Ireland · KILKENNY TOURS
The good kilkenny tours fill up weeks ahead and the best go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes, and how they actually differ.
A one-hour guided visit to Smithwick’s Experience in Kilkenny, where you learn medieval brewing and finish with a real pint or tasting flight.
“Learned lots and is by far the best brewery tour we have been on”
A small-group walking tour through Kilkenny’s best sights, beer stories, medieval streets, and the famous witch legend, ending at Kyteler’s Inn.
“Lots of local history told with humor. Personable and knowledgeable tour guide with some magic mixed in.”
Relax on the River Nore with a small-group guided boat ride in Kilkenny, seeing the castle and St Canice’s Cathedral.
“We really enjoyed the boat trip along the beautiful River Nore. It was the perfect activity for our team bonding day—relaxing, fun, and suitable for all ages and interests. The tour guide shared fantastic local knowledge and fascinating tales from Kilkenny's history. Having a private boat for the 10 of us was a great bonus! I’ll definitely be recommending this experience to friends and family. Thank you for a great experience!”
A 2-hour, small-group walk through medieval Kilkenny with local guide John Britton, mixing key sights with lesser-known stops.
“John was a great tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. We did the tour with 5 adults and one very active toddler. John was kind and patient as the toddler had her own plans.”
A small-group ghost walk through Kilkenny’s darkest legends, from Kilkenny Castle to witch trials and Cromwell’s siege, led in English.
“Fantastic dose of history of one of the oldest cities in Ireland. Reflections on the hardships of past generations which make the current generation of Irish one of the most revered societies in the World today.”
45-minute guided River Nore boat from Canal Square for easy Kilkenny Castle views, local stories, and wildlife spotting, all for $17.
“Lovely trip and a helpful and informative guide in Elder.”
Guided tour of Kilkenny’s St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum, with a 13th-century church and graveyard stories, artefacts, and Black Death context.
“Had a great time learning about the history of the museum and the surrounding area. Our guide was an excellent speaker.”
Try hurling in Kilkenny with a local coach, practice with hurleys and sliotar, and learn the sport in about 90 minutes.
“We had so much fun! James explained all of the basics of the game and the deep history behind it. He used our phone to video our "match", something we will treasure. A great activity for our family, bringing us closer to our Irish roots!”
Walk Kilkennys Medieval Mile with Pat in a small group, hearing stories at castles, cathedrals, pubs, and the jail.
“Quite a bit of standing in one place for a long time. Could have included a spot to sit. 90 minute schedule turned into 110. We didn’t want to be rude so we stayed on. All in all it was great fun.”
Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile comes alive with local history, comedy, and audience magic from Nevin Cody. 75 minutes, rain or shine.
“This tour is fabulous! Nevin is not only well-informed about the local history (he’s a native of Kilkenny) but presents the information in an interesting and humorous way. And magic tricks with audience participation were a bonus. Book it now; it fills up.”
Tour Smithwick's beer in Kilkenny with monks origins, the Smithwick family story, brewing smells, and a complimentary pint.
“the tour was brilliant. the tour guide was excellent and made the experience all the better. Christy was his name, he was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining”
A low-cost self-guided audio tour of St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum in Kilkenny, with graveyard stories, high crosses, and child audio.
“Very interesting place and the graveyard stories were to die for !!! Lots of crypts history and beautiful history restoration”
Kilkenny’s medieval streets in 2 hours with a licensed guide. See St. Canice, Black Abbey, Irishtown, and Kilkenny Castle for $14.
“Great storytelling, plenty of facts and fun stories, wonderful tour !”
Meet a medieval knight in Kilkenny for a short walking tour with castle views, stop-by-stop stories, and armor and sword moments at Talbot Tower.
“This tour is best for families with their children. Our tour guide was good. Having kids on the tour would have been more fun!”
French guided 90 minute walk through medieval Kilkenny with John Britton, hitting key churches, alleys, and Kilkenny Castle. Mobile ticket.
“Excellente visite avec un guide très disponible et sympathique. Nous recommandons sans hésiter ! Il est le seul à Kilkenny à faire la visite en français.”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
