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Compared to the capital Dublin, I love Kilkenny as a place with a long history. Today, I'm taking everyone on a day trip to Kilkenny to visit places such as Kilkenny Castle, the National Museum of Design and Craft, Butler House & Garden, Black Abbey, and St Canice's Cathedral to experience the intersection of history and modernity.
👀 KILKENNY route overview (Google Map, please clickhere)
Kilkenny Castle Kilkenny Castle → National Design & Craft Gallery → Butler House & Garden → Black Abbey → St Canice's Cathedral
On our third day in Ireland, we finally left Dublin for a day trip to Kilkenny. The bus from Dublin City Station to Kilkenny MacDonagh Station takes about 1 hour 40 minutes and the return bus price is £17. We didn't plan any trips in advance today, so I'm sure there will be unexpected benefits even if you take a leisurely stroll.
📍 Kilkenny Castle Kilkenny Castle
💡 Location: The Parade, Collegepark, Kilkenny (map requestClick here)
💡 Official website:kilkennycastle.ie
💡 Opening hours: 09:00 AM - 5:30 PM
💡 Tickets: Standard €8 | Student €4
After about a 15-minute walk from the station, past River Nore River, you'll reach Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny Castle. It was originally built in 1195 to control the entry point of the River Noor and the intersection of several routes. It was later bought by the Butler family in 1391 and ruled the surrounding area for 600 years. In 1967, since the Butler family had begun to weaken, Arthur Butler, the last member of the family, symbolically sold the castle to the Irish Works Office after £50. Arthur Butler bought the land in front of the castle at the same time, hoping that the castle would not be abandoned and that the splendor of the day would last forever. The park inside the castle is free for the public to visit, and you need to buy a ticket to enter the castle's interior. Since we had visited other castles before, we just walked around the free area of the castle and left.
📍 National Design & Craft Gallery The National Design and Craft Museum
💡 Location: The Castle Yard, The Parade, Gardens, Kilkenny, Ireland (map requestClick here)
💡 Official website:NDCG.ie
💡 Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
💡 Tickets: Free
Opposite the castle is the National Design & Craft Gallery, which changes exhibitions every few months. When we visited, the Monumentality/Fragility exhibition was being held, and visitors could enter for free. The exhibition hall is divided into two areas, and there aren't many exhibits, so you'll be able to walk around soon. The museum's store has many exquisite and special products, most of which are works by local designers. Art lovers should definitely not miss this location.
📍 Butler House & Garden
💡 Location: 16 Patrick St, Gardens, Kilkenny (map requestClick here)
💡 Official website:butler.ie
Continue a little deeper and you'll reach Butler House & Garden. Built in 1783, this historic building has now been transformed into a four-star hotel and conference room. The garden outside is open to the public. The sky is reflected on the lake, with a circle of stones engraved with English letters, adding a sense of mystery.
📍 Black Abbey
💡 Location: Gardens, Kilkenny (Request map)Click here)
💡 Official website:dominicans.ie
Continuing to walk through the small shops along the way, it takes about 11 minutes to reach Black Abbey, a historic Catholic church. Built in 1225, this church has a history of over 700 years, and has experienced important historical events such as the Black Plague and the Commonwealth of England. It was officially established as a church in 1864. Although it may seem plain from the outside, in fact, the stained glass inside the church is very exquisite, telling many Catholic stories. Under the sunlight, it looks particularly dazzling.
📍 St Canice's Cathedral
💡 Location: The Close, Coach Rd, Kilkenny (map requestClick here)
💡 Official website:stcanicescathedral.ie
After about a five-minute walk from Black Abbey, we reached another church, St Canice's Cathedral. This church was also built in the 13th century and is the second-oldest church in Ireland's history. What is special about this church is the round tower next to it. It is believed to have been built in the 9th century and is the oldest building in Kilkenny. The garden tower was built to protect the people and treasures of the main religious site, and is currently one of the two round towers that visitors are allowed to climb in Ireland. From the 30-meter-high tower, you can enjoy beautiful views of the city of Kilkenny.
📍 Kilkenny Road Train Tour
💡 Location: The Parade, Dukesmeadows, Kilkenny (map requestClick here)
💡 Official website:kilkennyroadtraintours.com
If you don't want to spend time around like us, the town also has the Kilkenny Road Train Tour, which departs from Kilkenny Castle and takes visitors to all of Kilkenny's main attractions in 30 minutes.
🏠 Kilkenny Accommodation
We are nextlodgingsLocated about a 20-minute walk from Kilkenny Castle, the average night for two is £20 per person. Outside, the outdoor space is very large, and the owner has two friendly cats, one of whom likes to climb on our bed at night. This one also includes breakfast, and also has a private bathroom.
All in all, I like the historic place Kilkenny more than the capital Dublin. Although many of the attractions are unfamiliar to people, it is also possible to explore the characteristics and learn the story behind it on your own. Therefore, when you are in Ireland, you might as well take a day trip to experience the mixed atmosphere of history and modernity. Last stop, we will go to Bray (Bray), a seaside city in Ireland. Check out the full description of the tripThis is a travel note.
