Global Search

Set Current Location

Select a Category

All

Accomodations

Restaurants & Cafes

Attractions

Nightlife

Shopping

Tours

Join
Sign Out
user image
My Profile
Sign Out

Best Landmarks in Kilkenny

By: Cityseeker
Edit Collection
Download PDF
18963


Kilkenny Castle

A centuries-old marvel, this larger-than-life castle has long been recognized as an icon of Norman history and occupation. Built first as a wooden castle for Strongbow or Richard de Clare in the 12th Century, Kilkenny Castle over its extremely long existence has been altered and restored several times. This Norman castle by the riverside was strategically placed to defend the city and played a pivotal role in the region's history and politics. Its surrounds unfold spectacularly with well-tended rose gardens and velveteen expanses, features that enhance its already beautiful setting. It is also home to the Butler Art Gallery, which is renowned for its rotating art exhibits. Managed by the Office of Public Works, this once royal residence is one of Ireland's most popular attractions.

The Parade, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, R95 YRK1
Black Abbey

First founded in 1225, this Dominican friary takes its unusual name from the fact that the resident monks used to wear a formal black cappa over their white habit. Established by William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, the abbey has had a turbulent history, having been shut down by Henry VIII and later left to ruin. Restored in the 1970s, the abbey features a range of monastic exhibits, including a pre-Reformation Irish oak statue of St. Dominic, and several stone coffins. The abbey is still in use today by members of the founding Dominican Order.

Abbey Street, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, R95 TCK6
Rothe House & Garden

One of the finest English Renaissance buildings in Kilkenny city, this former merchant house was built by John Rothe-Fitzpiers in 1594 and served as the family home for Rothe, his wife and their twelve children. The complex features the restored facades of three houses, each separated by cobbled courtyards. A 17th-century garden occupies part of the house's backyard, which features a fruit orchard and a mini herb garden. Managed by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, this well-preserved house is an excellent exemplar of post-medieval architecture. It is now home to a variety of artifacts and exhibits that trace the life and history of the city's early inhabitants.

16 Parliament Street, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, R95 P89C
St. Canice's Cathedral

A striking vision in grey, this Gothic church is the second-longest cathedral in Ireland. Originally established by Saint Canice as a monastic settlement in the 6th Century, the cathedral features a variety of exhibits of historical interest, including stained glass windows, limestone grave slabs and medieval carvings by Rory and William O'Tunney. One of its most salient features is its "Celtic Christian" round tower, one of the few remaining medieval vestiges of its kind that can be ascended to the top. It also notably enshrines prominent Ossory bishops.

Coach Road, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, R95 V63H
Jerpoint Abbey

This Cistercian abbey dates from around 1200AD and is reputed to have been built on the remains of a Benedictine abbey founded by Donal MacGillapatrick, King of Ossory. With much of its interior still intact, Jerpoint provides a good insight into early Christian Ireland. Items of note includes a 14th-century east window, Irish-Romanesque transepts and chancel, and a 15th-century central tower. Access to the roof is available via the staircase and the tower's restored cloister piers feature a variety of unusual medieval carvings.

Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, R95 W99F
[["Kilkenny Castle","52.65047377","-7.24938594","https:\/\/cityseeker.com\/assets\/images\/google_markers\/dark_blue_circle.png","","","Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland","https:\/\/cityseeker.com\/kilkenny\/166803-kilkenny-castle"],["Black Abbey","52.65379032","-7.25760285","https:\/\/cityseeker.com\/assets\/images\/google_markers\/dark_blue_circle.png","","","Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland","https:\/\/cityseeker.com\/kilkenny\/180637-black-abbey"],["Rothe House & Garden","52.65432453","-7.25471322","https:\/\/cityseeker.com\/assets\/images\/google_markers\/dark_blue_circle.png","","","Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland","https:\/\/cityseeker.com\/kilkenny\/175721-rothe-house-garden"],["St. Canice's Cathedral","52.65665951","-7.25721216","https:\/\/cityseeker.com\/assets\/images\/google_markers\/dark_blue_circle.png","","","Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland","https:\/\/cityseeker.com\/kilkenny\/163695-st-canice-s-cathedral"],["Jerpoint Abbey","52.51093100","-7.15797940","https:\/\/cityseeker.com\/assets\/images\/google_markers\/dark_blue_circle.png","","","Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland","https:\/\/cityseeker.com\/kilkenny\/175859-jerpoint-abbey"]]
0 51 118963-best-landmarks-in-kilkenny
1 of
1 0
Leave a Comment :
300 Characters Remaining

Submit
Similar Collections
Charming Quaint Towns in Connecticut
18 Bookmarked
Save Collection to Profile
10 Scenic Highways Across the US
10 Bookmarked

10 Scenic Highways Across the US

Created by: Cityseeker
Save Collection to Profile
5 National Park Peaks That Evoke a Sense of Awe and Wonder
5 Bookmarked
Save Collection to Profile
7 Delightful Food Trails to Explore in the US
7 Bookmarked
Save Collection to Profile
7 1 0 2
18963