The 6 Best Tours in Kilkenny

1.Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Entrance Ticket

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

Spend about an hour in Kilkenny’s old Victorian brewery building, where guides such as Ruby, Chris, Evan, and Gavin have brought Smithwick’s story to life through holograms, living portraits, and hands-on ingredient stations. Learn why the w is silent, smell hops and malt, then finish with a pint or a three-ale tasting paddle.

“Actual brewery has moved away to Dublin. This is a history tour in the old brewery location but it is very up to date and interesting. Good guide and great gift shop. The admission cost includes a pint of beer, although we took the 3 beer flight option.”

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2.Shenanigans Walks – Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny

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

Join Nevin for a 90-minute guided walk through Kilkenny’s medieval streets, markets, gates, tombs, and folklore. Expect stories about Smithwick’s, monks, old sayings, alms houses, and the city’s infamous witch. Small groups, easy walking, audience participation, and a few magic tricks keep the tour lively for adults, children, and teenagers.

“Touched on the history of the castle and it's inhabitants as well as fun facts about Kilkenny! Really enjoyed walking the cobblestone streets and multiple alleys! My 10 year old was thrilled that our guide Nevan had multiple magic tricks to play on us.”

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3.Kilkenny Boat Trip

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

Take a gentle 40-minute open-boat ride on Kilkenny’s River Nore with guides such as Cliff, Elder, or Ann Marie. You’ll see Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, bridges, birds, and city views while hearing local stories. The boat returns to Canal Square, and some trips run closer to 50 minutes.

“Elder was a great guide, nice relaxing trip on the river, informative, gave great recommendations as well”

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4.Kilkenny Walking Tour with Local Certified Guide

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

Walk central Kilkenny with local certified guide John Britton for about two hours. You’ll see Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, the Black Abbey, St. Mary’s Cathedral, and other landmarks, while hearing local stories, getting restaurant tips, and spotting places to revisit. Expect about 5km on uneven streets.

“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

Follow guides such as Sharon, John, or Joe on a 75-minute evening walk from Kilkenny Castle through the city’s darker past. Hear about Dame Alice Kyteler, Cromwell’s siege, plague legends, crime, curses, and haunted buildings. Expect a history-led tour with spooky touches, some steep steps, and an engaging local storyteller.

“Our guide, John, was knowledgeable and entertaining. We enjoyed hearing about the evil-doings in Kilkenny!”

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6.Guided City Boat Tour with Kilkenny Castle Views

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

Set out from Canal Square for a 40 to 45-minute guided ride on the River Nore. You’ll pass Kilkenny Castle, St Canice’s Cathedral, the Round Tower, historic bridges, and Ormonde Woollen Mill. Guides such as Cliff, Elder, Anne Marie, and Clint are known for lively local stories, humor, and personal attention.

“Really enjoyable experience, Clifford was a brilliant guide, very informative and he gave us a great laugh, highly recommend”

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