KILKENNY CASTLE

This superb castle is located on elevated ground beside the river at the south-eastern end of the city. The castle was built in the thirteenth century on the site of an earlier fort. However, the present building is vastly different from the stronghold erected by Strongbow in the middle ages. Despite this, the present structure retains the architectural lines of a medieval castle. The building forms three sides of a quadrangle, with three of the four original round towers intact. The Butlers, the Earls of Ormonde (an Hibernicised Norman clan), occupied the castle from the fourteenth century onwards. In modern times, the castle has been restored to its former glory by the state, and was officially open to the public in 1976. There is an exhibition hall open to the public in the Old Castle Stables.

ST. CANICE'S CATHEDRAL

St. Canice's was erected in the thirteenth century, and is accessible from Irishtown via St. Canice's Steps. The cathedral features a magnificent tower that offers impressive views of the city. The cathedral evolved over the centuries and was unfortunately damaged by Oliver Cromwell's troops in the seventeenth century. This Kilkenny landmark features a fascinating collection of monuments and tombs dating from the Tudor era.

BLACK ABBEY

William Marshall (Earl of Pembroke) founded the Black Abbey in 1225 for the Dominicans. This impressive building is situated on Abbey Street, and features a tower and some magnificent windows dating from the original the original structure. The Dominican abbey was dissolved in the sixteenth century and subsequently became a courthouse. Fortunately, the abbey was restored to its former glory in the nineteenth century enabling it to be reopened as a church. At the Abbey entrance, one can find a series of monumental slabs and stone coffins dating from the middle ages.

NATIONAL CRAFTS GALLERY

The National Crafts Gallery is located in Castle Yard directly across from Kilkenny Castle. This gallery was initiated by the Crafts Council of Ireland with the objective of stimulating an innovative and quality design ethos in the Irish crafts sector. The gallery boasts an impressive range of craft exhibitions that successfully communicate and showcase the cultural and commercial attributes of the craft sector in Ireland.

SHEE ALMS HOUSE

Shee Alms House is situated in Rose Inn Street and was founded in 1582 by Sir Richard Shee. The purpose of these institutions was to take care of the poor, and this Tudor Alms House is one of the last remaining buildings of its type still in existence in Ireland. The building has been recently restored and now accommodates the Kilkenny Tourist Office.

ROTHE HOUSE

This magnificent sixteenth century Tudor town house is situated on Parliament Street. Built in 1594 by John Rothe, the building consists of three houses with courtyards. Rothe House currently houses the museum and library of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society.
Within the museum there are a number of exhibits including period costume displays and a genealogical centre.

Nearby Attractions - Kilkenny County

Dunmore Cave

A well-developed Show Cave and exhibition centre. Admission is by guided tour only. Open 7 days a week until 31st Oct. with tours commencing at 9.30am. During winter months tours only on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays or by appointment.

Kells Augustinian Priory

An Augustinian Priory founded in 1193. Adjacent is an old mill recently restored with original features and structures open as a visitor centre and crafted area. Round Tower originally protected a wooden church. The Celtic cross dates from the 9th century and stands over the burial site of Niall Caille, High King of Ireland.

Jerpoint Abbey

12th C. finest Cistercian monastic ruins. Visitor and exhibition centre.

Kilfane Glen and Waterfall

1790's Romantic Era Garden, complete with Waterfall and Cottage Orné. A member of Houses, Castles and Gardens of Ireland Opening Hours: Sundays, 2 to 6, from the beginning of April to the end of September. During July and August, the garden is open every day from 11am to 6pm.

TULLAROAN

The Lory Meagher Homestead A 17th century thatched mansion recreated as it was
at the turn of this century. The Kilkenny GAA Exhibition centre and museum.

Woodstock. Inistioge.

Woodstock Gardens are located in the south east of Kilkenny just outside the picturesque village of Inistioge. The gardens, overlooking the River Nore Valley, offer the visitor a wide variety of attractions and are a most relaxing and beautiful environment in which to spend a day. The gardens are currently undergoing restoration by Kilkenny County Council and further features and planting are being added all the time.

The main development of Woodstock Gardens occurred in the Victorian Period with the works being overseen by Lady Louisa Tighe nee Lennox and head gardeners, Pierce Butler and later Charles McDonald. The gardens are being restored to the period 1840 -1890 with every effort being made to use plants and materials typical of the era.

Castlecomer Demesne

Castlecomer has always been known as the centre of the Leinster Coalfield and provides the natural gateway to discovering the region. The interpretative centre will use exciting multi-media techniques to present the rocks as a vivid document of the past, and in particular the fossils, brought to light by the miners of Castlecomer, which have made such an important contribution to mankind's knowledge of the first creatures to set foot on dry land.
A gift shop and café will provide an opportunity for the visitor to sample the Irish hospitality and relax in contemporary style surroundings. The visitor will be encouraged to explore Castlecomer Demesne and experience the dynamic landscape aided by interpreted and designed walks.

Jenkinstown Park

Consists of a walled deer park, picnic sites and forest walks through the mixed broadleaf and conifer plantations.

The Watergarden

Tranquil town garden owned and run by Jerpoint Camphill Community. Great Coffee and home baked goodies. Garden and Garden Centre.

Kilfane Glen and Waterfall

1790's Romantic Era Garden, complete with Waterfall and Cottage Orné.