Ramble & Explore
all that Ireland’s Ancient East has to offer
Whether you’re planning a weekend seeing Kilkenny
or a week ticking Ireland’s headline attractions off your bucket list
Tubbrid Castle is the perfect place to stay.
On Our Doorstep
Castles & Cathedrals
In Kilkenny City, just a twenty-minute drive away, you can while away a leisurely day exploring secret cobblestone laneways, the impressive St Canice’s Cathedral and magnificent Kilkenny Castle, with its 50 acres of parkland. Step back in time at the immersive Medieval Mile Museum or delve into your family’s history at Rothe House- a museum, genealogy centre and walled garden all in one.
Hiking & Cycling
Picturesque rural Kilkenny is home to hiking trails of all levels. The 6km Crag Loop, which straddles the border between Kilkenny and Tipperary, is just a 15-minute drive away. You can take a gentle stroll by the River Nore or follow a moderately difficult but highly rewarding cycle trail of south Kilkenny’s pretty villages. If you want a bird’s eye view you can swing through the treetops at Ireland’s longest zipline in Castlecomer.
Food & Drink
The local brew, Smithwicks, can be enjoyed on a tour of the premises where it was first produced in 1710. For a leisurely brunch there are plenty of options with great coffee and a strong emphasis on local provenance. You can pick up everything for a perfect picnic from artisan delicatessens and sandwich shops, then for dinner tuck into Irish classics with a pint and some traditional music, or indulge in a great steak or a Michelin-starred meal.
Music & Arts
Kilkenny is home to lots of great festivals including the internationally-renowned Kilkenny Arts Festival, Ireland’s best-known comedy festival and several boutique music festivals. Each summer the city and county come alive with theatre performances, on-street music and art exhibitions at the Watergate Theatre, Set Theatre and venues throughout the county.
Golf & Angling
Ireland’s Ancient East has options aplenty for the avid golfer or angler. Within an hour’s drive are Mount Juliet, home to the 2020 Irish Open, The Heritage at Killenard and Kilkenny Golf Club, while Callan and Rathdowney have 18-hole courses within a 30-minute drive. Anglers can enjoy a peaceful day’s salmon or trout fishing at three sites in Kilkenny.
Craft & Shopping
Kilkenny is home to Ireland’s National Design and Craft Gallery which has regular exhibits showcasing Ireland’s handcrafts. You can tour producers including Nicholas Mosse Pottery, Jerpoint Glass and Cushendale Woollen Mills to learn how these artisans make their products, and pick up some high quality crafts to take home a true piece of Kilkenny.
A Little Further
Whichever direction you face, the rich diversity of Irish history and nature is on your doorstep. Dublin is just a ninety-minute drive away. You can take in the Rock of Cashel, Kinsale and Cork City in one day, Limerick, the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher another, and Galway and Connemara another.
Cork
(1h 30mins by car)
The Rebel County is home to the Blarney Stone, Spike Island, the English Market and quaint fishing villages like Kinsale and Ballycotton.
Dublin
(1h 30mins by car)
Ireland’s capital has beautiful architecture, stomping grounds of saints and scholars through the ages. Highlights include the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI), Trinity College, Christchurch Cathedral, Guinness Storehouse and Kilmainham Gaol.
Galway
(2h 15mins by car)
The City of the Tribes and unofficial cultural capital on Ireland’s west coast is home of the famous Claddagh ring, fresh Atlantic seafood, traditional music and mighty craic.
