Kilkenny, Medieval Castle and City
Kilkenny is just over an hour outside Dublin and is one of our most popular tours. We begin our day with a visit to Kilkenny Castle, built in late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries, it is one of the earliest Norman castles in Ireland. Part of the original castle still remains near the rose garden and the West Tower.
In the late fourteenth century the castle was sold to the Butler family and it stayed in the family until the twentieth century. 800 years of fascinating history awaits you.
Next Stop, only a short walk away is The Medieval Mile Museum. It is located on the 13th century site of St. Mary’s church. This amazing museum tells the story of Ireland and it’s people over the past 800 years and the important part Kilkenny Medieval City had to play in this history. The interactive map of Kilkenny city, medieval sculptures, and the exposed tombs of the Rothes, a wealthy merchant family are just some of the things you can see on your visit.
Kytelers Inn is the Ideal place, a 5 minute walk from the Medieval Mile for a tasty Irish lunch.
After lunch why not head to Smithwicks Brewery Experience. Smithwicks was brewed here from the early 1700s until 2014. Before this, in order to purify the water the monks brewed their own beer here. Now you can take a tour which encompasses the Brewery and the full history of it’s location. What a place to spend some time and enjoy a pint of Smithwicks Ale.
Following this you could take an hour to wander the fabulous streets and alleys of Kilkenny and maybe do some shopping.
Or right across the street you can visit Rothe House. A three house complex built by the Merchant, John Rothe Fitzpiers for his wife and their eleven children in the sixteenth century.
Price: €500 based on a group of 5 and includes pick up from your accommodation, chauffeur guide and admission to Kilkenny Castle and Medieval Mile.
