Kilkenny’s historical charm comes alive through the captivating Kilkenny Historical Highlights Walking Tour. Led by certified guides, this 2-hour exploration delves into the city’s rich heritage, offering visitors an engaging glimpse into Kilkenny’s past. From the iconic Cathedral of Saint Canice to the grand Kilkenny Castle, the tour showcases the city’s most renowned landmarks while weaving in fascinating stories about its famous citizens. With a flexible cancellation policy and options for private or small group experiences, this tour is an excellent way to uncover the hidden gems that make Kilkenny a must-visit destination. What intriguing tales from Kilkenny’s history might you uncover on this enchanting walking tour?
About Our Review: We hope you find our review helpful! Though we don’t operate tours, you can easily book this experience using the button at the bottom of this page. If you do make a booking, we will make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Key Points
- A 2-hour walking tour of Kilkenny that highlights the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Saint Canice and Kilkenny Castle.
- Tour led by certified national guides who provide engaging historical insights and stories about Kilkenny’s famous citizens.
- Tour suitable for individual travelers and groups, with private and small group options available.
- Flexible booking and cancellation policy, allowing visitors to plan their trip with confidence.
- Tour not recommended for individuals with low fitness levels due to the uneven terrain and requirement for comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
More tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
The Kilkenny: Historical Highlights Walking Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history and landmarks, catering to a diverse audience with its flexible group options and multilingual offerings.
Priced at just $13.11 per person, this 2-hour tour is an accessible way to discover Kilkenny’s iconic sights. Visitors can choose from private or small group experiences, all led by certified national guides.
The tour’s cancellation policy provides added flexibility, allowing for free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Whether you’re an individual traveler or part of a group, the Kilkenny walking tour provides a convenient and customizable way to learn about the city’s captivating past.
Guided Tour Experience
Led by a certified national tour guide, the Kilkenny: Historical Highlights Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s storied past.
Commencing at the Kilkenny Crystal Shop, the guided experience whisks visitors through the heart of Kilkenny, highlighting its most iconic landmarks and the fascinating stories behind them.
Guests will marvel at the towering Cathedral of Saint Canice, explore the history of the Black Abbey, and discover the significance of the Kilkenny County Hall and St. John’s Priory.
Throughout the 2-hour tour, the knowledgeable guide brings the city’s rich heritage to life, offering insights into Kilkenny’s famous citizens and the events that have shaped its enduring legacy.
Main Stops on the Route
Throughout the 2-hour walking tour, visitors frequently stop at several of Kilkenny’s most celebrated landmarks.
They first cross the River Nore to reach the Kilkenny County Hall, an impressive neo-Gothic structure housing the county’s administrative offices.
Next, the group explores St. John’s Priory and the adjacent Butler Gallery, a contemporary art museum housed in a restored 17th-century Carmelite priory.
The tour then passes through Irishtown to visit the Cathedral of Saint Canice, a 13th-century structure renowned for its imposing tower.
The final stop is the iconic Kilkenny Castle, a stunning medieval castle that has been the seat of the Butler family for over 600 years.
Itinerary Details
The walking tour begins at the Kilkenny Crystal Shop, where participants start their journey through the historic city.
From there, the group crosses the River Nore to reach the Kilkenny County Hall, an impressive neo-Gothic structure housing the county’s administrative offices.
Next, the tour explores St. John’s Priory and the Butler Gallery, which showcases the region’s art and heritage.
Participants then pass through the Irishtown district to reach the majestic Cathedral of St. Canice, one of Kilkenny’s most iconic landmarks.
The tour culminates at the impressive Kilkenny Castle, where visitors can explore the city’s rich history and culture.
While the itinerary may vary, this walking tour provides a comprehensive glimpse into Kilkenny’s captivating past.
Age and Physical Requirements
Participants must be adults aged 18 to 99 years, while children 17 and younger don’t require a ticket. The walking tour isn’t suitable for individuals with low fitness levels.
