By Plane

The only way to fly to Kilkenny is if you fly yourself and land on Kilkenny airfield. For everyone else, the international airports near Kilkenny are:
Dublin Airpor- Ireland's biggest and busiest airport is a mere 117km from Kilkenny. JJ Kavanagh'srun a direct bus to Kilkenny city, or else catch a bus into Dublin city centre, then catch a bus or train from there.

By Train

Kilkenny Railway Station is on the top of St. John's Street, within easy walking distance of anywhere in the city centre. It was named MacDonagh Station after Thomas MacDonagh, one of the executed leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising.The station is on the Dublin - Waterford line, which also serves Athy, Carlow, Bagenalstown and Thomastown. There are 7 trains a day (Monday to Saturday) and 4 on Sunday in each direction.

By bus

Kilkenny Bus Station is located by the train station. This is one of two stops for the national bus company Bus Eireann. The train station is a ten minute walk from the Parade which is the heart of the city. Bus Eireann also stops on Ormonde Road a five minute walk to the Parade. JJ Kavanagh also stops on Ormonde Road.
Bus Eireann, the national bus company, JJ Kavanagh and Wild Rover Tours serve Kilkenny. JJ Kavanagh had a driect bus from Kilkenny to Dublin Airport.

By car

Carlow - about 30 mins. Take N9 primary road to Paulstown, then the N10 to Kilkenny.
Cork - about 2 hours. Take the N8 towards Fermoy. After Mitchelstown, turn right (N24) towards Cahir/Clonmel. About 8km after Clonmel, turn left (N76) and follow signposts for Kilkenny.

Kilkenny Tourist Office, Kilkenny Castle and Gardens, St. Canice's Cathedral, Black Abbey, Rothe House, Butler House, Kilkenny Design Centre, The Hole in The Wall

Kilkenny Tourist Office

Not only is this a great place to get information about Kilkenny, it is also a tourist attraction itself. It is in Shee Alms House, a Tudor building built in 1582. It was originally used by the church. before lawyer Richard Shee bought it as a home for the poor. Originally it cared for 12 homeless people, and continued in this purpose for 150 years.

Kilkenny Castle and Gardens

This stunning Norman Castle, which is the dominant feature in the city, is its principal attraction. It overlooks the River Nore. The Castle is three sided in shape. Inside The Great Hall is very impressive. Their is a beautiful rose garden to the front. Its huge forested gardens are beautiful to walk during the day. Access to the grounds is free.

St. Canice's Cathedral

Built over 800 years ago, this impressive Cathedral and round tower are one of Kilkenny's main attractions. It is the second largest medieval Cathedral in the country. With one of Ireland's only accessable Round Towers, on top of which one can see the most amazing view of Kilkenny, this is a must for anyone's trip to Kilkenny.The cathedral itself is wheelchair accessable.

Black Abbey

Abbey St. Founded in 1225, this impressive Dominican Abbey has beautiful stained glass windows and is itself surrounded by the old city walls. Near the Black Abbey, on Abbey Street is Black Freren Gate, the last surviving gate of the city walls. Free Admission.

Rothe House

A unique merchant's house built in the 16th Century. It comprises three houses in the one complex. Behind the house lies recently reinstated gardens. Rothe House contains Kilkenny's History Museum. €5 Adults, €3 for groups (10+).

Butler House

This stunning Chateau-like building is one of the residences of the Butler family that ruled Kilkenny for many years. During Arts week it has many exhibitions.

Kilkenny Design Centre

This fabulous stone structure, spanning 19 windows in width and semi circle in form was finished in 1800. The castle was the main house for the Butler family. This was the stables and through here you reached their town house, the aforementioned Butler House.

The Hole in The Wall

This quaint Elizebethan Tudor house dates from 1582 and features its own snug. It is a historically renowned tavern which has re-opened recently as a boutique arts venue. If its open you will see a swing sign on High Street.

Maudlin Tower

This tall tower dates from the 15th century. Their is no internal access but this tall tower is perfectly preserved externally and makes for fascinating viewing.

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