The 15 Best Kilkenny Tours & Walks

1.Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Entrance Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 601 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $26Our pick

Walk through Smithwick’s old Victorian brewery building in Kilkenny on a one-hour guided tour featuring holograms, talking portraits, brewing ingredients, and stories reaching back to the 1200s. Finish with a pint or upgrade to a tasting paddle of three ales. Guides have included Ruby, Gavin, Chris, and Evan.

“We all had an amazing time and no wimpy pourings like in the states when you try the product. Full half pint glasses. The tour was very surprising (I won't revel part with the bathroom couches) so anyone that takes the tour will be entertained. It is not your usual Brewery tour. This was a family tour, Son, Daughter & Son-in-law, me and my husband.”

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2.Shenanigans Walks – Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 485 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $33

Join Nevin for a 90-minute English walking tour through Kilkenny’s medieval streets. Starting at The Parade and ending at Kyteler’s Inn, the route covers Smithwick’s, market history, an alms house, city gates, tombs, and the tale of Kilkenny’s famous witch. Expect jokes, magic tricks, local sayings, and an easy pace.

“The "Shenanigans" tour of Kilkenny was a lot of fun, and also very informative. If we would have had more time, we would have done another tour with this same operator - he was very knowledgeable and nice.”

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3.Kilkenny Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 323 reviews · 40 minutes (approx.) · from $18

Join BoatTrips.ie at Canal Square for a gentle 40-minute open-boat ride along the River Nore. Guides including Cliff, Elder, and Ann Marie share stories about Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, bridges, witch trials, wildlife, and local life. The boat returns to the same meeting point, making this an easy family-friendly addition to a day in town.

“Would recommend this tour! I booked it last minute and I am so glad I did. It was very relaxing and the tour guide was very friendly and humourous. It was a nice addition to my solo trip 😊”

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4.Kilkenny Walking Tour with Local Certified Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 274 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $14

Spend about two hours walking medieval Kilkenny with local certified guide John Britton. The route includes Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, the Black Abbey, St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. John’s Priory, and the Tholsel, with local stories, humor, practical tips, and time to note places you may want to revisit.

“Walking tour of Kilkenny was Craic! Loved our tour guide, friendly professionals, local guy with a vast knowledge of history.”

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5.Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 221 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $22

Join Sharon, John, or Joe at Kilkenny Castle for a 75-minute evening walk through the city’s darker past. Hear about Dame Alice Kyteler, Cromwell’s siege, plague, prisons, curses, and ghostly legends while visiting landmarks many visitors miss. Expect lively storytelling, some steep steps, and more historical detail than jump scares.

“Sharon is absolutely great at what she does, she is very passionate and informative on the history of Kilkenny. Would highly recommend this tour👍”

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6.Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 177 reviews · 12 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $195

Travel by reserved train from Dublin to Kilkenny, then continue to Waterford for the House of Waterford Crystal tour. Guide Paddy McArdle often leads the day, adding local stories and practical help. You get crystal admission and rail tickets, but must pay separately for Kilkenny Castle, meals, and drinks.

“Kilkenny is a great city. Enjoyed the ride around the city. Enjoyed Waterford as well. Paddy, the tour guide, was fantastic. The nicest man and knowledgeable.”

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7.Guided City Boat Tour with Kilkenny Castle Views

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 161 reviews · from $17

Cruise the River Nore from Canal Square with an English-speaking guide. You’ll see Kilkenny Castle from the water, pass bridges and medieval landmarks, and hear local stories as you travel toward Ormonde Woollen Mill. Guides including Cliff, Elder, Anne Marie, and Clint are known for warm, lively commentary.

“Cliff the guide was brilliant, very informative and very funny as well, very good value for money and got lovely pics on the river in Kilkenny, 5 stars”

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8.The Medieval Mile Museum Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 155 reviews · 55 minutes to 1 hour (approx.) · from $13

Tour St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum in Kilkenny with an English-speaking guide such as Joe, Lyn, or John. In about an hour, you’ll explore a medieval church and graveyard, hear about the Black Death, and see archaeological finds spanning 800 years. Guided touring ends at the museum, with unlimited time to continue exploring.

