Attractions Nearby Kilkenny, Day Trips and Excursions

(Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland)

In this beautiful corner of Southern Ireland, it's not difficult to discover fascinating day trips to historic sites, charming village attractions and medieval towns. Travelling by hire car is the best option by far, as bus services can be infrequent or irrelevant for your desired excursion.

Nearby counties, such as Waterford and Wexford, also have much to see and do, and are easily accessible on a day trip basis. Even the exceptional attractions of Dublin are less than two hours' drive away from Kilkenny on good roads.

Jerpoint Abbey

Address: Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 056 772 4623
This Cistercian Abbey, founded in the 12th century, is considered to be an outstanding example of its type for its Romanesque details and 13th- / 14th-century tomb sculptures. Its detailed cloisters are an architectural gem and Jerpoint Abbey now ranks as an Irish National Monument. The abbey certainly makes for a worthy day trip and stands on the outskirts of Thomastown, around 20 minutes to the south-east of Kilkenny and near to Ballydonnel.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00, June to mid-September; 10:00 to 17:00, Mid-September to end October; 10:00 to 16:00, November, daily; 10:00 to 17:00, March to end May, daily; closed December and January
Admission: charge, discounts for families and groups

Grennan Castle

Address: Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 056 775 1500
Another popular attraction situated in nearby Thomastown, this 13th-century Norman castle is now in ruins, but spectacular ruins nevertheless. Its looming, austere facade features massive 2.5-metre / 8-foot thick walls that even Cromwell's armies couldn't demolish when they attacked the castle in 1650. Perched high above the Nore River valley, the castle once boasted a great hall, a chapel and living quarters.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Dunmore Caves

Address: Castlecomer Road, Ballyfoyle, Dunmore, County Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 056 776 7726
Not for the fainthearted, this creepy cave complex is reputed to have been the site of 10th-century battles between Viking marauders and local people, with thousands of skeletons discovered when the caves were reopened, as well as some impressive calcite formations. Dark and mysterious, the caves can only be accessed by guided tour. Claustrophobics can stick with the museum and exhibition centre above ground. The Dunmore Caves are a mere 11 km / 7 miles to the north of Kilkenney, via the N77 Castlecomer Road, and the route is well signposted.
Open hours: March to June, daily - 09:30 to 17:00 ; July to September, daily - 09:30 to 18:30; October, Monday to Friday - 09:30 to 17:00; November and December, Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts for children, seniors, students, families and groups

Waterford

Address: County Waterford
Less than an hour's drive south of Kilkenny is Waterford, the oldest city in this historic country, famous for its crystal and its long military history. With its 'small town' Irish feel and its location along the banks of the River Suir, Waterford's ancient monuments, cultural quarters, museums, harbour and promenade, and large number of eateries and pubs, all combine to make this the perfect day trip destination.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Kells / Kells Augustinian Priory

Address: Kells, County Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, IE
The village of Kells is perched above the Kings River and is home to a ruined medieval Augustine monastery / priory, which is now a National Monument. Just a short drive from Kilkenny, this priory was built as long ago as the early 1190s, and today, these extensive ruins are actually some of the best preserved in the whole of Ireland. Close by, you may like to check out the Round Tower and also the High Cross, which dates from the 9th century.

Jenkinstown Park

Address: Jenkinstown Park, County Kilkenny, Ireland, IE
At just over 10 km / 6 miles to the north and situated directly south of Castlecomer, Jenkinstown Park is a pleasant place to escape city life and comes with an array of outside attractions, such as forest trails, scenic picnic spots, herds of friendly deer and a handicraft centre. A small landscaped garden commemorates the site of the grand old house that once stood here, while many specimen trees grace the parkland.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Woodstock Estate

Address: Inistioge, County Kilkenny, Ireland, IE
Located alongside the village of Inistioge, the Woodstock Estate lies next to the River Nore and was once the magnificent residence of the wealthy Tighe family. Sadly, the ruins of the elegant Woodstock House are all that remain to suggest its former grandeur, after serious fire damage in 1922, during the Irish Civil War. The gardens are still quite impressive and were initially landscaped over 160 years ago, today containing many mature plants and exotic trees, such as a giant Monkey Puzzle tree.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free