Kilkenny might not spring to mind as a summer break destination but the Marble City is full of charm, history and opportunities for everyone, something we found out during our weekend break there.
From the outset Kilkenny is buzzing with people yet manages to remain quaint in comparison to the country’s capital. It strikes the perfect balance between culture and fun, offering both historical attractions and nightspots.
Staying in Kilkenny
Staying in the city itself is probably the best way to go as it provides a great base from which to visit neighbouring towns and enables you to make the most of what Kilkenny has on offer.
Hotel Kilkenny, located just outside the city but within walking distance, provides a great base from which you can visit neighbouring towns and boasts a range of facilities including a kids club and swimming pool along with Taste Restaurant, Pure Bar and a buffet breakfast with warm breakfast options.
The city itself is brimming with attractions including the 100-foot tall medieval tower at St Canice’s Cathedral which gives you an incredible view of the city (as well as a few aches and pains the next day), the charming Chapter House Tea Rooms at St Mary’s Cathedral which serves up fresh scones and delicious chicken wraps and Kilkenny Castle from the 12th Century.
In the evenings, there is plenty on offer in terms of socialising. Our pick of the bunch would have to be Cafe Sol which has a Mediterranean feel with a focus on fish and local produce (the chocolate plate is to die for). For something more traditional, Hotel Pembroke is located in the city centre and offers good quality food in a relaxing setting.
The Left Bar seems to be the place to go for a post-dinner beverage and with live music and three storeys to choose from, it’s no surprise. However if you want something quieter, the Hole in the Wall is a restored Elizabethan building which offers an impressive wine list.
Venturing further afield
While there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Kilkenny city itself, there are a few unique experiences to be had further afield such as a Go With The Flow river adventure in Borris.
Fun for all the family, you can venture out on the river in a canoe or kayak for hours on end. Between tackling sections of rapids and sitting back to enjoy what nature has to offer, this is an incredible way to spend an afternoon.
Castlecomer Discovery Park is another worthwhile pit stop where you can spend the whole day challenging yourself with climbing walls (all of varying difficulties), a treetop obstacle course (which is 10 metres above the ground) and the leap of faith (the legs are fairly shaky after this one).
But that’s not all the park offers as, with over 80 acres of natural woodland, there are plenty of opportunities to explore and more than enough walking trails to choose from. But don’t worry if you’re not into your hiking because the picturesque scenery is also ideal for a relaxing stroll.
Also within the grounds are two rainbow trout fishing lakes which provide hours of angling fun. The visitor’s centre includes a coal mine exhibition and café which means you can keep your energy levels up and keep going all day long.
If you’re more of a creative type, Sevensisters Ceramics is half an hour away in the quiet town of Johnstown. Here you can embrace your artistic side with a craft master class during which you can make a range of products including plates, bird houses and magnets.
Catering for all abilities the workshops, held by award-winning ceramic artist Maeve Sookram, are great fun and the best thing is your masterpiece will be delivered to you once finished which means you have something to remind you of your stay.
Two’s company, three’s good craic
Kilkenny really is a great spot for all sorts of trips and visitors from families to couples to groups of friends and hen parties.
There really is a little something for everyone and plenty to keep you busy during the course of three or four days. More often than not the city has a festival or event on which is always a good excuse to head down for the weekend.
But, in all honesty, you don’t really need a reason for heading to one of Ireland’s most popular destinations. As is, it has everything you need to make your few days away enjoyable and there’s plenty to explore in and around the city.
