The 8 Best Kilkenny Tours

1.Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Entrance Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 601 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $26Our pick

Explore Smithwick’s medieval brewing story in Kilkenny with an interactive one-hour tour, ingredient stations, and a pint or three-ale tasting.

“Very fun experience. It's a short and intimate tour, and you get to learn quite a bit about the beer making process. They also allow you to interact with some ingredients, such as smelling different hops. The building is also right in the middle of the medieval mile of Kilkenny city, so it is conveniently nearby many other great pieces of history, like the Black Abbey. The tour doesn't take too long, and it is not too demanding physically. I recommend getting the package that gets you 3 beers at the end. It is not much more money, and you can relax and enjoy the nice bar at the end…”

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2.Shenanigans Walks – Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 485 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $33

Review of Shenanigans Walks in Kilkenny, a lively 90-minute tour of medieval sites, folklore, magic, and local history.

“Very entertaining and informed guide. You will be outside mostly so be prepared for weather. Tour guide was…magical”

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3.Kilkenny Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 323 reviews · 40 minutes (approx.) · from $18

Cruise Kilkenny’s River Nore for castle views, local stories, wildlife, and a relaxing 40-minute boat tour from Canal Square.

“Lots of information given by guide. Felt safe. Trip was a bit short. But enjoyable. I think the price was fair.”

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4.Kilkenny Walking Tour with Local Certified Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 274 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $14

Explore Kilkenny’s medieval streets, castle, cathedrals, and local stories on a small-group walking tour led by guide John Britton.

“Guide clearly was well informed about Kilkenny and Ireland. He went half hour beyond. Excellent!!!!!”

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5.Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 221 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $22

Explore Kilkenny after dark with ghost tales, medieval crimes, and local history on a lively 75-minute walking tour.

“It was very educational. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. We ended up going into the places she recommended”

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6.Guided City Boat Tour with Kilkenny Castle Views

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 161 reviews · from $17

Glide along Kilkenny’s River Nore for castle views, local stories, wildlife, bridges, and medieval landmarks on a 45-minute guided boat tour.

“The boat trip was very novel and made even better by an excellent host who gave an excellent commentary and background to interesting sites along the journey.”

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7.The Medieval Mile Museum Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 155 reviews · 55 minutes to 1 hour (approx.) · from $13Best value

Tour Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile Museum, a medieval church and graveyard filled with artifacts, local stories, and 800 years of history.

“Joe was witty and knowledgeable. He grew up in Kilkenny and knows its history through and through! He also answered every question the group had. Would recommend.”

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8.Hurling Tours Ireland – Hurling Experience in Kilkenny

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 149 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $36

Learn hurling in Kilkenny with a local coach, practice the hurley and sliotar, and play this fast Irish sport at a traditional GAA club.

“Wow! What a spectacular experience. We were traveling through Kilkenny with four generations ages 5-84 and we had a ball learning the basics of Hurling! Our guide was incredibly charismatic and made the hour extremely fun. We highly recommend this experience for families, and really anyone at all!”

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