A 12th-century castle, a bustling crafts and design scene, time-honoured traditional pubs, cobbled lanes, and secret alleys – the medieval city of Kilkenny perfectly mixes small-town charm and big-city buzz.
Set within Ireland’s Ancient East and just 90 minutes from Dublin, the “Marble City” (so known for the many buildings built with local Kilkenny marble) is packed with colourful characters, amazing music and an electric atmosphere. Daily, you can pile on the culture with medieval showpieces such as Rothe House, Black Abbey, and the Medieval Mile Museum. Sip on Ireland’s oldest ale on a guided tour at Smithwick’s Brewery, or admire the design exhibitions at Kilkenny Design Centre or Kilkenny Art Gallery. After dark, Kilkenny amps things up with cracking trad music sessions, historic pubs and some of the best festivals on the island.
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