Independent editorial guide
Best things to do in Kilkenny
Best things to do in Kilkenny brings together eight independently selected places using official tourism records and venue information. The collection is designed as a practical starting point rather than a numbered ranking, so travellers can choose according to location, interests and accessibility needs.
By Patrick Cunningham · Reviewed 30 June 2026 · 3 min read · Curated, unpaid and unranked
In this guide
Activity,Experience,Gardens,Attraction,Garden,Historic · Houses · Castle,Cafe,Food
Shankill Castle and Gardens
Paulstown, County Kilkenny
Shankill Castle and Gardens is a distinctive County Kilkenny stop for visitors interested in activity,experience,gardens,attraction,garden,historic, houses, castle,cafe,food. It earns a place in this guide for the variety it adds to a county itinerary; confirm current opening arrangements and access details before travelling.
Activity,Experience,Walking · ,Walking,Gardens,Attraction,Garden,Cafe,Food · Drink,Nature
Kilkenny Castle Parkland
Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle Parkland is a distinctive County Kilkenny stop for visitors interested in activity,experience,walking, ,walking,gardens,attraction,garden,cafe,food, drink,nature. It earns a place in this guide for the variety it adds to a county itinerary; confirm current opening arrangements and access details before travelling.
Activity,Attraction,Historic · Houses · Castle,Museums
Medieval Mile Museum
Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
Medieval Mile Museum is a distinctive County Kilkenny stop for visitors interested in activity,attraction,historic, houses, castle,museums. It earns a place in this guide for the variety it adds to a county itinerary; confirm current opening arrangements and access details before travelling.
Activity,Experience,Gardening,Nature · Wildlife,Forest · Park,Park
Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum
Inistioge, County Kilkenny
Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum is a distinctive County Kilkenny stop for visitors interested in activity,experience,gardening,nature, wildlife,forest, park,park. It earns a place in this guide for the variety it adds to a county itinerary; confirm current opening arrangements and access details before travelling.
Activity,Experience,Attraction,Historic · Houses · Castle,Church
Black Abbey
Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny
Black Abbey is a distinctive County Kilkenny stop for visitors interested in activity,experience,attraction,historic, houses, castle,church. It earns a place in this guide for the variety it adds to a county itinerary; confirm current opening arrangements and access details before travelling.
Activity,Kayaking,Activity · Operator,Sailing,Walking · ,Walking,Zip
Canoeing and Boating at Castlecomer Discovery Park
Castlecomer, County Kilkenny
Canoeing and Boating at Castlecomer Discovery Park is a distinctive County Kilkenny stop for visitors interested in activity,kayaking,activity, operator,sailing,walking, ,walking,zip. It earns a place in this guide for the variety it adds to a county itinerary; confirm current opening arrangements and access details before travelling.
Activity · Experience · Climbing
Castlecomer Discovery Park and Visitor Centre
Castlecomer, County Kilkenny
Castlecomer Discovery Park and Visitor Centre is a distinctive County Kilkenny stop for visitors interested in activity, experience, climbing. It earns a place in this guide for the variety it adds to a county itinerary; confirm current opening arrangements and access details before travelling.
Activity,Experience,Attraction,Historic · Houses · Castle,Church
Duiske Abbey
Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny
Duiske Abbey is a distinctive County Kilkenny stop for visitors interested in activity,experience,attraction,historic, houses, castle,church. It earns a place in this guide for the variety it adds to a county itinerary; confirm current opening arrangements and access details before travelling.
Sources and review
Last reviewed 30 June 2026.
Selection methodology
Selections were reviewed against official tourism and venue sources on 2026-06-30. Inclusion is editorial, unpaid and unranked; availability, opening arrangements and facilities can change, so follow the official links before travelling.
- Fáilte Ireland activities and attractions (Fáilte Ireland) · Accessed 30 June 2026
Editorial standards · Request a correction · Advertising disclosure
Was this helpful?