Sightseeing in Kilkenny - what to see. Complete travel guide

According to a local legend, the name of the city derived from Cill Chainnigh that meant “Chainnigh’s Church”. In the 6th century, a monk settled in this territory. He decided to build an abbey here. When the building was ready, people started settling near it. This is how a new settlement named Kilkenny appeared. During the period of Norman invasions, the settlement was divided into two parts – an English and Irish one. The two parts were merged only in the 40s of the 19th century. At that time, a giant castle owned by the Butler family starting from the 14th century was the main landmark of the city.
Naturally, it is not possible to visit this Irish city and forget to see the main pride of the region – the castle with the same name. This gorgeous building is located on the bank of the River Nore. Starting from the 12th century, the castle was a protective stronghold. Two centuries later, it became a property of the Butler family that made the building their residence. This family was powerful and very influential, so other people in the region were respecting the Butlers and a bit scared of them. The family remained the owners of the castle for six centuries. However, the Butlers passed the castle to the national committee that restored similar buildings in the 60s of the 20th century. Kilkenny Castle was deserted and damaged at that time.

Do you want to see a real Irish shrine? For this purpose, visit the St Canice's Cathedral built in the 13th century. This is the second-largest Catholic church in Ireland. The gorgeous building is an amazing example of the Gothic style. Tourists visit this church to see the mesmerizing old sculptures and gorgeous mosaics that cover walls of the famous cathedral. The cathedral has undergone many restorations over the centuries. Despite this fact, St Canice's Cathedral still has its original and fabulous look.

There is one more interesting landmark in Kilkenny – the Black Abbey. This monastery was founded in the 20s of the 13th century. The monastery got this unusual name because of the color of the robes that monks were wearing. Their robes were so dark that local people were a bit scared of them. Locals were even calling the monks “the brothers of darkness”. The abbey was restored several times, but there are still original elements such as the foundation, nave, and several tombstones. In recent years, there have been attempts to restore the old abbey. That being said, the abbey is open and many people come here to admire its beauty or to pray. Tourists can spend much time looking at the big stained-glass windows.

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City tours, excursions and tickets in Kilkenny and surroundings
Reference information
Survived castles around Kilkenny
♥ Castle 'Kilkenny Castle' , 0.5 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Burnchurch Castle' , 9.4 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Foulksrath Castle' , 11.7 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Shankill Castle' , 15.5 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'White’s Castle' , 18.7 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Kilkenny Castle' , 0.5 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Burnchurch Castle' , 9.4 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Foulksrath Castle' , 11.7 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Shankill Castle' , 15.5 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'White’s Castle' , 18.7 km from the center. On the map


Sights around Kilkenny from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
Hook Head Lighthouse
From the series “Top 15 Most Fascinating Lighthouses”
Check on the map:
Distance from Kilkenny center - 62.7 km.
The Hook Lighthouse is located on the island with the same name. An experienced travelers advice to visit it in summer. The old lighthouse has an outstanding modern tradition – every year there is celebrated the most mysterious holiday – Halloween. At that day there is placed a real costume procession and if you are a fan of the adrenaline rush, you have to be there. In the beginning of the 21st century, the lighthouse became available for tourists. Nowadays it is among the ten oldest lighthouses of the planet and the historical landmark of global significance. …
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Fulachtai Fia
From the series “15 Historical Monuments, with Riddles not yet Solved”
Check on the map:
Distance from Kilkenny center - 59.9 km.
The most popular and visited mound is located in the Irish National Heritage Park. This park has an outstanding open-air museum. There you can see how people lived thousand years ago. There has placed an interesting archaeological collection of showpieces, household items that were used by people in different times. Note that on the territory of the park you can order an interesting excursion. The experienced guide will acquaint you the ancient mounts too. …
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Sightseeing in Ireland: things to see


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Search touristic sites on the map of Kilkenny

