Kilkenny has always been known as a thriving market town and although the wares may have changed, we’re still a great destination for a fun shopping weekend. The city centre is compact so you can easily go from place to place, exploring the area, taking in the sights and checking out the best shops and shopping centres. Here are some of our favourite areas for the best bargains and unique shops in Kilkenny.
1. High Street
If you’re looking for some local craft or a one of a kind, handmade ornament to bring home as a reminder of your trip, High Street is a great place to start. This vibrant street has plenty of boutiques, souvenir shops, book shops, shoe shops and homeware shops, all accompanied by the sound of our local talented buskers. Good’s, one of the most popular shops in the town selling ladieswear is on High Street and has been open since 1927.
A shopping trip to Kilkenny is not complete without a trip to MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, adjacent to the MacDonagh train station (about 10 minutes walk from Pembroke Kilkenny). Not only are there over 50 top retail outlets in MacDonagh, there is a bowling centre, an array of restaurants and the haunting Kilkenny Famine Experience tour. In MacDonagh Junction, you’ll find all of your high street favourites like H&M, River Island and plenty of bargains in TK Maxx.
3. Kieran Street
For a step away from the usual high-street favourites, head to Kieran Street, parallel to High Street for a browse in some of the more high-end boutique stores. If you want to stand out from the crowd or wow onlookers at an upcoming event, visit boutiques like Annabel’s, Sally West, Mimi, 38Co, Lady Lorna and Serendipity for something truly one of a kind. As the saying goes, it’s better to be looked over than overlooked and you’ll surely turn some heads in a stunning unique outfit. The quirky and colourful Butterslip store offers a range of jewellery, accessories and gorgeous gifts. The staff in each of the stores on Kieran Street offer each customer an extra special personal service that’s hard to find in commercial areas
4. Market Cross
Market Cross is a smaller, central shopping centre whose main attractions are Supervalu and Kilkenny’s only Penneys Store. Penneys (also known as Primark throughout UK & Europe) is a leading Irish fashion retailer whose knock down prices and huge range of clothes for men, women and children has truly cemented them as an Irish shopping staple. They’ve branched out in the past decade and now offer footwear, sports clothing, make-up, jewellery, accessories and homewares as well as beauty treatments. Market Cross also has Monsoon, Insomnia and car parking is available for over 500 cars.
5. Craft and Local Produce
Kilkenny is well known as the craft capital of Ireland and our talented residents produce everything from local food to stunning jewellery and pottery, all made with love. Follow the Made in Kilkenny Craft Trail to find unique goods like pottery, leather goods, knitwear, furniture, jewellery, glass and candles. You can even watch the craft-makers at work! Kilkenny also has a very busy Farmer’s Market, located on The Parade every Thursday morning. Alongside crafts, you’ll find delicious food from Kilkenny’s artisan producers. Don’t miss Kilkenny Design Centre just across the street from the Parade. Walk through the medieval courtyard to find the National Design & Craft Gallery which showcases the work of Irish and international artists with regular exhibitions throughout the year. We also have a regular car boot sale located at Cillin Hill that has been running for 14 years!
6. Patrick Street
We are lucky to have internationally renowned Rudolf Heltzel, master craft jeweller, located directly beside us here on Patrick Street. His exquisitely designed jewellery is timeless and perfect to celebrate a special occasion, like an engagement or anniversary. Across the street is the original Folkster vintage & occasion clothing store. Folkster is filled with shoes, daywear, evening wear, bridal and more! Brides-to-be flock to the Folkster Bridal store upstairs (appointment advised), while downstairs you can find a one-off bargain in the Folkster Vintage Kilo store.
If you’re travelling to Kilkenny for fun, fashion or a fantastic night out, consider Pembroke Kilkenny hotel for your Kilkenny accommodation. We are not only perfectly located to explore the city; you can easily make a pit stop with your bags, so you’re not weighed down! We also offer exclusive special offers when you book directly on our official website which aren’t available anywhere else.