Kilkenny, known for its medieval charm and rich history, is a compact city located in the heart of Ireland. With its cobblestone streets, charming old buildings, and bustling markets, Kilkenny is a dream destination for tourists. Whether you’re here to explore the famous Kilkenny Castle, enjoy local art at the National Craft Gallery, or indulge in the local food scene, one of the most important aspects of your trip is how to get around. Fortunately, Kilkenny is small enough to explore easily, yet offers several transportation options to help you make the most of your visit.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the various ways to get around Kilkenny, from walking and cycling to buses and taxis, while offering practical tips to ensure your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
1. Walking: The Best Way to Explore Kilkenny
Kilkenny is a city made for walking. Most of the main attractions, such as Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, the Medieval Mile, and the Smithwick’s Brewery, are all within walking distance of each other. The pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with shops, cafes, and pubs, making it easy to explore the city’s history and culture at your own pace.
Why Walking is Ideal in Kilkenny:
- Compact Size: Kilkenny is small enough that you can walk from one side of the city to the other in about 20 minutes.
- Historical Atmosphere: Strolling through Kilkenny’s cobbled streets gives you the chance to admire the city’s historic architecture, charming boutiques, and vibrant local life.
- Eco-Friendly: Walking is the most sustainable form of transport, and Kilkenny’s flat terrain makes it ideal for a leisurely walk.
Tips for Walking Around Kilkenny:
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Since the streets are often cobbled, it’s best to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes to avoid slipping and ensure comfort as you explore.
- Use a Map or Navigation App: Kilkenny is easy to navigate, but it’s helpful to have a map or use a navigation app on your phone, especially when looking for specific attractions.
- Take Your Time: Kilkenny’s beauty lies in its details, so don’t rush! Take time to wander down little alleyways, visit the local markets, and stop for a coffee in one of the quaint cafes.
2. Cycling: A Great Option for Active Travelers
If you enjoy a more active way of getting around, cycling is an excellent option in Kilkenny. The city is fairly flat and has dedicated cycling lanes on many main roads, making it easy to cycle around the city and its outskirts. Kilkenny is also located near some beautiful countryside and rural paths, so cycling is a great way to explore the surrounding area as well.
Renting a Bicycle: There are several bike rental shops in Kilkenny, making it simple to hire a bike for a day or longer. Kilkenny Cycle Tours offers bike rentals, and they even have electric bikes for those who prefer a more leisurely pace. Renting a bike typically costs around €15-€20 for a day, depending on the type of bike.
Cycling Around Kilkenny:
- Kilkenny to the Surrounding Countryside: Kilkenny is surrounded by beautiful rural landscapes, and cycling offers the perfect opportunity to explore this area. You can easily cycle out to nearby villages, forests, and parks, such as the Castlecomer Discovery Park, which is about 15 kilometers from Kilkenny.
- Cycling Tours: If you’re not familiar with the area, there are several cycling tour operators that offer guided bike tours of the city and the countryside. These tours typically last 2-4 hours and will guide you through Kilkenny’s history, landmarks, and scenic spots.
Tips for Cycling Around Kilkenny:
- Safety First: Always wear a helmet when cycling and be mindful of local traffic laws. Kilkenny is a relatively safe place to cycle, but it’s essential to stay aware of other road users.
- Check the Weather: Irish weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast before heading out on your bike to avoid getting caught in rain.
3. Public Transportation: Buses in Kilkenny
Kilkenny is well-served by public buses, particularly for tourists traveling between Kilkenny and nearby towns or cities. Kilkenny has several bus services connecting it with Dublin, Waterford, and other cities, making it easy to access the region from other parts of Ireland.
Kilkenny Bus Station: The Kilkenny Bus Station is located on the outskirts of the city center, just a 10-minute walk from the main shopping streets. Bus Eireann is the main provider for intercity bus services, offering regular routes between Kilkenny and other major cities like Dublin, Cork, and Waterford.
Local Bus Services: Kilkenny also has several local bus routes within the city, operated by Kilkenny Citylink. These buses are especially helpful for those traveling to more distant parts of the city, such as the industrial areas or the outlying neighborhoods. Local buses typically run every 30 minutes during peak times and offer affordable fares.
Fares:
- Intercity Buses: A bus trip from Dublin to Kilkenny costs around €10-€15 one-way, with travel times of about 1.5-2 hours.
- Local Buses: Fares for local bus routes range from €1.50 to €3, depending on the distance traveled.
Tips for Using Public Transportation:
- Plan Ahead: Check the bus schedules in advance, especially for intercity buses, as some routes may only run a few times a day.
- Tickets: For local buses, tickets are usually purchased directly from the bus driver, but for intercity routes, it’s best to book your tickets online in advance for better deals.
4. Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Convenient for Quick Trips
If you prefer a more private and convenient mode of transportation, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt are available in Kilkenny. While Kilkenny is small enough that you can usually walk to most places, there are times when a taxi or ride-sharing service is useful, particularly if you are traveling with luggage or heading to a location outside the city center.
Taxis in Kilkenny: Taxis can be hailed on the street, or you can book them by phone or through taxi apps. The Kilkenny Taxi Association operates in the area, and you can reach them for bookings. A taxi ride within the city center typically costs between €6-€10, depending on the distance.
Ride-Sharing Services: Services like Uber and Bolt are available in Kilkenny, but their availability might be limited compared to larger cities like Dublin. Using these services is straightforward via their respective apps, and they are often a more affordable option compared to traditional taxis.
Tips for Taxis and Ride-Sharing:
- Always Confirm the Fare: It’s good practice to confirm the approximate fare with the driver before starting the ride, especially if you’re heading to a less common destination.
- Be Prepared for Availability Issues: While taxis are generally easy to find in the city center, availability might be more limited in residential or rural areas. Pre-booking can help avoid delays.
5. Car Rentals: Ideal for Exploring the Surrounding Area
Kilkenny is a great base for exploring the surrounding counties of Carlow, Tipperary, and Waterford. If you plan to travel outside the city or visit some of the nearby rural attractions, renting a car can provide greater flexibility and convenience.
Car Hire in Kilkenny: There are several car hire services available in Kilkenny, including Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis, which have offices at the Kilkenny Train Station or at Kilkenny Airport, a small regional airport located about 12 kilometers from the city center. Renting a car costs around €30-€50 per day, depending on the car model and rental company.
Driving Around Kilkenny: Kilkenny’s roads are generally easy to navigate, and the surrounding countryside offers beautiful scenic drives. From Kilkenny, you can visit Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre in County Kilkenny, Rock of Cashel in Tipperary, or the charming town of Dunmore East in County Waterford.
Tips for Renting a Car:
- Familiarize Yourself with Local Driving Laws: In Ireland, driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the local traffic laws and signs before hitting the road.
- Parking in Kilkenny: While Kilkenny is relatively easy to navigate by car, parking in the city center can be limited. Many hotels offer parking facilities, and there are public parking lots throughout the city.
Getting Around Kilkenny with Ease
Kilkenny may be a small city, but it offers a variety of transportation options to suit the needs of any traveler. Whether you prefer walking through the city’s historic streets, cycling around the beautiful countryside, taking the bus, or using taxis or rental cars, there’s no shortage of ways to explore this charming city.
