Day trip from Dublin
Kilkenny
Medieval Ireland at its finest
Approximately 1.5 hours from Dublin
Why visit
Kilkenny is one of Ireland's most rewarding compact cities, with a grand riverside castle at one end of its medieval core and St Canice's Cathedral at the other. Between them are colourful lanes, artisan shops and centuries of history.
Top things to see
- Kilkenny Castle and riverside park
- The Medieval Mile through the old city
- St Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower
- The atmospheric Butter Slip lane
- Rothe House and its restored gardens
Suggested one-day plan
Walk from the station to Kilkenny Castle and tour its restored rooms before strolling through the riverside park.
Follow the Medieval Mile for lunch among the colourful shopfronts and historic inns.
Visit St Canice's Cathedral, climb the round tower if open and explore Rothe House or the Smithwick's experience.
Enjoy an early meal in the old town before returning to the station.
Direct intercity trains run from Dublin Heuston to Kilkenny MacDonagh in around 1.5 hours. The historic centre is about a 10-minute walk from the station.
A full day (7–9 hours) gives enough time for the castle, Medieval Mile and cathedral without rushing.
- Advance train fares can be better value, especially at weekends.
- The round tower climb uses steep ladders and may close in poor weather.
- Most of central Kilkenny is easily explored on foot.