“John is very knowledgeable and a great storyteller. The artifacts in the museum are so well preserved and interesting.”

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9.Hurling Tours Ireland – Hurling Experience in Kilkenny

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 149 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $36

At O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club in Kilkenny, James introduces you to hurling’s history, rules, and culture before coaching you through ground striking, hand passing, solo runs, and shooting. You’ll use a hurley, sliotar, and helmet, then try a short game. The 90-minute session suits beginners, families, and mixed-age groups.

“We ranged in age from 14 to 79 (3 generations) and everyone had a great time! James was kind, funny, and a great coach and teacher. We loved learning the history as well as the rules and then getting to try our hand at hurling. Immediately afterwards we went in search of a jersey and hurleys (settled for bracelets and will get the gear once we get back home). What a fun sport and great experience! We look forward to watching the USGAA Nationals in August, which are going to be held in our own backyard, Denver, CO.”

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10.Walk the Medieval Mile with Pat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 132 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $21

Join Pat for a lively 90-minute walk through Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile. In medieval costume, he leads you from the Tholsel and castle to Kyteler’s Inn, St. Canice’s Cathedral, Smithwick’s, and St. Mary’s. Expect local stories, historical context, photos, and plenty of time on your feet. Entry fees are extra.

“Great tour of Kilkenny. We learned so much from Pat and were talking about his stories the rest of the trip. He blends history with some of his own observations from living in Kilkenny, as well as stories from his dad and other relatives. Would recommend!”

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11.Historical and Hysterical Guided City Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · from $32

Join Kilkenny native Nevin Cody outside Kilkenny Castle for a 75-minute walk through the Medieval Mile. Expect local history, personal stories, comedy, audience participation, and a few magic tricks. The route covers just over a mile, with stops at major landmarks including the Tholsel, Black Abbey, Rothe House, and Kyteler’s Inn.

“It was a lot of fun. Nevin was informative and funny. We had blast and are very happy we did this walking tour.”

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12.Smithwick’s Beer Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 108 reviews · from $25

Spend one hour at Smithwick’s Experience on Parliament Street, where a live English-speaking guide leads you from Franciscan brewing to the Smithwick family story and a hands-on look at beer making. Expect portraits that come alive, hop aromas, sweet wort, and a complimentary pint or soft drink. Audio guides are available in French, German, Spanish, and Italian.

“Cool experience in a quaint town. We liked the little added touches throughout the tour that were different from other tours we have taken.”

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13.Medieval Mile Museum Self Guided Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 1 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $9Best value

Use your phone to explore St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum in Kilkenny at your own pace. The audio tour explains the church, graveyard, high crosses, wall paintings, crypts, and the people buried here. A children’s version helps families follow the story, while staff can suggest other places to see in town.

“Excellent museum with some very interesting artifacts. Staff are great and the self guided tour is highly recommended. Archaeological discoveries are fascinating as is the cemetery. Take soon time to talk to staff about other places to see in Kilkenny. Staff will provide you with many suggestions.”

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14.Historical Highlights Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 90 reviews · from $14

Join certified guide John for a two-hour walk through Kilkenny’s medieval core. You’ll cross the River Nore, see St. John’s Priory, Irishtown, St. Canice’s Cathedral, the Black Abbey, and finish at Kilkenny Castle. Tours are available in English, French, and German, with private and small-group options.

“Relaxed, informative 2 hours walking tour, providing an overview of destinations to revisit in more detail subsequently. JB a knowledgeable and engaging guide. Small size of the group added to the experience.”

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15.Kilkenny Dark Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 55 reviews · from $22

Meet your English-speaking guide at Kilkenny Castle at 7pm for a 75-minute walk through medieval lanes and dark chapters of local history. Hear about witch trials, hangings, grim characters, and places such as Kyteler’s Inn and the Hole in the Wall. Guides including Sharon are praised for lively storytelling.

“Excellent tour!! Our guide was EXTREMELY knowledgeable and friendly. Loved it!”

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