How to Spend a Day in Kilkenny

Here are just a few ways that you can make the most of your day in the magnificent city of Kilkenny. 

Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle and Parklands is one of the main attractions that Kilkenny has to offer. With an extensive and interesting history, Kilkenny Castle is open to visitors all year around to come and experience its interior for themselves. 

With its 50 acres of parkland, wildlife, gardens, woodlands and a man made lake, there is plenty to see at this amazing landmark. 

A perfect location for all the family to enjoy with multiple orienteering trails to explore along with a playground and tearoom for refreshments. 

Castlecomer Discovery Park

For an activity packed day in Kilkenny, visit the Castlecomer Discovery Park. Located across 80 acres of natural woodland and lakes, enjoy tree top walks, climbing walls, boating, playgrounds, orienteering and more. 

Home to Ireland’s longest zip wire and high ropes challenges, this Discovery Park is not to be missed when visiting Kilkenny. 

After all of the activity, take a relaxing stroll through the Irish Mining Museum and enjoy some refreshments in the café.

Smithwicks Experience

If you’re looking to explore the great tastes of Irish brewed ale The Smithwicks Experience is the activity for you. Just a 10 minute stroll from the Kilkenny Castle, waste no time at all travelling from one site to the next.

Enjoy while staff take you through the history of Irish Ale and what really makes it so great, with some tasting experiences along the way of course!

Get stuck into the brewing process and experience what it's like to mill the malt, stir the mash and smell the hops. Upgrade your experience and taste Smithwicks red ale, pale ale and Kilkenny beer to find your new favourite.

Soft drinks are provided for non drinkers and those under 18 who just want to learn more about the history of Irish Ales, so this activity can be enjoyed by all.

Jurassic Newpark 

Or, if you are on a family break away in County Kilkenny, why not check out Jurassic Newpark, a brand new dinosaur theme park located right on the grounds of the 4 Star Newpark Hotel. This is one of Ireland’s only dinosaur themed park experiences with interactive and life-sized dinosaurs that move and roar. 

At the dinosaur park, you also have the opportunity to meet modern day farm animals and follow the Fairy Trail to see where the wood fairies live.

Don't miss out on any of the fun and grab a quick snack at the Jurassic Snack Shack before taking the go-karts for a spin or exploring the prehistoric playground.

This experience is one of the best things to do in Kilkenny and is great fun for all of the family.

Escape Room

If you’re looking for adventure, why not try Kilkenny's Know Way Out Escape Room. Perfect for families, friends, colleagues and more. Work together to escape these rooms and solve multiple puzzles using the clues and hints in the room. 

This unique form of interactive fun is bound to challenge you and get your brain working. With multiple themed escape rooms such as a Casino Heist, Shawshank prison, or a detective case, beat the time and solve the mystery to escape. 

Food & Beverages

Of course after a full day of adventures you are bound to be famished for some delicious food. So, stop by at Scotts Bar & Brasserie at the Newpark Hotel for some lunch or dinner. 

With a well deserved reputation as one of the best places to eat in Kilkenny, Scotts Bar & Brasserie offers a wide selection of freshly made dishes cooked with local ingredients to suit all dietary needs and tastes. 

If it’s drinks your after, there is a variety of cocktails and beverages available at the Bar to satisfy your cravings. 

Overnight Stays

After a long day of exploring Kilkenny, why not continue the fun tomorrow and get some rest in one of the Luxurious Rooms at the 4 star Newpark Hotel located on the edge of Kilkenny city, a perfect base to explore the area. 

These hotel rooms offer beautiful views of the hotel’s gardens and parkland. Decorated to welcome warm and relaxing tones, these rooms feel like your home away from home. 

With family rooms available, and multiple amenities close by and onsite, Newpark Hotel is the ideal location for a Kilkenny getaway. 

See our overnight stay offers here.