Ireland’s smallest city, Kilkenny, is set for a tourist boom in the next couple of years.
Located in Ireland’s Ancient East region, the country’s smallest city is part of Fáilte Ireland’s regional tourism development strategy, which aims to rethink the way international tourists travel in Ireland, notably by making this highly appreciated city into one of the country’s most popular destination.
Discover the historic gem – before the crowds arrive
With its compact medieval layout and narrow cobblestone lanes, Kilkenny features a romantic, storybook appearance, typical of the Irish town you would imagine.
Known as the “Marble city” because of the many structures built in the local Kilkenny deep blue-grey marble, the city is a mix of medieval charm, with a 12th-century castle standing at its heart, and a dynamic centre filled with music and character.
As part of the city’s development strategy, the Medieval Mile Museum continues to play a central role in the expansion of the city’s historic core. The idea is to create a world-class, walkable heritage experience.
Fáilte Ireland has officially marked this city for major development, meaning it is on the cusp of transitioning from a much-appreciated regional city to a global bucket-list hotspot.
Now is the time to go, before this intimate yet already much-loved spot becomes even more popular!
A must-visit stop – plan for your next Wild Atlantic Way road trip
Located 90 minutes’ drive away from Dublin, Kilkenny is the perfect stopover on your way towards the Wild Atlantic Way.
Whether you are heading towards the south in Kinsale, or west toward Limerick, Kilkenny is the ideal rest stop to take an extended break and enjoy the rolling green hills and winding stone alleyways of the villages of Ireland’s central countryside.
Named among one of the most charming medieval towns in Europe, Kilkenny is at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, a region steeped in history dating back 5000 years.
The secluded monastic sites, gorgeous secret gardens, and the gentle landscapes along the rivers flowing through the country are often overlooked in favour of the more famous west coast.
Don’t miss this chance to discover a different side of Ireland on your way to the Atlantic coast!
Eco-tourism & authentic craic – the new face of Irish travel
As a testing ground for a new way of travelling in Ireland, Kilkenny is part of a development programme which aims to ensure the growth of tourism whilst preserving a strictly protected environment.
For instance, Fáilte Ireland is actively building a network of water trails among the Three Sisters Rivers, which will allow visitors to discover the surroundings by the local “blueways”.
Kayaks, paddleboards, or canoes will be connecting the city directly to the neighboring villages in a more sustainable way!
Moreover, the South East Greenway Integration, also based on eco-conscious directives, will link the city to regional 24-kilometer (15 miles) cycling networks.
Old rail tunnels, viaducts, and historical sites will be accessible on foot or by bike, ensuring authentic craic with a sustainable approach.
The smallest city in Ireland is about to take a shift into one of the biggest travel spots in the country. This is why you need to add Kilkenny to your Irish bucket list and enjoy the quiet, charming heart of Ireland’s Ancient East before visitor numbers surge further!
