Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland (6/22/2016)
| Kilkenny Castle Overlooking The River Nore - Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland |
The star of the show is Kilkenny Castle with 800 years of history (see photos). Overlooking the River Nore and modified over history, it is now a fine representation of how the rich lived centuries ago. The impressive high ceilings and long hall of the Long Gallery is a focal point with its portraits of the Butler family that lived here for 600 years. The massive gardens are also impressive. Don’t miss the smaller rose gardens in front of the castle (see photo).
| Rose Garden at Kilkenny Castle - Kilkenny, Ireland |
If you like visiting churches, St Canice’s Cathedral is an attractive Gothic Cathedral. The model of medieval Kilkenny City located here is also interesting. A climb up the 100 steps of the Cathedral’s tower offers great views of the city.
Pat found the Rothe House fun to explore. This is Ireland’s only surviving 17th century merchant’s house. We both liked sitting and enjoying the Bulter House and its gardens located behind the National Craft Gallery & Kilkenny Design Centre where you can purchase contemporary local craftwork.
| High Street - Kilkenny, Ireland |
Some of the best fun we had in Kilkenny was enjoying the pub culture where you can listen to traditional Irish music and food. We enjoyed the historic Kyteler’s Inn on St Kieran’s Street that was built 800 years ago. The food and music is good and there are several different settings to enjoy (traditional pub, beer garden, courtyard, and large music room with vaulted ceilings). There are plenty of other atmospheric pubs so you are sure to find one that suits your fancy.
Travel Tip - How to navigate around Kilkenny: The old town quarter of Kilkenny is easy to navigate with Kilkenny Castle at one end and St Canice’s Cathedral at the other. High Street (see photo) and St Kieran’s Street are the main two streets with The Parade Street leading to the castle and Parliament Street leading up to the cathedral.
| John's Bridge over The River Nore - Kilkenny, Ireland |
We enjoyed staying in the Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel with its very central location in the heart of the medieval old town quarter and its modern and very confortable rooms. Just walk out the door and you are right in the action. Some rooms actually have views of the famous Kilkenny Castle. The free parking in the their secured lot was a big plus for us – very central location and parking!
Beer drinkers: It is not a myth that Guinness beer tastes better in Ireland. It most certainly does! Although a wonderful beer anywhere in the world, a slightly different process is done for the beer made for export. So, drink up and enjoy.
| Beautiful Irish Countryside |
Travel advise about visiting Ireland: While visiting Ireland, we learned a few important lessons. The beauty of our Ireland experience was more about the genuine Irish people and beauty of the countryside and less so about how many important sites and buildings there are to visit. We found the best pub experience in the world in Ireland. So, slow down, enjoy the vibrantly green countryside, the Irish people, and visit a pub or two when you ‘fancy a pint’.
See our other 9 travel blog posts on Ireland:
Dublin, Republic of Ireland (capital)
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Dingle Peninsula & KillarneyTown, Ireland
Blarney Castle & Castle, Ireland
Belfast, Northern Ireland Great Britain
Cork, Ireland
Dublin, Republic of Ireland (capital)
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Dingle Peninsula & KillarneyTown, Ireland
Blarney Castle & Castle, Ireland
Belfast, Northern Ireland Great Britain
Cork, Ireland
Galway City, Ireland
Westport, Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park, Ireland
Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, & Killarney Town, Ireland
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