The Final Draft > Top Walking Tours to Enjoy in Kilkenny
Top Walking Tours to Enjoy in Kilkenny
Kilkenny is a perfect city to discover on foot. As you wind down cobblestone streets and venture into hidden byways and passages, take the chance to uncover all the Marble City has to offer on one of its many guided walking tours. With an expert guide who knows the city inside out, you’ll not only enjoy the main sights but also receive an insider’s perspective on what makes the citytick. Through anecdotes that shape Kilkenny’s character and essence, let yourself be whisked away on a storytelling journey. Here are our top recommendations for walking tours in Kilkenny:
Shenanigans Walks
You’ve surely heard of Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile, the medieval trail running through the city. On a Shenanigans tour, you can discover the Medieval Mile in a wonderfully unique way. This tour blends magic, history, and comedy, making it perfect for anyone looking for an engaging and entertaining tour of the crown jewel of Ireland’s Ancient East. Shenanigans Walks introduces you to famous figures who once called Kilkenny home, including the infamous ‘witch’ Alice Kyteler and ‘The Greatest Knight who Ever Lived’. The storied past of the city is brought to life with charm, humour, and insight, making it suitable for all the family.
Ormonde Language Tours
Visitors hoping to discover the Marble City in their native tongue can opt for an Ormonde Language Tour of Kilkenny. Available in French, German, or English, this tour guides you through Kilkenny’s highlights, including St. John’s Priory, the Butler Gallery, the Black Abbey, Kilkenny Castle, and many more. It’s an ideal way to get acquainted with the city and its main sights in a variety of languages. This tour will immerse you in the rich history of Kilkenny while giving you a sense of its culture, character and charm as can only be experienced alongside a seasoned local.
Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours
For a different side of Kilkenny, experience the grisly tales and underside of the city on Kilkenny Dark Tours. This tour takes you to buildings with long and dark histories, sharing anecdotes from times gone by. While Kilkenny may look postcard-perfect during the daytime, it also has an intricate past and many narrow laneways to get lost in. As you traverse notable sights, you’ll uncover the fascinating darker side of this medieval city visitors rarely get the chance to see. Perfect for anyone hoping for something alternative in the Marble City.
Boat Trips Ireland: Kilkenny City Boat Tour
While this isn’t strictly a walking tour, a boat tour is an excellent way to explore the city from the water. Passing upstream along the calming flow of the River Nore you’ll be greeted by the medieval buildings such as Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral and Kilkenny’s Round Tower while hearing insights about the time and area from an expert guide. What’s more, you’ll be able to see the many famous and architecturally impressive bridges that speckle the Nore including St. John’s Bridge and Lady Desert Bridge. For those looking for a way to get stunning views of the city and water and a sweeping introduction to the city at large, a boat tour is the perfect way to spend ¾ of an hour getting acquainted with the city sights and sounds.
How Long does it take to walk the Medieval Mile in Kilkenny?
It takes roughly two and half hours, the first stop being at Kilkenny Castle dating back to the 13th century. They saw Kilkenny was founded in the 6th century as a monastic settlement, walked by the Normans and by the Middle Ages. Be sure to stop by the Smithwick’s Experience afterwards and grab a pint of Smithwick’s ale.
There are lots of free walking tours to enjoy in Kilkenny where you can explore the beauty and the history of the medieval city.