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, participants should:
-
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
-
Dress for the weather, as the tour will continue rain or shine.
-
Avoid high-heeled shoes, as the tour involves walking on uneven terrain.
-
Refrain from intoxication, as well as bringing alcohol, drugs, or engaging in littering.
What to Bring and Prohibitions
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, participants should bring comfortable, closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather, as the tour will continue rain or shine. High-heeled shoes aren’t recommended, as the tour involves walking on uneven terrain.
Participants are also required to refrain from intoxication, as well as bringing alcohol, drugs, or engaging in littering. This is to maintain a respectful and safe environment for all attendees.
The tour guide will provide a seamless and informative experience, so participants should simply focus on embracing the rich history and charming sights of Kilkenny.
Customer Ratings and Feedback
Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews showcase the tour’s success, with an impressive 4.9/5 rating from 67 previous attendees.
Travelers particularly praised the knowledgeable guides, who brought Kilkenny’s history to life with engaging storytelling. Many also appreciated the guides’ flexibility and helpfulness in cases where participants missed the starting point.
The tour’s highlights often inspired recommendations for additional activities, such as visiting local cafes. Customers consistently described the experience as a fantastic way to discover Kilkenny’s historical gems.
With its blend of educational content and personalized service, the Kilkenny: Historical Highlights Walking Tour has clearly resonated with visitors seeking an immersive, memorable exploration of this captivating Irish city.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
The tour offers a convenient reservation and cancellation policy, allowing participants to reserve their spot now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
This flexible approach ensures that visitors can plan their trip with confidence, without having to commit financially until they’re ready. The ‘reserve now, pay later’ option is particularly useful for those who need to firm up their travel arrangements.
Plus, the 24-hour cancellation window provides a safety net in case plans change unexpectedly. This booking and cancellation policy is designed to provide a seamless and stress-free experience for all participants.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Any Wheelchair Accessibility on This Tour?
The tour’s accessibility for wheelchair users is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. Customers with mobility needs should inquire about accommodations when booking the tour to determine if it meets their requirements.
Can We Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, participants can generally take photos during walking tours. Tour guides often encourage capturing the sights, though they may ask guests to be mindful of not disrupting the experience for others.
Do Guides Provide Recommendations for Restaurants Nearby?
Tour guides often provide recommendations for nearby restaurants during walking tours. They can suggest local eateries that offer tasty cuisine and enhance the overall cultural experience for participants.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children Under 5?
The tour is not recommended for children under 5 as it requires a moderate level of fitness and walking. It’s better suited for adults or older children who can keep up with the pace and appreciate the historical content.
Can We Make Any Stops Along the Way or Modify the Itinerary?
The tour itinerary is generally fixed, but the guide may be able to accommodate minor changes or additional stops upon request, depending on the group’s interests and time availability. It’s best to discuss any modifications with the guide ahead of time.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Private Airport Transfer From Kilkenny City to Dublin Airport
- 21 Best Tours In Kilkenny
- Kayak and SUP Tours Kilkenny
- 9 Best Walking Tours In Kilkenny
- 4 Best City Tours In Kilkenny
- 3 Best Historical Tours In Kilkenny
- Kilkenny City Tour in German.
- 2 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Kilkenny
- Medieval Tour and Irish Coffee Tasting Experience
- Medieval Mile Walking Trail
- Kilkenny: Historical and Hysterical Guided City Walking Tour
- From Dublin: 5-Day Tour of Irelands South-East
- Hurling Experience in Freshford, Near Kilkenny
- Kilkenny Dark Tours
- Kilkenny: Guided City Boat Tour With Kilkenny Castle Views
Recap
The Kilkenny Historical Highlights Walking Tour offers an engaging 2-hour exploration of the city’s rich heritage.
Led by certified guides, the tour visits iconic landmarks, sharing captivating stories about Kilkenny’s famous citizens.
With flexible options and competitive pricing, it’s an excellent way to uncover the historical gems of this charming Irish city.