Kilkenny is just a short drive outside Dublin, making it a quick daytrip if you’re visiting the city.
Start your exploration with breakfast at Fennelly’s of Callan, a local favorite where you’ll find great coffee and lots of charm. Breakfast options are simple, affordable (easily less than $5–10) and include gluten-free items, too. You can’t go wrong with local scrambled eggs atop Irish brown bread.
Make sure to visit Kilkenny Castle. The more than 800-year-old structure is worth a thorough examination, but if you’re short on time, at least stop by to see the exterior. There are plenty of photo ops and a lovely terraced rose garden. Tickets are less than $10.
Book a tour of Rothe House and Garden on Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile. The significant historic home was a merchant and politician’s abode and beyond the house itself, there’s an impressive array of historic artifacts. Learn more about the region’s past, either via a guided tour or an audio tour, both less than $10.
Grab lunch at Petronella, a nearby eatery that serves a wide range of items. Lunch can be had for less than $10–15 and options include light bites like salads and wraps, and vegan and vegetarian items.
Then, head outside of the main city and explore the nearby attractions. Jerpoint Abbey features ruins that date to the 1100s, while Dunmore Cave, with its impressive geological features and archaeological findings, is also popular.
For dinner, don’t miss a chance to dine at the upscale, yet still affordable, Butcher, where the carnivorous options are top-tier and you can expect steakhouse-style side dishes. Request a window seat for views of pedestrians along the cobblestone walk below.
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