Best things to do in Kilkenny

Preserving more than eight centuries of history within its walls, Kilkenny Castle rises over the Nore River and marks an intersection of several major medieval routes. Although the castle underwent a series of modifications over the ages, it contains three of its original four stone towers, built in 1192 by a Norman invader known to history as "Strongbow." Once a symbol of Norman occupation and a key part of the region's defenses, the castle now attracts thousands of visitors with its extensive gardens and basement art gallery. Also in the basement, the castle kitchen houses a popular tearoom, complete with a Victorian cooking range and rows of pots and plates.

Hawkeye Falconry provide private bird of prey experiences on the grounds of some of the most beautiful hotels in the south east of Ireland. Experiences by appointment only. Call 0830039743- 0860589300 or email john@hawkeyefalconry.ie.

Offering visitors a chance to attend a genuine medieval banquet, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park hosts four-course dinners accompanied by traditional harp, pipe, and fiddle music. Located on the site of an old Viking settlement, the hulking castle houses a vast collection of medieval furniture and art, which you can explore on your own or as part of a guided tour. The adjoining folk park boasts over 30 reconstructed buildings, including a forge, pub, post office, and blacksmith's shop. As you stroll through this replica of a 19th century Irish village, look for costumed actors demonstrating traditional jobs and crafts. Book your banquet reservations well in advance, and leapfrog the lines by buying your park tickets online.

Visit the ancient St. Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower, considered the second-longest cathedral in Ireland. Historians believe that this site has has hosted Christian worship since the 6th century, though the current structure dates back to the 13th century. Walk the grounds and admire the cathedral's English Gothic style. Climb to the top of the 9th-century Celtic Christian round tower that stands 30 m (100 ft) tall. Study the architecture and interiors, which have been carefully preserved in the original style.

Visit Ireland's oldest operating brewery on Smithwick's Experience. John Smithwick founded the company in 1710. He originally brewed the beer in St. Francis Abbey Brewery. As you tour the facilities, learn about Ireland's history of brewing and see where Smithwick's beer is made. On the same site, visit St. Francis Abbey, the 13th-century structure where monks brewed ale as far back as the 1300s. When you finish touring, you'll have a chance to taste Smithwick's red ale-style beer, originally brewed for the first Kilkenny Beer Festival.

Black Abbey represents a Catholic monastery of the Dominican order built in 1225, and it also serves as the local church of Killkenny. Its name derives from the "black friars," an old English nickname for Dominicans. Join the locals for religious observance, or visit between services to view the building. The old structure impresses with highly detailed stained glass throughout. Brochures describing the history of this important church are available for purchase. Check the mass schedule online before you go; doors may be locked during services.

Local mythology claims Rock of Cashel, a limestone hill crowned by a group of medieval buildings, came into existence when Saint Patrick banished Satan from a cave in a nearby mountain. Kings of Munster lived here for several centuries before the Norman invasion, adding structures to fortify their hilltop seat of power. Little structural evidence of that time remains, as the oldest building still standing on the rock is a round tower constructed sometime in the 12th century. Next to the tower stands a Romanesque chapel, Gothic cathedral, and a 15th century castle. Before you stroll here from the town of Cashel, check the website for a downloadable leaflet providing a brief history and a map of this historical site.

Visit an important symbol of Killkenny's heritage at Rothe House and Garden, the only 17th-century merchant's house still standing in Ireland. Built between 1594 and 1610, the residence will give you a sense of Renaissance times as you wander through its three houses. The museum within hosts 2,500 original artifacts all related to Killkenny's history. Many of these are over 400 years old, and some date back to prehistoric times. Tours are self-guided, so take as much time to view the relics as you like. Afterward, stroll through the garden out back, which was recently constructed and emulates a typical 17th-century garden. If you have Killkenny roots, the Rothe House can help you trace your Irish genealogy.

Occupying a former private estate, Castlecomer Discovery Park is a family-friendly attraction with playgrounds, trails, a treetop walk, crafts workshops, lakes, and an exhibit about the area's coal mining history. Started as a community project, the park remains a non-for-profit organization.