hillwalkers, cyclists and canoeists exploring the Blackstairs mountains and the Barrow river valley.

Castlecomer - The main town in north Kilkenny. Coal was mined here for over 300 years. Visit Castlecomer Discover Park and Footprints in Coal Experience to learn more.

Mooncoin - A town near Waterford City, made famous by the song "The Rose of Mooncoin".

Thomastown - On the river Nore, this town is famous for Jerpoint Abbey, Kilfane Glen gardens, and Mount Juliet Golf Course.

If you have transport be sure to visit Inistioge a quaint and beautifull village about 30 minutes from Kilkenny City set on the banks of the river Nore. It was used in the making of various films such as Circle of Friends and Widows Peak

Heritage Ireland Sites

There are four Heritage Ireland Sites in County Kilkenny. These sites are maintained by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Jerpoint Abbey - Thomastown. Built in the 12th Century. It is Ireland's finest Cistercian monastic ruin with a magnificantly sculptured cloister arcade. Includes visitor and exhibition centre.

Kilkenny Castle - Kilkenny. This stunning Norman Castle, which is the dominant feature in the city, is its principal attraction. Its huge forested gardens are beautiful to walk during the day.

Dunmore Caves - Dunmore, Co. Kilkenny (10km from Kilkenny city, off the N78). The show cave is incredibly well developed and is a wonder to walk around.

St. Mary's Church - Gowran, Co. Kilkenny. A 13th century church.

Other places to visit

Kilkenny Tourist Office is located on Rose Inn St, in Kilkenny City. It has lots of information about the city and county.

Brandon Hill - Graiguenamanagh. The highest mountain in County Kilkenny is an easy climb of 515m(1,6790ft). At the top there great views of the surrounding counties. There is a a cairn, an old cross and a plaque pointing out the features in the surrounding landscape.

Jenkinstown Park - (10km north of Kilkenny, 11km south of Castlecomer, off N78). The forested park is a nice place for a walk or a picnic. There are deer and some rare trees. During April the forest is carpeted by bluebells. It was once part of the Bryan-Bellew Estate, of which castle ruins and walls can still be seen. Thomas Moore wrote The Last Rose of Summer while staying at Jenkinstown House. Free.