Craft Council of Ireland
Funded by the government, this organization promotes the craft industry in Ireland. Check out its latest exhibitions and see crafts people at work in their studios.
Go to the Theatre
The main theatre in Kilkenny has shows or music most nights of the week. For something smaller, check out Cleers Bar and Theatre, just across the road.
Kilkenny Parks
Kilkenny County has an array of parks, not only in the city. The Woodstock Gardens in the South and Mount Juliet Estate are wonderful, yet the city centre Kilkenny Castle Park is the most enjoyable.
Walk the Canal
The Canal in Kilkenny starts at Canal Square, a new City pavillion with benches overlooking the Rivercourt hotel, in the shadow of the imposing Kilkenny Castle. This romantic walk takes you along the old canal, shaded by tall trees and old mills. The walk can in fact take you for miles into the countryside if you so wish, following the course of the River Nore.
The Irish Whiskey Event
This group whiskey tasting has some excellent reviews. Learn about whiskey and try some rare Irish whiskies.
Tours
City Sightseeing Bus Tour
This tour covers all the big tourist sites in Kilkenny with an English speaking guide.
Tynan Walking Tours
Hours long tours, leaving from the tourist office. This popular tour shows you around mediaeval Kilkenny city on foot.
The Kilkenny Traditional Music Trail
Listen to Irish music and stories in some traditional pubs. The musicians explain about the instruments and music.
Festivals
Cat Laughs Comedy Festival
An annual comedy festival. It was first held in 1995 and usually runs over the first weekend in June. Many famous faces have appeared at it over the years including Bill Murray, Lewis Black, Rich Hall, Dom Irrera, Mike Wilmot, Dan Castellaneta, Doug Stanhope and David Cross. The festival includes stand-up comedy performances and has a film component called Kitty Flicks.There is also a traditional soccer match held on the Sunday afternoon between the Irish comedians and those from the rest of the world.
The Kilkenny Arts Festival
which runs during August ever year, is a time of much colour and enjoyment in the City. The long streets are flooded with artists and music can be heard throughout the city.
The Rhythm and Roots Festival
is yet another hugely popular festival in Kilkenny city, with over 70 gigs take place with over 50 free events. All types of Roots music is catered for, including Folk, Blues, Rockabilly, Americana, Rock'n'Roll. It takes place over the first weekend of May every year. Full details on website www.kilkennyroots.com
Sports
Lacken Pitch and Putt
Pococke Golf Course
A par 3 course for beginners to the game
Golf is very popular in Kilkenny, with courses to suit every level. The following are in the city, but there are lots more courses in County Kilkenny.
Kilkenny Driving Range
Watch a Hurling Match
Hurling is big in Kilkenny, with their county team the perennial Irish champions. There are matches on every weekend all over the county. Nowlan Park is the main stadium holding 30,000 people. It's also possible to check out a smaller match in the local club grounds.