Savour Food Festival Kilkenny

Our Guide to 24 Hours in Kilkenny!

If you’ve only got a day to explore our beautiful county, you’ll have to make it count! We’ve put together a one-day itinerary of the best of Kilkenny, the cuisine, attractions and of course, where to find the famous Craic agus Ceol the Marble City is known for. If you’re looking for your fantastic hotel accommodation in Kilkenny, the Pembroke Hotel is your best choice. Pembroke Kilkenny is a 4-star Boutique Hotel in the centre of Kilkenny, ideal to explore the culture and history of the city.

Breakfast

Start the day off well with a hearty and healthy breakfast in Pembroke Hotel. Our B&B package means you can start your day with a freshly cooked breakfast, choosing exactly what you want to fuel you for the morning. We have a great selection of breakfast dishes, from the traditional full-Irish to cooked-to-order options such as Salmon Kedgeree, Baked Organic Eggs, Buttermilk Waffles and Homemade Mueslis. We are proud to use local, organic ingredients in all our dishes. We can’t think of a better way to start the day!

Stop #1 – St. Canice’s Cathedral

After a delicious breakfast, make your way to the Cathedral Church of St Canice, also known as Kilkenny Cathedral, for a morning of discovery and learning about this 13th Century piece of architecture. The cathedral has a rich and varied history of worship and is said to be the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny City. Marvel at the beauty of the building and it’s interior, the centrepiece of which is the bespoke stained-glass windows adding a burst of colour.

While there, visit the Round Tower which is one of only two that can be climbed in Ireland. It’s a really unique experience being inside the tower and although it can be tricky to navigate the steps, it leads to a very rewarding view from the top.

Lunch Al Fresco – Cakeface

After a morning of exploring, stroll down the main street, through the Medieval Mile and grab yourself some coffee and a cake or a more substantial lunch to go from Cakeface Patisserie. They have amazing sweet treats, their coffee is divine, and their staff are always helpful, ready to recommend their personal favourites or something they think you’d like.

Take your lunch towards Kilkenny Castle where you can stretch out on their expansive lawns and dine al fresco. The grounds of the castle are open to all free of charge and there are often families, pets and groups of schoolchildren enjoying a casual flick of the hurl while on their lunch break. This is, of course, weather permitting! If the sun isn’t in your favour, take shelter under the trees or in the small coffee shop on-site.

Stop #2 – Kilkenny Castle

Take a tour of Kilkenny Castle to learn more about the history of our ancient city. The castle was founded just after the Norman Invasion and has been rebuilt and adapted for use over the past 800-years. Today it is home to a truly impressive archive of artefacts, pictures and important historical relics from its period of occupation and beyond. The castle and gallery tour can take a few hours so you might opt for a self-guided tour to save time.

Dinner – Statham’s by Pembroke Kilkenny

Return to your perfect hotel accommodation in Kilkenny, Pembroke Hotel, to freshen up and refuel with dinner in Statham’s. We offer a fantastic and varied menu, prepared by our Head Chef and inspired by local produce and what is in season. The ingredients used to make our delicious food are locally sourced where possible and only the finest quality produce is accepted by our perfectionist kitchen team. Our friendly wait staff are on hand to ensure you have a fantastic dining experience with us. We also offer a great value Early Bird menu if you’d like to dine a little earlier.

Craic agus Ceol – Kyteler’s Inn

If you’re not only here for the heritage, experience some of Kilkenny’s finest musical culture with a visit to Kytelers Inn, one of the oldest inn’s in the city. They have a great drinks selection; fantastic live music every night and it’s even said they have a resident ghost! Finish your evening with a nightcap in Statham’s Bar.

Irish hotels boast some of the best hospitality in the world and Pembroke Kilkenny is certainly one of the best. For the best available rates on all accommodation in Ireland, it’s best to book directly so check your dates online or contact our friendly reservations team today for our great value special offers available now.