The Final Draft > Twixmas in Kilkenny

Twixmas in Kilkenny

Those dozy, drifting days between the chaos and excess of Christmas Day and the countdown of New Year’s Eve often feel like a bit of a twilight zone; a dreamy stretch of time spent munching leftovers, snoozing, and watching old films.

Twixmas is a special time, and a rare chance to slow down and savour the quiet and calm of Kilkenny once the Christmas tidal wave of shoppers has ebbed away. With so many people off work and so many families gathered together, these days are a lovely opportunity to spend some quality time together and make the most of the Marble City at its most peaceful.

With that in mind, here are six wonderful things to do in Kilkenny this Twixmas…

Wander the Nore Valley Walk

If you’re craving fresh air after the Christmas festivities, a winter stroll along the Nore Valley Walk is the perfect Kilkenny escape. With a bit of luck, you’ll have one of those glorious bright Irish winter days, but even on a more overcast day you’ll find this walk to be peaceful and wonderfully scenic.

This riverside trail stretches between Kilkenny City and the charming little village of Bennettsbridge, though you may not want to do the full two-hour trek. Walk for as long (or as little) as you like, and enjoy the peaceful views of the River Nore, old stone bridges, and rolling fields misty with winter light. The path is generally easy underfoot, making it ideal for a relaxed Twixmas wander wrapped up in your warmest coat.

Take a winter walk through medieval Kilkenny

Kilkenny’s laneways and cobbled streets were made for strolling, and those quiet Twixmas days couldn’t be a more perfect time to do it. Wander some of Kilkenny’s best sights, from the winding paths of the Castle Park woods to the atmospheric Cathedral Quarter, where St. Canice’s tower looms over the rooftops.

Walk the Medieval Mile at your own pace, stopping from time to time in one of the myriad local cafes and pubs to have a rest and a refreshment.

The grounds of the castle are eerily beautiful at this time of year too; a different experience to their full bloom summer glory, but beautiful and peaceful to explore. It’s far too cold to hang out on the grass, but a walk here with a takeaway coffee (or mulled wine) is a beautiful way to spend a winter afternoon in Kilkenny.

Visit the Smithwick’s Experience

Twixmas is an ideal time to visit us here at the Smithwick’s Experience, especially if it has been on your bucket-list. The post-Christmas lull makes for a calmer brewery tour and smaller groups, and gives you a chance to relax and immerse yourself in centuries of Kilkenny brewing heritage, storytelling, and craftsmanship, far from the bustle of high season.
Whether you’re bringing visiting family, catching up with friends, or simply treating yourself, it’s the perfect moment to finish your tour with a relaxed, flavourful pint of Ireland’s oldest ale and enjoy the festive glow that still lingers around the city.

Explore Kilkenny’s Craft & Design

Kilkenny has a rich tradition of craftsmanship and design, and this is a lovely time of year to immerse yourself in it – especially as some places may be having their post-Christmas sales. Start at the National Design & Craft Gallery in Castle Yard. This is Ireland’s leading centre for contemporary craft and design, with regular exhibits showcasing everything from ceramics and glass to textiles and jewellery, all crafted by some of the country’s most innovative and skilled makers.

Just across the courtyard, the Kilkenny Design Centre is the perfect place to browse and shop for Irish-made gifts and artisan pieces; ideal if you’re picking up a last-minute present or simply treating yourself to a self-gift. Venture a little further into the city, and you’ll find plenty of independent studios and shops run by local makers.

Settle in for a pint

In the pre-Christmas buzz, Kilkenny’s pubs heave with people, parties and festive energy, the Barrel Yard included. But when Twixmas arrives, it brings a gentler atmosphere – warm fires, cosy chats, and a seat almost guaranteed.

Settle into one of the city’s historic pubs, sip a Smithwick’s, and soak in the comforting hum of a city catching its breath before the New Year.