Kilkenny Walking Tour with a Born-and-Raised Local Guide (English)
Ring Rd, Springhill, Kilkenny, Ireland
Discover Kilkenny on a relaxed walking tour with a professional guide born and raised in the city. Explore the Medieval Mile through local stories, history and hidden details.
Cancellation policy
Review the supplier policy below before booking.
Duration 2 hours
Duration supplied by the experience provider.
Language
English
Group size
1–15 travelers
Full description
Discover Kilkenny with a guide who was born and raised here.
I'm John, a professional tour guide and Kilkenny local. On this relaxed two-hour walking tour, I'll introduce you to my hometown through its history, its people and the stories behind the streets and buildings you see today.
We'll explore Kilkenny's historic heart, from Kilkenny Castle to St Canice's Cathedral, taking in medieval streets, the Black Abbey, Rothe House, the old city walls and many other landmarks along the way.
But this isn't about memorising a long list of names and dates. I'll share the people, events and local stories that help bring Kilkenny's past to life, along with details that are easy to miss when exploring on your own.
Groups are kept small, with a maximum of 15 people, so there's plenty of time for questions. I'm also happy to share recommendations and local advice to help you make the most of the rest of your time in Kilkenny.
Duration: approximately 2 hours
Distance: approximately 4 km
Group size: maximum 15 people
Language: English
Please note: Sites and attractions are visited from the outside; admission fees are not included
Itinerary
Meeting Point – Kilkenny Crystal. Meet your guide on Rose Inn Street, opposite Kilkenny Crystal, where your introduction to Kilkenny begins.
Hurling Statue. Discover hurling, one of Ireland’s national sports and a huge part of life and local identity in Kilkenny.
John’s Bridge & the River Nore. Enjoy one of Kilkenny’s classic views and discover how the River Nore has shaped the city over the centuries.
County Hall. Discover another side of Kilkenny’s story and how the city developed beyond its medieval beginnings.
St John’s Priory. See the remains of a medieval priory and discover part of Kilkenny’s rich religious history.
Butler Gallery. Housed in a former almshouse, the Butler Gallery provides a link between Kilkenny’s historic buildings and the city’s cultural life today.
Carnegie Library. Discover the story behind Kilkenny’s historic library and its connection with philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
Great War Memorial. A place of remembrance for the people of Kilkenny who served and lost their lives during the First World War.
Evans Turret. See one of the surviving towers from Kilkenny’s medieval defences and imagine the city when it was surrounded by walls.
Green’s Bridge. Cross this elegant 18th-century bridge over the River Nore and see another side of Kilkenny.
Canice’s Place & Irishtown. Enter historic Irishtown and discover why medieval Kilkenny was once divided into separate towns.
St Canice’s Cathedral. See one of Kilkenny’s great medieval landmarks and its famous round tower while discovering the story of this historic part of the city.
Black Abbey. Discover the story of this 13th-century Dominican abbey and its place in Kilkenny’s turbulent history.
Kilkenny’s City Walls. See traces of the fortifications that once protected Kilkenny and imagine entering the medieval city through its fortified gates.
Rothe House. See this remarkable early-17th-century merchant’s house and discover what it tells us about life and commerce in historic Kilkenny.
Smithwick’s & Kilkenny’s Brewing Tradition! Discover Kilkenny’s long brewing tradition and the story of the Smithwick family’s connection with the city.
Grace’s Castle. Discover how a medieval residence became a courthouse and learn about the different roles this building has played in Kilkenny’s history.
Kyteler’s Inn & Alice Kyteler. Hear the extraordinary story of Alice Kyteler, a wealthy Kilkenny woman accused of witchcraft in the 14th century.
Butter Slip. Walk through one of Kilkenny’s most distinctive medieval passageways, once associated with the city’s butter market.
Kilkenny Castle. Finish outside Kilkenny’s most famous landmark and discover the story of the castle and the powerful Butler family.
What’s included
Included
- Guide
- 2-hour walking tour with a professional local guide, born and raised in Kilkenny.
Not included
- Admission fees to attractions and monuments are not included. All sites are visited from the outside.
Important information
Meeting point
Ring Rd, Springhill, Kilkenny, Ireland
Don’t forget
This is a walking tour of approximately 4 km and lasts around 2 hours. The route is mostly through the historic city centre. Please be aware that some streets and surfaces may be uneven. The tour takes place outdoors and normally operates in all weather conditions. Comfortable footwear, a bottle of water, and clothing suitable for the weather. A rain jacket or umbrella is recommended if rain is forecast.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation if cancelled more than 24 hours before start. 100% charge if cancelled within 24 hours of start.
Your host
VE
Verified Local Host
With GetExperience since 2026
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