Road Trip: Kilkenny

Kilkenny Design Centre
Castle Yard, Kilkenny




Butler House
16 Patrick Street

St Canice's Cathedral

Rothe House

Parliament Street

Kitty's Cabin

1 Rose Inn Street

The Langton Room

Langton Hotel

 69 John Street

Continuing in the spirit of staycations and unearthing Ireland’s gems I parked my car in MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre in Kilkenny and set about exploring the home of The Cats. While it's obviously famed for it's phenomenal hurling success, Kilkenny is also a beautiful medieval city with Kilkenny Castle the jewel it’s crown. I kicked off the day at the Kilkenny Design Centre restaurant with a hearty fry and a brownie, yes that's correct I had a brownie with my breakfast, it's never too early for desert in my books. With a full belly I  stepped out into the sun to see what the city has to offer. If you want to sit back and relax somewhere peaceful, visit Butler House's walled garden right behind the design centre. There's also the most relaxing walk along the rivers edge beside the castle, walking in the shades of the trees you feel like your in the middle of nowhere. To begin your historical trip around the city start with Kilkenny Castle and Butler Art Gallery (read more here), then follow Saint Canice's steps to the Cathedral and round tower. Don't miss Kyteler's Inn, one of the oldest inns in Ireland, it's colourful first owner was accused of witchcraft and was sentenced to be burned. Kilkenny is also one of my favorite places to shop from the perfectly curated pieces in both Folkster and their vintage kilo store, to the quirky gifts you can pick up in The Gift Horse, The Design Centre and Bridies Bar & General Store, to the Smashbox stand in Boots Mac Donagh Junction. 

By the end of the day my camera was full and my feet were sore so I finished the day with a well earned feed in Langtons Hotel. Kilkenny has everything you need for a staycation; history, nature, shopping, great food and an excellent nightlife. Where are your favorite spots for a staycation?

xox