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Kilkenny Group Events

Introduction

Kilkenny is one of the most vibrant cities in Ireland, famous for its artisan wares, festivals, medieval architecture, lively pubs, trad music and incredible food. It’s a brilliant choice for your group trip or activities, with so many experiences to choose from!

7 Reasons to visit Kilkenny

1. To explore the 17th century capital of Ireland.
2. Because of its full calendar of festivals – focusing on music, art, comedy and this city’s incredible history.
3. To walk the medieval mile.
4. To discover some of the finest Irish crafts and artisanware in the creative heart of Ireland.
5. Because it’s a renowned foodie capital with incredible local delicacies and unique flavours to experience.
6. Because it was voted 9th friendliest city in the world.
7. To walk the halls of Kilkenny Castle and stroll the castle gardens on a sunny day.

Where to drink in Kilkenny

• Andrew Ryan’s Pub, Friary Street: A real locals pub and famous for its great music. If you’d like to mingle with locals and stay central, then this is a great pub choice for your group.
• Brewery Corner, Parliament Street: With over 100 craft beers to try, this central pub is a perfect choice if your group are real beer connoisseurs. 
• The Hole In The Wall, High Street: You’d be forgiven for missing this pub altogether but it’s well worth finding it if you can. With a small, cosy feel and a reputation for traditional storytelling sessions, you might just find you learn more about Kilkenny than on any official tour.

Getting to & around Kilkenny

Kilkenny City is very well connected and can be easily reached by train (via Irish Rail) or bus (via Bus Eireann) for your group trip. Once you’re in the city itself, the centre is very compact and can be explored easily on foot. It’s only if you’re planning on heading outside the city to view sights like Inistioge or Jer Abbey that you’ll need to consider transport options.

The 8 best things to see or do for groups in Kilkenny

1. The Black Abbey: If you’re into your history, then you’ll love one of the oldest churches in Kilkenny.
2. Kilkenny Castle & Park: The seat of power in Kilkenny, which was once the capital of Ireland, the castle is not to be missed. If you’re trying to keep a low budget, you can just visit the castle grounds and park without paying to go inside.
3. Butler Gallery: For all things contemporary art, this is one gallery you don’t want to miss and it’s right in the centre of the city, so no massive walk or travel time required.
4. St. Canice’s Cathedral Round Tower: This is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny and you can even walk up the tower (in good weather) for incredible views of the city and surrounds.
5. The Medieval Mile: Imagine you’re walking through the medieval streets of old Kilkenny in this quaint street with plenty of great pubs, shops and sights to see.
6. The Medieval Mile Museum: Discover the 800 years of Kilkenny’s history in this perfectly set museum.
7. Smithwicks Brewery: Fond of a pint? Take a tour and sample some local beers in this popular city centre brewery.
8. Kilkenny Design Centre: Discover beautiful crafts and artisan works by local Kilkenny and Irish artists who have honed their craft and earned their spots in this renowned creative hub.

When is the best time to travel to Kilkenny?

Kilkenny is a busy city all year round but your group will find it peaks when there are local festivals like the Kilkenny Tradfest (in March), the Roots Festival (in April-May), the Cat Laughs Festival (in June) or the Kilkenny Arts Festival (in August). If you’re keen on a bustling town centre and plenty of entertainment, then you should come down on one of these weekends. Otherwise, just check the calendar for a quieter weekend and you’ll have a much calmer experience of the city.

Is Kilkenny expensive?

Accommodation options in Kilkenny can be a bit limited, so may be expensive at peak times of the year. However, there is also a very broad range of group activities, meal venues and things to see and do in Kilkenny that are all reasonably priced.

Do we need to pay a deposit to book?

No! You don’t pay anything upfront when you submit your booking request through our website and there’s no commitment. We’ll check availability for your chosen item(s) and, only once we’ve confirmed everything, we’ll ask you to pay for your spot on the event/trip (the full cost of one person) as the non-refundable deposit to secure the booking.

Check out our full FAQs about how it works with us.