Leisure

Check Availability

Arrival Date:  

Departure Date: 

Special Offers

Kilkenny Heritage Guide

The past echoes in every footstep as you walk through the medieval city of Kilkenny. Explore its ancient laneways, wonder at the majestic halls of Kilkenny Castle or experience the glory of 13th century Canice's Cathedral.

The county is just as rich in heritage and natural beauty. Feel the passion of past generations through places like Kells Priory and Woodstock Estate or reconnect with Nature in stunning natural settings like Dunmore Caves and Castlecomer Demesne.

Cathedrals, Churches, Ruins and Ancient Sites

Black Abbey, Kilkenny

Don't miss the Black Abbey, a Dominican Church founded in 1225 by William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, now restored to its original splendour with spectular stained glass windows.


St Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny

Worship has taken place here for over 800 years. See the wonderful stained glass and the large collection of ancient monuments. View Kilkenny and surrounding area from the 9th Century round tower (weather permitting) and see the seat of Bishop of Ossory dating back to 1120.


Duiske Abbey, Graiguenamanagh

Duiske Abbey is a fine example of an early Cistercian Abbey in Graiguenamanagh, a picturesque medieval river town.


Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown

Visit monastic ruins at this 12th century Cistercian abbey with a magnificently sculptured cloister arcade. Includes visitor and exhibition centre.

 

The history of Kilkenny is arguably best told through the ancient churches, sites and castles that still command a strong presence in the city and county.

 


Augustinan Friary, Callan: 1462 with one of the most ornamental sedilia in the county.


Ballylarkin Abbey, Freshford: Includes gothic features and a perfect sedilia.


Ballyraggett Castle: Tower house, bawn, rounded turrets and wishing chair.


Burnchurch Castle, Cuffesgrange: 15th century castle, internal passages and secret chamber on fourth floor.


Castlecomer Densne: features two fishing lakes and a sculpture park where installations can be seen throughout the wood


Donoghue Cemetery, Ballyragget: church ruins founded by St Patrick.


Edmund Ignatius Rice House, Callan: Open daily from 10am until 6opm


Grangefertagh Church and Round Tower, Johnstown: 30m high round tower at the site of an early monastery founded by St Ciaran of Saighir


Kilbline Castle: 14th C. Norman Tower


Kilfane Glen & Waterfall: 1790's Romantic Era Garden complete with Waterfall and Cottage Orne. Situated 2 miles north of Thomastown, off the N9.


Ossory Group of High Crosses- Killamery, Kilkieran, Kilree & Ahenny: the three crosses are all that remain of the 9th century monastery


Medieval Collegiate Church, St Mary's, Gowran: 1275, features a nave with aisles and long chancel


Sandford Castle, Inistioge: 1760's viewing area near Woodstock with panoramic views of village below.


St Mary's Cathedral, James' St, Kilkenny: Built in 1849 with traditional local limestone.


Tullaherin Church and Round Tower: 9th century six storey round tower.


Windgap Grotto and Coiseal: Europe's largest grotto and undeveloped prehistoric tombs.


  • Gift Vouchers
  • Competition
  • Weddings