The Final Draft > Things to Do Kilkenny for Families

What Are the Best Things to Do on a Family Trip to Kilkenny?

If you're looking for a family getaway that's packed with history, charm, and adventure, Kilkenny is a brilliant choice. This medieval city is a key destination in Ireland's Ancient East and is easy to explore, a perfectly sized place to bring kids, but full of sights and attractions that will entertain and capture the imaginations of both kids and adults.

From castle adventures to craft workshops and hikes to hands-on history, there are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kilkenny – all within a short stroll or a quick drive of each other. Whether you're planning to come for a weekend break or adding the city as a stop to a longer Irish road trip, here are a few of our favourite family attractions in Kilkenny to help you plan your family trip to the Marble City.

Kilkenny Castle

No visit to Kilkenny would feel right without visiting Kilkenny Castle, one of the coolest castles and most recognisable landmarks in Ireland. The history part might not enthral all, but younger kids will love exploring the grand halls, the thick-walled towers, and the beautifully restored rooms that bring centuries of Irish history to life, from Medieval to modern times. Guided tours are great for older kids who love stories of knights, kings, battles, and rebellion.

Outside, the castle grounds and parklands are the perfect place for a walk, a picnic (if it's warm and dry), or even just a run around or a game of chase to blow off some steam!

The Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny

While you might associate The Smithwick's Experience with its famous ale, it's actually one of Kilkenny's most engaging attractions for visitors of all ages. Housed on the historic site of the old St. Francis Abbey brewery, our guided brewery tour experience brings over 300 years of brewing history to life through stunning visuals, holographic and immersive storytelling, and interactive, sensory displays.

Children and teens will enjoy the sensory part of the journey in particular – the echoing sounds of the holographic monks in hallowed halls; the sounds of brewing machinery, the scent and feel of roasted barley or other ingredients, and all the colourful exhibits that make our history feel so alive. For adults, the experience offers a fascinating glimpse into Kilkenny's industrial and cultural heritage. Of course, there's a tasting opportunity at the end for those over 18, but families of all ages will appreciate the creativity and storytelling that make this Kilkenny brewery tour such a uniquely Irish experience.

The Medieval Mile Museum

If you want to dive deeper into the city's fascinating past, the Medieval Mile Museum is a must-see attraction. Located in the beautifully restored 13th-century St Mary's church, it tells the story of Kilkenny and its people through artefacts, sculpture, and multimedia exhibits that make medieval history come alive.

Interactive displays will help your little ones see what life was like in medieval Ireland, while older kids can explore some of the ancient treasures that have been uncovered in the city's archaeological digs. The museum's tours and activities are all designed with families in mind: short, engaging, and jam-packed with fascinating facts.

The National Reptile Zoo

This one is always a big hit with children: the National Reptile Zoo is just a short drive from Kilkenny city centre, and offers a completely different, scaly kind of adventure. The reptile zoo is home to snakes, turtles, lizards, crocodiles, and lots of other exotic creatures – not only reptiles but amphibians and invertebrates too – from around the world.

There are feeding sessions, talks, and handling experiences, all of which give brave visitors a chance to get up close and personal to learn more about these amazing animals. It's educational, exciting, and sure to be a highlight of the day and one of the kids' favourite memories from their trip.

Kilkenny Design Centre and the Craft Yard

Creative families will love the Kilkenny Design Centre, located just a short walk across from the castle. Here, you can browse Irish-made crafts, jewellery, textiles, and art in the craft capital of the country. You might even get the opportunity to watch artisans at work in the nearby Craft Yard.

For children, there are lots of beautifully crafted and colourful things around to pique curiosity, from colourful blown glasswork or fascinating woodworking demonstrations to magnificent jewellery. And when you're ready for a break, the café inside the Design Centre is perfect for a quick treat before continuing your Kilkenny family adventure.

Castlecomer Discovery Park

A short drive north of Kilkenny city will bring you to Castlecomer Discovery Park, one of the best outdoor attractions in Ireland for active families. The park is spread across 80 beautiful acres of scenic woodland, and it offers everything from walking trails and boating to thrilling zip-lines, axe-throwing adventures, and Ireland's longest tree-top walk.

You can explore nature trails, visit the craft village (there's one here too), or enjoy a picnic by the lake; it's a fantastic place to let the kids go a little wild, burn off some energy and experience the beauty of Ireland's countryside.