Want to know all about Kilkenny but short on time? We have the perfect 12 hour itinerary for you! Being guided around Kilkenny by an experienced tour guide is the best way to learn everything about the medieval city in a short amount of time. From fun facts and local anecdotes on a Shenanigans Walking Tour and whetting your appetite discovering the flavours of Kilkenny on a Kilkenny Tasting Tour to ending your day on a relaxing boat trip to view the magnificent sights, Outdoor Kilkenny have created the ideal day out for you.
Morning
Start your day with a take away coffee and delicious pastry from Mocha’s Vintage Tea and then meet your Shenanigans tour guide at the gates of Kilkenny Castle. Remember to arrive 15 mins in advance so you can meet your group and get signed up. Booking in advance for walking tours is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Embark on a journey of medieval magic as you weave your way through the cobbled streets of Kilkenny along Ireland’s Medieval Mile and listen to the stories, anecdotes and fascinating hidden histories from local animated storyteller Nevin Cody.
Learn about the captivating history behind Kilkenny Castle, Rothe House & Gardens, St Canice’s Cathedral & Round tower, Kyteler’s Inn (home of the famous Kilkenny Witch) and so much more.
Learn the answers to the popular questions often asked by visitors…Where did the phrase “The Stinking Rich” originate? How was a 12” needle used to expose witches? Why are Kilkenny people called cats? and enjoy soaking up the knowledge shared by your excellent guide.
Following your tour, stop in for a light lunch in one of Kilkenny’s popular cafes such as The Kilkenny Design Centre Foodhall Café right across the road from the Castle Gates or Face 2 just a stroll away on Kieran Street.
Afternoon
Experience a real taste of Kilkenny in the afternoon on a Kilkenny Tasting Tour. Meet at the Town Hall about 15 minutes before your tour is set to commence and get ready to enjoy a taste of medieval Kilkenny as you are brought to interesting food spots along its cobbled streets.
This guided tour will take you back in time through Kilkenny’s Medieval heritage, tasting along the way to meet the makers, movers and shakers on the Kilkenny food scene and those behind the success of Kilkenny as winner of Ireland’s Top Foodie Destination for 2018.
Treat your taste buds to an experience like no other as tour guide Anne Neary, a culinary pioneer who has worked for over 30 years in the Kilkenny food sector leads you to taste finest food that Kilkenny food producers, retailers and restaurants have to offer.
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and costs €60 per person. Contact Anne on 086 2767656 for bookings or book online at www.kilkennytastingtours.com.
Evening
As the sun settles over the city take in the spectacular sights of Kilkenny from a different point of view. Embark on a relaxing and informative guided boat tour with Boatrips.ie in a traditional Irish Open-Boat on the historic river Nore as it flows through the city.
Learn of the often unspoken and local history that the river holds. Witness the wildlife that thrive in the urban environment and that have shared the waterways with man for thousands of years. See Kilkenny as both invaders and settlers did, entering the city by boat.
Be sure to bring your camera as you’ll have the opportunity to capture some very unique views of Kilkenny including a rarely viewed angle of the Castle, as seen from river level. The guides are friendly, entertaining and possess a love for the job they do.
The 30 minute boat trip in Kilkenny is by group booking only due to Covid 19. Boats cost €50 per group. To book your Boat Trip call Cliff on 00 353 (0)87 2061999 or visit www.boattrips.ie.
This evening enjoy dinner on the Riverview Terrace of the Kilkenny River Court Hotel where you can look out over the city and remark on a most memorable day.
What to Pack:
- Rain Jacket
- Comfortable and waterproof walking shoes
- Light/Fold up umberella (just in case)
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Sun Cream
