Kilkenny city has become a very popular stag party destination in the last couple of years. This month, we are looking into why you should consider the famous hurling county as an ideal location for your big weekend! The reasons for its popularity are the endless amount of stag activities, a wide range of accommodation options as well as lots of pubs and restaurants to avail of. There's no need to have your stag do in Carlingford, or Dublin or Carrick-on-Shannon. Instead try Kilkenny, it is perfect.
Kilkenny’s reputation as a fantastic weekend destination is far-reaching. With our wonderful eateries, diverse nightspots, relationship with the arts, and warm, welcoming locals it becomes abundantly clear to see why The Marble City is a hugely popular destination all year ’round. But why opt for Kilkenny for your weekend away with the girls? Let’s take a look…
We may be known the world over as Ireland’s Medieval City, but don’t let that tag fool you. Kilkenny offers wonderfully vibrant shopping opportunities, both on the High Street and in the more compact surroundings of our two shopping centres.
MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre is located right at the train station (so if that’s your prefered travel you can’t miss it). The centre houses around 40 retail outlets including TK Maxx, Carraig Don, Jack & Jones and River Island to name but a few. The centre even houses a fantastic ten-pin bowling alley complete with a games arcade and fun indoor activities at K-Bowl. MacDonagh’s bright and comfortable food court means that you don’t have to leave the centre at all if you wish! (Obviously, we recommend that you do)! Penney’s, Insomnia, TK Maxx, the best things to do in Kilkenny for all the girls.
In a more central location, entered from the High Street, you’ll discover Market Cross Shopping Centre. The centre is home to outlets including Vero Moda, Monsoon, Dubray Books and Penneys. Good food is plentiful here too, with Insomnia, Kilkenny Cafe and Stefan’s Pretzels all close at hand, just follow your nose!
Take your pick! Kilkenny is packed with fantastic, award-winning restaurants and hotels serving up stylish food. If you’d prefer something quick and easy, Kilkenny has an abundance of great gastropubs with really comprehensive menus.
Don’t forget to venture off the beaten track! Explore the Marble City’s many slips and narrow alleyways to discover hidden gems and cuisines from around the world… What do we recommend? Everything!
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing chat over your favourite beverage, or a taste of Kilkenny’s vibrant nightlife, you’ll find it right here. Try a famous cocktail upstairs in the Left Bank or kick back at Matt the Millers!
Kilkenny is known from coast to coast for its intimate live music venues! Local and travelling performers ensure that every musical taste is catered for each and every weekend at an array of local pubs, clubs and theatres.
Lively trad music at the Hole in the Wall or Kytler’s Inn, or something a bit heavier at Langton’s or Billy Byrne’s.
Enjoy a tipple before enjoying a performance at one of Kilkenny’s fabulous theatres, from the grand Watergate or Langton’s Set Theatre to Cleere’s. Kilkenny has no shortage of local theatrical talent, including the famous Kilkenny Musical Society and KATS Theatre Group among others.
How about something completely different? Kilkenny Activity Centre is home to Kilkenny’s only paintball arena! Get really competitive with your closest friends and make fun memories to last a lifetime. Mega-popular with Hen Parties, the Activity Centre also offers the opportunity to tackle its renowned assault course! Don’t forget to wear old clothes!
Plan your visit and browse the action-packed outdoor activities on offer at Kilkenny Activity Centre.
What girl’s weekend would be complete without some serious pampering from some of the best in the business? Especially after getting seriously grubby at the Activity Centre! To get you ready for a big night out (or to help you feel better after one!) visit Kieran O’Gorman Hair and Beauty Day Spa.
They have a huge range of hair and beauty treatments available, everything from tanning and nails to make-up and hair and all delivered in a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Their staff are friendly and accommodating and nothing is too much hassle.
There’s also the amazing Lyrath Estate for those looking to experience true luxury.
