Five Kilkenny Hotels To Suit All Budgets

The 4 star Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel & Spa is the perfect base from which to explore all that Kilkenny has to offer (of which there is much), as it is right in the centre of this medieval city. This is a spacious, peaceful hotel which is only a quick walk from Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral and Rothe House. Great shopping, eating, drinking and entertainment are also just on the doorstep. Its 118 modern bedrooms have everything one could require during their stay, while downstairs there is a heated indoor pool (with a dedicated section set aside for children) along with a Jacuzzi, sauna and high tech gym.

OrmondeHotel-Kilkenny

The Ormonde Hotel Kilkenny

Thanks to its central location, the Langton House Hotel boasts gorgeous views of Kilkenny Castle. Also down the road are elite golf courses for testing your skills. The Langton House Hotel’s exacting standards when it comes to service and award winning dining is what ensures visitors return over and over again. Its 34 luxury rooms are fully equipped with a range of conveniences, while the lounge is available for relaxing and socialising. It is expert at catering for holidays, wedding receptions and conferences – whatever you may be looking for, it is here.

Visitors can choose from many good quality cheap hotels in Kilkenny. Continue reading

Five Interesting Landmarks In Kilkenny

The Black Abbey (originally part of the Dominican Priory) was established by the Dominican Order in the early 13th century. In more recent years it was rebuilt and it now features a gorgeous window of stained glass, which has added to its status as an historical attraction. The habits of the Dominican priests used to be black, hence the Abbey’s name. These priests had a monastery here, but the buildings where they ate and prayed are no longer standing. They tended to the farmland and operated a mill, located beside the River Breagagh.

The Black Abbey Kilkenny

The Black Abbey Kilkenny

Discovery Park now stands on what used to be the land and stables of the Wandesforde Estate. Lovers of the outdoors can explore the 32 hectares of forests, with just under 4 miles of trails, and go fishing on the lakes. Inside the walled gardens is a collection of rare animals which visitors can admire. There is also a kids’ play area which complements the park very well. The Footprints in Coal exhibition tells the story of the coal mining industry in Castlecomer over 400 years. Inside the stable yard are a number of operating small business owners who also have their sculpting, pottery, furniture and art workshops, amongst many others, on the premises.

Visitors can find good value hotels in Kilkenny or B&B in Kilkenny at stayinkilkenny.com. Continue reading

Kilkenny Is A Popular Tourist Destination

Kilkenny is a very popular tourist destination in Ireland. Kilkenny City which was granted city status in 1609 is home to many heritage buildings inclusing Kilkenny Castle, St. Canices Cathedral, St. Francis Abbey, Grace’s Castle, and St. John’s Priory among others.

kilkenny castle

Kilkenny Castle

The city has many craft and design workshops, gardens and museums and a fine theatre – the Watergate Theatre. It hosts many annual festivals including Kilkenny Arts Week and the Cat Laughs comedy festival.

Kilkenny dates from at least the  early sixth century whebn an ecclesiastical settlement was founded there by St. Canice after whom St. Canice’s Cathedral is named.

St. Canice Cathedral

St. Canice Cathedral Kilkenny

The Watergate Theatre in Kilkenny hosts a variety of professional and amateur productions, classical and modern music, opera and dance and  exhibitions of paintings and photographs.

Hurling is the main sport in the county which has been the dominant force in this sport for many years. The famous black and amber colours can be seen everywhere throughout the county each year during the All-Ireland Hurling Championship season. Kilkenny leads in the number of All-Ireland titles held with a total of 33.

Kilkenny has a nice Golf Club which is an 18 hole championship parkland course of 5933 metres. It is a Par 71 course. Mount Juliet, which is considered to be one of Ireland’s best Parkland courses is located in County Kilkenny. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, it quickly became popular with many of the world’s leading golfers but it is suitable for golfers of all grades.

Kilkenny is well served with hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation and it also has many fine restaurants, all of which help to mak the city and county a very popular destination.

Visitors can choose Kilkenny hotels or Kilkenny Bed and Breakfast when visiting the county.