Travel Budget for Kilkenny Visit Kilkenny on a Budget or Travel in Style

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Kilkenny include:

• Ballybur Lodge starting at $140
• Butler House starting at $264
• Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny starting at $192
• Newpark Hotel starting at $211
• Langton House Hotel starting at $175

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Kilkenny

While Kilkenny has a good public transit system that allows for staying farther from the town, cheaper accommodations could lead to more expensive and time-consuming commutes.

Kilkenny is family-friendly, so finding a larger apartment or more spacious accommodation is ideal when traveling with children.

Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of summer) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.

Exploring Kilkenny on foot is a popular choice, so it's wise to find a place in the center of it all. Just be prepared for potentially higher prices.

The town's historic old town is a big draw for visitors. While accommodation in this area may be expensive, they usually have a lot of character and are conveniently located for access to everything.

Transportation Tips

If you're traveling by car, check that your hotel offers convenient parking options.

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Kilkenny is around $55 (€51) per person, with previous travelers spending from $24 to $105. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Kilkenny are as follows:

• Breakfast: $6 to $17
• Lunch: $8 to $22
• Dinner: $17 to $39
• Coffee: $4
• Fast Food or Street Food: $8

What is an Irish town without a few good pubs? Some of Kilkenny's best includes places like Matt The Millers Bar & Restaurant with traditional fare and live Irish music, the medieval Kyteler's Inn which was once the home of Dame Alice Kyteler tried for witchcraft, as well as Tynan's Bridge House Bar which comes to life at night with foot stomping tunes and Irish hospitality. For those of you who don't know, traditional Irish cuisine ranges from things like beef & Guinness stew and shepherd's pie to bangers and mash and fish and chips. As far as dessert goes, traditional favorites include Apple Tarts and Sherry Trifle, and don't forget to sample a native brew of Smithwicks, Guinness, or Harp.

Food & Dining Tips

When you have kids in tow, look for eateries that feature a kids' menu. This can save you a lot, as those meals are usually priced lower. Keep in mind that some restaurants may not list kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask your server before placing your order.

Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.

Use a water bottle instead of splurging on drinks everywhere you go. It's a smart choice for the environment, too.

When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.

The most prominent feature of the town is, by far, Kilkenny Castle. Built in 1195, the stone structure existed as a great defense of the town and symbol of Norman occupation. Since then, it has gone through many facelifts, resulting in a blend of architectural styles. For almost 600 years the castle was the residence of the powerful Butler family, but it is now open to the public year-round with extensive grounds and a charming rose garden.

St. Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower is another sight that stands today as one of Ireland's most popular visitor and heritage sites. The present building dates back to the 13th century and is the second longest cathedral in Ireland. The accompanying 9th Century Round Toweris is one of only two such medieval round towers in Ireland, and can be climbed to the top for spectacular views of Kilkenny from 100 feet up.

Another major tourist draw to Kilkenny is the Tudor Rothe House, a restored 1594 merchant's house built around two courtyards. Today, the historic building acts as the headquarters for the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, with their library and museum. The house consists of museum exhibits including a well-worn Viking sword, a period costume collection, a genealogical study center as well as a quaint walled garden modeled after that of the early 17th century.

Other historic attractions of the city include St. Mary's Cathedral, Kells Priory, Kilkenny Town Hall, Black Abbey, and Jerpoint Abbey.

From festivals in music and art to historic structures and outdoor adventures, Kilkenny has become one of Ireland's most visited towns, and makes a great stop on a 7-day Ireland itinerary.

Kilkenny is well known for its culture in the arts with craft and design workshops, the Watergate Theatre, public gardens, and museums. Kilkenny Design, located in the former stables of Kilkenny Castle, showcases the best of contemporary Irish craft including textiles, knitwear, pottery, and jewelry, amongst others. The National Craft Gallery is also located close by and has become Ireland's foremost center for contemporary craft and design. The Gallery features Irish and cutting-edge international designers, artists, and artisans across a variety of disciplines, and hosts an eclectic range of exhibitions. The Kilkenny Arts Festival is a major event of Kilkenny culture, celebrating theatre, dance, the visual arts and crafts, as well as all forms of music and literature. Other popular events include the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, as well as the Rhythm and Roots and Source Festivals for music.

Beyond the culture, Kilkenny is a popular base from which to explore the surrounding towns, villages and countryside. Castlecomer Discover Park offers one such outdoor getaway, featuring an 80-acre activity park with walking trails, kids' play areas, fishing lakes, and a canopy walkway. Another worthwhile attraction, located just 15 minutes outside of town is Dunmore Cave. Consisting of a series of chambers formed over millions of years, this ancient cave contains some of the finest calcite formations found in Ireland-one of the most impressive being a stalagmite more than six-meters high, known as the Market Cross. The Visitor Centre contains excavated items such as bones, coins, and simple tools, many of which date from the 10th century.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Museums and landmarks are a major reason why Kilkenny attracts so many visitors. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.

Historical Sights:
Many people come to experience the charm of the historic old town. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Kilkenny. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

• Private walking Tour of Kilkenny. English, French or German for $107 details
• Discover Kilkenny with John: Animated Guided Tour in French for $13 details
• Kilkenny city tour in German. For $13 details

Nightlife Tips

The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.

Be vigilant if you're out at night, especially if alcohol is involved. Thieves often target distracted individuals, so it's smart to stay with trusted friends and avoid going off by yourself.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Kilkenny. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

• Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour for $140 details