Freshford Church, Kilkenny Design Centre, Kilkenny Castle, Canice Cathedral, Tullaherin Monastic Site, River Nore, Kells Mill Museum, Kilree Monastic Site, Jerpoint Abbey, Graiguenemanagh Abbey , Kilfane Church, Ullard Abbey

Kilkenny ( Cill Chainnigh ,) Population: 22179

County Kilkennyis located in the south east of Ireland and is one the most beautiful inland counties in the country boasting a wealth of beauty and heritage locations. The border of the county encroaches on Waterford City to the South and is surrounded by the counties of Laois, Carlow, Wexford, and Tipperary. The River Nore flows through the county and the River Suir forms the border with County Waterford. Brandon Hill is the highest point with an elevation of 515 m

I n Kilkenny, you will find bustling towns, picturesque villages and peaceful open countryside. It boasts a wealth of historic sites, abbeys, rivers, forest parks, natural wonders and scenic locations. Kilkenny City, which was once Ireland’s capital city, must be the finest medieval city in Ireland and boasts a wonderful array of activities and pursuits ranging from cultural and sporting amenities to a great nightlife and dining options. It is the most favoured inland location for weekend breaks and offer great choice and variety in all forms of accommodation. Kilkenny is famous for its Cat Laugh Comedy Festival each June Bank Holiday weekend

Kilkenny is renowned worldwide for its outstanding piece of architecture and one of the most instantly recognised buildings in Ireland, Kilkenny Castle. It has been an important site since Strongbow constructed the first castle, probably a wooden structure, in the 12th century.
William the Earl Marshall built the first stone castle on the site, which was completed in 1213. This was a square-shaped castle with towers at each corner; three of these original four towers survive to this day. Today, it is an imposing, wonderful vista that benignly dominates this small city. For much more detail click on our virtual tour above.

Throughout the county, beauty assails you. None more so than Inistioge, which is a small scenic village on the River Nore, 25 kilometres southeast of Kilkenny City. The intimate village provides the visitor with stunning views of the pastorals lands of the south east as well as serenity that can only be described by those who have been. Inistioge has been the scene for a number of films, most notably Circle of Friends and Tron. The picturesque Woodstock Estate is located just outside the village. Other larger towns to take in are Castlecomer to the north, Thomastown, close to Jerpoint Abbey and the wonderful Mount Juliet Hotel and Country club for golf and the fishing. Do not miss Graiguenamanagh, home to Duiske Abbey and the famous Duiske Glass shop.

Sport is a passion in County Kilkenny. Kilkenny are the most celebrated and successful hurling team of all time and continue to dominate. “The Cats” as they are nicknamed, are the benchmark by which all other teams and achievements are measured. Kilkenny is horse breeding and racing country with the popular and compact Gowran Park racecourse to the north of the county holding regular meetings. Greyhound breeding is also a big sport in this part of Ireland.

Whether it is the scenery, the music, the sport, the peace and the buzz, Kilkenny offers it in spades. Go now!

County population: 87,558 . Area: 2,061 km 2. County Colours: Black and Amber. County Nickname: The Cats. Industry: Dairy and cereal farming, Agri-food production, Brick and concrete products. Famous People: Eddie Keher, DJ Carey (hurling) Ignatius Rice (founder of the Christian Brothers).