Kilkenny City Hidden Gems & Highlights Free Walking Tour

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Kilkenny

Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Languages: English

Guru: Johanna

Registered on 11 June 2025

Hi, I am a licenced and qualified local tour guide with over 10 years experience working as a Tour Guide across Ireland. I especially love meeting new people and providing memorable, enjoyable experiences for each person who comes on one of my tours. In my free time I love travelling around Ireland exploring its rich and diverse culture, heritage, history, nature, wildlife and spectacular landscapes.

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Tour description

Take a tour with me around the bustling and vibrant Medieval city of Kilkenny, which is known for its vibrant history, heritage, culture, its people and the vibrant arts scene.

Hear the stories about why Kilkenny people are also known as the Cats, the story of Alice Kytler and her servant Petronella who was the only woman in Ireland to be burned as a witch and the impact of Kilkenny people have had on both a National and International basis.

We will explore the ugly truth about what it was like to live in Medieval Ireland, the realities of life under British Occupation and the role Kilkenny has and continues to play its part in Irelands cultural, artistic and culinary traditions.

On this walking tour you will also be introduced to some of Kilkenny's City hidden gems such as one of Irelands oldest licenced, medieval graveyards and one of only two Round Tower in Ireland that is open to the public.

Please be advised that this tour includes a number of stairs and uneven surfaces so wear good comfortable walking shoes.

Make sure to bring wet weather gear and bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated whilst on tour.

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

Kilkenny Castle, Dukesmeadows, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland

You will find me standing by the Black Railings on the left hand side of the large gated main entrance to Kilkenny Castle. I will be holding a Clip Board with the Guru Walk Logo facing outward.

Outside visit

The Parade

Meeting Point of the Tour. Large open plan public square.

Outside visit

Kilkenny Castle

A 12th century medieval castle set in extensive parklands built by William Marshall. This was the principal seat of the Butler family.

Outside visit

Syd Harkin's Pub

Syd Harkins was first licenced in 1648 and is one of Irelands longest trading licenced pub.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).