Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kilkenny?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kilkenny?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Kilkenny, Ireland? Most people spend one to two days in Kilkenny during their visit. After all, the ancient town will let you tour the famous sights and museums, learn about the history of the town, taste delicious cuisine, and enjoy an evening out.
Kilkenny is home to the Kilkenny Castle. The town dates back 1,500 years and it has a medieval old town that is filled with churches, alleyways, and old city walls. There's also a number of outdoor adventures that make for a fun visit for kids and adults alike.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Kilkenny? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Kilkenny?
Three days is more than enough time to see everything that Kilkenny has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend one to two days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the cuisine, and the nightlife at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend 3 days in Kilkenny
Don't miss the Kilkenny Castle during your trip to Kilkenny, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.
Kilkenny is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored on foot.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Kilkenny, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.
A few tour suggestions include:
- The Medieval Mile Museum Guided Tour ($13)
- Medieval Mile Museum Self Guided Audio Tour ($10)
- Kilkenny Romance: Castles, Legends & Love Tour ($220)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.
The public transit in Kilkenny is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the town quite easily and affordably. There are city buses through town.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Shenanigans Walks - Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny ($29)
- Best of Kilkenny, two hour walking tour with a qualified guide ($13)
- Fun Family Walking Tour in Kilkenny ($220)
Kilkenny is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It's a medieval town with many historical churches and monasteries.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Shenanigans Walks - Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny ($29)
- Best of Kilkenny, two hour walking tour with a qualified guide ($13)
- Kilkenny Boat Trip ($17)
Is 4 days enough time in Kilkenny?
Four days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Kilkenny. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. You could also use Kilkenny as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
How to spend 4 days in Kilkenny
Having 4 days in Kilkenny will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the town.
Shopping in Kilkenny is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Kilkenny.
Is 5 days enough time in Kilkenny?
Five days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Kilkenny at your own pace to experience the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the cuisine, and the nightlife. Then you can use this spot as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
How to spend 5 days in Kilkenny
With 5 days in Kilkenny, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.
After you've explored most of Kilkenny, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Kilkenny.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Kilkenny, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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