Kilkenny Castle (30 mins away) is a 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times which is set in extensive parklands and was the principal seat of the Butler family in Kilkenny. Rooms on view include the library, drawing room & bedrooms decorated in 1830s splendour, as well as the Long Gallery. A suite of former servants’ rooms now forms the Butler Art Gallery which mounts frequently changing exhibitions of contemporary art. There is an extensive,
well cultivated park with a children’s playground. Self-tour duration 1 hour. Delays often occur in summer months.
Hook Lighthouse Wexford (1.5 hrs away) It was built in the 13th century, but is still fully functional today.It offers a unique insight into the role lighthouses play in navigation of Irish waters. A guided tour culminates in spectacular views from the balcony. Cafe, bakery & gift shop are all part of this facility. Events & art workshops are run throughout the year. Queues on busy days.
Rothe House (30 mins away) is the only example of an early 17th century merchant’s townhouse in Ireland. It displays many artefacts of Kilkenny history throughout the ages.The garden is a reconstruction of a 17th century urban garden. Centre of genealogy in Kilkenny for tracing family trees. Events are held throughout year but require booking to avoid disappointment.
Cahir Castle, one of the largest castles in Ireland, is sited on an island in the river Suir. It was built in 1142 by Conor O'Brien, Prince of Thomond. Now situated in Cahir town centre, South Tipperary the castle is well preserved and has guided tour through its winding corridors and audiovisual shows in multiple languages.
The Augustine priory of Kells is situated alongside King's River beside the village of Kells, about 15km south of the medieval city of Kilkenny. One of its most striking features is a collection of medieval tower houses spaced at intervals along and within walls which enclose a site of just over 3 acres. These give the priory the appearance more of a fortress than of a place of worship and from them comes its local name of 'Seven Castles of Kells'.
Kells Priory was founded by Geoffrey FitzRobert in 1193. FitzRobert was brother-in-law to Strongbow and the priory succeeded an earlier church which was dedicated to St Mary, the Blessed Virgin and served as parish church to nearby Kells village. During its first century and a half the priory was attacked and burned on three occasions.
Opening Months:
29 June - 27 August - Wednesday - Sunday inclusive 09.30 - 17.00 | Guided tours available. Last guided tour at 16.30 Tours by prior arrangement.
Rock of Cashel Tipperary (1 hour
away) is one of Ireland’s premier
heritage sites and dates back to the
12th century. Historically the site
was the seat of the kings of Munster.
The site consists of a round tower, chapel, cathedral and commands beautiful views of surrounding countryside. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutess but allow 1-1.5 hours for your visit.
Heritage Park Wexford (1 hr away) is a 35 acre site of Irish heritage throughout the ages, with 16 faithful reconstructions in a natural setting. You can go on guided tours or walk around at your own pace (audio tour available). To take full advantage of this park, allow a minimum of 2 hours. The facilities include a restaurant and a shop.
Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, (15 mins. away) was founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks. It is noted for its stone carvings and Romanesque features. The Visitor centre has an exhibition & guided tours are available. Tour
time 1 hour. Access for disabled visitors.
Black Abbey (30 mins away) was founded by William Marshall the Younger, for the Dominican Friars in 1225, the Black Abbey was at the centre of civic life in Kilkenny for centuries. Its modern and antique stained glass windows are stunning & there are fascinating statues and relics on display there.
St Canice’s Cathedral (30 mins away) was founded in the 6th century. This jewel of Gothic architecture is also a venue for events. Visitors can climb the round tower (only one of the two towers that can still be climbed in Ireland) and enjoy beautiful views of Kilkenny city. Sacred music is performed here during the year. Sacred music is performed here during the year.
The Hole in the Wall,
Kilkenny's renowned 16th century tavern. It is housed in the oldest surviving townhouse in Ireland - the 1582 Archer Inner House, 17 High Street. Fully restored over the past 10 years, the Elizabethan building with its tavern, snug and Archer
Room are now open to visitors for the first time in hundreds of years. Tours currently take place on the weekends and evenings that describe the story of the house against the backdrop of the complex history of political and religious change in Kilkenny over the past 400 years. The house is wonderful to explore with its surviving 16th century features. The tavern evokes the time when the Duke of Wellington and other notables were nightly habitués and the Charitable & Benevolent snug tells of links to 1916 and other notable events.
