Kilkenny Attractions

Kilkenny is a vibrant and thriving centre of design, culture, theatre, and of course, medieval architecture. It is characterized by many very beautifully restored buildings, some of them dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, and all of them having survived repeated changes in political allegiance and fortunes over the years. If you explore further afield into the surrounding areas of county Kilkenny you'll discover natural wonders such as Dunmore Cave and family attractions such as Nore Park Valley Open Farm or the National Reptile Zoo. Below a list of the main attractions in Kilkenny.

	Dunmore Cave Consisting of a series of chambers formed over millions of years, the cave contains some of the finest calcite formations found in any Irish cave. Known to man for many centuries it is first mentioned in the 9th century Irish Triads. More details +
	Jerpoint Abbey An outstanding Cistercian abbey, a mile to the south-west of Thomastown, founded in the latter half of the 12th century by Donal MacGillapatrick, King of Ossory. More details +
	Kilkenny Castle A 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in an extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler Family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. The Castle was occupied from the 13th to the 20th century, with the Butler Family in residence from 1391 until 1935. More details +
	Nore Valley Park Open Farm The open farm offers many attractive options for an enjoyable visit. A wide variety of animals to see in a specially designed area with an American style fort in the centre as a viewing point. Help feed lambs or kids in season and handle chicks and rabbits. More details +
	St. Canice's Cathedral Saint Canice's Cathedral (Anglican), the second longest of Ireland's mediaeval cathedrals, provides a seminal influence on Kilkenny life. Except for the spire, which collapsed in 1332, the present building is largely unchanged from the 13th century. More details +
	St. Mary's Church Saint Mary's collegiate church was built in the late 13th century on the site of an earlier monastery. It was served by a "college" - clerics who lived in a community but who did not submit to the rule of a monastery. They lived in a house, now destroyed, beside the church. More details +
	Family Activities Kilkenny has a wide range of things to do for families. From activity centres where you can do anything from archery, climbing, watersports and karting to the many historic visitor attractions dotted throughout the region, you'll never run out of things to do. More details +