Pat Tynan’s historical walking tour brings to life the history of this Mediaeval Capital of Ireland. The one-hour tour departs from the Tourist Office on Rose Inn St, Kilkenny. Tours for the Winter months November to March are by appointment only. Tours are held 7 days a week from mid March to October.
Saint Canice's Cathedral
Impressive Cathedral, completed in 1285. The second longest Cathedral in Ireland. Look out for the small-scale model of the city, as it was in 1640. Opening hours: January to March and October to December: Monday to Saturday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. Sundays 2pm to 4pm.
April, May and September: Monday to Saturday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. Sundays 2pm to 5pm.
June, July and August: Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm. Sundays 2pm to 6pm.
A restored 1594 Tudor merchant’s house. An interesting museum collection and an early 17th century garden are amongst many items of interest in addition to the house itself. Family research service available.
Open: April to October, Monday to Saturday 10.30am-5pm and Sundays 3pm-5pm. Closed in November 2010 for three months for conservation work.
Guided tours for large groups, book in advance. Cost: adults €5, senior citizens/students €4 Telephone: 056 7722893
A private collection of over 10,000 items that will take you back in time. A great history lesson! Well worth a visit. Monuments of history of Oliver Cromwell, King William, evictions and military display. Open 7 days, 10am-6pm. Admission fee.
A 12th century castle, remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parkland, was the principal seat of the Butler family. Two wings of the Castle have been restored to their 19th century splendour and include a library, drawing room and the magnificent long gallery. The final phase of restoration is complete and includes a state of the art conference centre which is situated in one of the castle’s 12th century towers. The River wing also houses the Butler Gallery of contemporary art.
Said to be the finest Cistercian monastic ruins in Ireland. Of particular note are the superb cloisters, some very early effigies and the east rose window. There is a visitor centre, accessible for disabled people, with exhibition and guide service.
Open daily. March to end of May, 10am to 5pm
June to mid September, 9.30am to 6pm
November, 10am to 4pm.
Rest of year, open for pre-arranged groups only. Last admission one hour before closing time.
Fascinating limestone cave. Viewing by guided tour. Visitor centre, tea room.
Opening hours: March to mid-June 9.30am-5pm
mid-June to mid-September 9.30am-6.30pm
mid-September to October 9.30am-5pm
November to March Saturday, Sunday and
Public Holidays 10am-5pm.
Last admission one hour before closing. Cost: Child/Student €1, Adults €3, Senior Citizens and Groups €2,
Family rate €8.
Duiske Abbey
An early Cistercian (1204) Abbey. Look out for the large effigy of the knight, known locally as the "Crusader" and the early mediaeval floor tiles.
There is also an Abbey Visitor Centre with a shop and an exhibition of Christian art which is open all year, Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm, closed at week-ends.
Location: Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny Telephone: 059 9724238