Visitor Attractions

Black Abbey

 
Founded in 1225 this is one of Ireland’s oldest churches and is still in use by the Dominicans by whom it was founded. Look out for the excellent examples of modern and antique stained glass windows, the wooden roof and the stonework. Nearby on Abbey St is the last existing remnant of the entrance gate in the medieval city walls.
 
Location:  Abbey St, Kilkenny Telephone: 056 7721279
 
 

Bus Tours

 
Rural Experience Bus Tours
Full day guided bus tours of Kilkenny County, including visits to gardens, museums, churches, craft studios and scenic attractions. Tours operate daily, year round. Tours available to other counties. Tours start and end in Kilkenny City and run from 9am to 5pm.  Private car and driver service available for day tours and longer breaks across Ireland.
 
Contact:  Amy McDonald  
Telephone: 056 7727590 / 087 6432130

Discovery Park

 
‘Footprints in Coal’ at the Castlecomer Discovery Park
An interactive multimedia exhibition dealing with the history and prehistory of the Castlecomer coalmines: coal formation, fossils and mining history. Other features in this multi-activity forest park include woodland walks, fishing lakes, children's adventure playground, picnic areas, animal sanctuary, design craft yard and Jarrow Café.
 
Open daily. May to August, 9.30am-5.30pm
September, October, March and April, 10am-5pm 
November to February, 10.30am-4.30pm. 

Duiske Abbey

 
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
 

Dunmore Cave

 
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.

Jerpoint Abbey

 
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.
 

Kells Priory

 
Spectacular Augustinian Priory ruins in the heart of Kilkenny countryside. Open all year. Free.
 
Location: Kells Village, Co Kilkenny
 

Kilkenny Castle

 
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.
 

Nore View Folk and Heritage Museum

 
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.
 
Contact: Seamus Lawlor Telephone: 056 7727749 
Location: Danesfort Rd, Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny  
 

Rothe House

 
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 

Pages