Taste your way through Kilkenny with a brilliant mix of foodie stops, story-filled streets and iconic sights — all with the comfort of a stay at Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel as your base. From a hilarious “MIS-guided” Medieval Mile stroll to a locally-led culinary walking tour, this is a city break that serves up culture, craic and great flavour.
Why you’ll love this escape
A fun-first city walking experience with comedy, magic, history and plenty of Shenanigans
Kilkenny Food Tour: local guides, local tastes — from cheeses and artisan chocolates to pastries and local brews
Kilkenny Castle: a must-see highlight with grand rooms and a stunning Picture Gallery
Optional afternoon visit to Smithwick’s Experience for a flavour of freshly-brewed ale
Trip overview
Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s best-loved city breaks: cobbled lanes, secret passages, abbeys and cathedrals, vibrant festivals, and that unbeatable “Medieval Mile” atmosphere — all just around 90 minutes from Dublin.
With Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel as your comfortable base, you’ll have time to explore, taste and enjoy the city at an easy pace.
What’s included:
Kilkenny City exploration and free time
Shenanigans – The Kilkenny City Walk (a fun, magical, historical & hysterical way to see the Medieval Mile)
Kilkenny Food Tour (culinary walking tour with local guides)
Kilkenny Castle visit
Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny
Your itinerary
Day 1: Arrive & discover Kilkenny City + Shenanigans Walk
Settle into Kilkenny and soak up the atmosphere — a heritage city packed with craft, culture and character. Explore the lanes and landmarks, then kick off your break with Shenanigans – The Kilkenny City Walk: comedy, magic, history and mischief rolled into one unforgettable stroll.
Day 2: Kilkenny Food Tour
Today is all about taste. Enjoy a wonderful culinary walking tour of Kilkenny, guided by locals who’ll introduce you to a mix of flavours — local cheeses, artisan chocolates, traditional Irish fare, modern bites, pastries and local brews.
Day 3: Kilkenny Castle & Smithwick’s Experience
Step into centuries of history at Kilkenny Castle, built in the 12th century and long associated with the Butler family. Take in the beautifully restored rooms and the magnificent Picture Gallery.
If you fancy extending the day, you might like to visit Smithwick’s Experience and learn about the ale crafted in the Saint Francis Abbey Brewery since 1710 — with a chance to sample freshly-brewed flavour.
Good to know
Kilkenny Castle: no backpacks permitted; no storage/lockers available.
This is a walking-focused itinerary so comfy footwear is recommended.
Ready to book your Kilkenny Food Tour Escape?
For bookings and enquiries: 021 4391998 | reservations@selectexperiences.ie