Book your group visit to Kilkenny the easy way with a fantastic, great value premium package from Kilkenny Concierge! We take great pride in showcasing the very best of what beautiful Kilkenny has to offer.
The Medieval city of Kilkenny has long since been one of Ireland’s top visitor destinations. Its renowned nightlife, serene atmosphere, historic architecture and action packed activities make it an automatic consideration for those planning Hen and Stag weekends, family away days, or tranquil spa retreats. With so many things to do in Kilkenny, you won’t disappointed.
Here in Kilkenny we’re extremely proud of our city status, after all, this is the Medieval capital of Ireland! Thankfully as cities go, we’re a small one. Whether you’re seeking great food, unique sightseeing, lively night spots, or a calming stroll down the Medieval Mile, you’ll find everything within reasonable walking distance from the city centre. Perfect!
So if you’re planning a weekend in Kilkenny, here’s some suggestions to get you on your way… Oh what to do with big groups!
What to See
Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile is jam packed with must see landmarks and diverse, comfortable coffee shops PERFECT for a time out if required. Mount Juliet Estate even is amazing or visit the oldest bar of Kytelers Inn.
No visit to The Marble City would be complete without taking in the beautiful Kilkenny Castle. For centuries the castle has stood as an imposing and instantly recognisable monument. A majestic reminder of a rich and diverse history.
The castle grounds provide a calming and spacious sanctuary while tours of the grandiose interior can be undertaken at your leisure.
As you make your way along the Medieval Mile, you may be lucky enough to catch a song or two from one of the city’s many gifted street performers. The historic Tholsel is home to local government nowadays, but its stunning stone arches provide wonderful acoustics, ensuring High Street always has a melodic sound track.
The Tholsel itself dates back to 1761 and has played many a role since its construction, including that of a guildhall and courthouse.
Behind the Tholsel you’ll discover St. Mary’s Lane. A narrow passageway which conjures images of times gone by and candle lit street illumination, combined with spectacular, contemporary street art by artist Dan Leo.
The lane is home to the former St. Mary’s church and graveyard, now the ultra modern Medieval Mile Museum. Here you can join a guided tour or discover Kilkenny’s 800 year old story in your own time.
Conclude your Medieval Mile experience by climbing the famous round tower at St, Canice’s Cathedral. Not for the fainthearted (or vertigo sufferers), the Round Tower is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny City. Tourists can enjoy climbing the Round Tower capturing great views of the city (weather permitting). St Canice’s Round Tower is one of only two Round Towers that people can climb in Ireland and offers stunning photo opportunities. Don’t miss out on the Cat Laugh’s comedy festival.
Where to Eat
Where do we begin? Kilkenny has an abundance of fantastic award winning restaurants, bars, bistros, cafes, coffee shops and takeaways offering a spectacular range of cuisines. So whether you’re after a traditional Irish bite, or a dish with its roots in far away shores, you’ll discover a wealth of flavours within easy reach.
Click here for the tripadvisor guide to Kilkenny’s ten best restaurants!
Where to Drink
There’s certainly no shortage of options in this department! We recommend you explore the many alleyways and slips which play host to snug traditional pubs and bars. If it’s a livelier nocturnal experience you seek, stick to the beaten track and discover live music to suit each and every taste!
Enjoy a traditional pint by the fire, or sample from an ever expanding range of craft beers. Kilkenny’s nightlife caters comfortably to pretty much any age group.
Outdoor Activities
Are you a thrill seeker? Kilkenny’s action packed outdoor pursuits are hugely popular with hen and stag parties, as well as families and corporate groups!
For paintball, splatball, awesome assault course, bubblesoccer, archery darts and LOADS more, look no further than Kilkenny Activity Centre (as seen on TV)!
Kilkenny folk have a far reaching reputation for being welcoming, and as Kilkenny people we can let you in on the secret as to why… It all boils down to the fact that we’re super proud of our Medieval City, and as such we LOVE to show it off!
Here at Kilkenny Concierge we want nothing more than for you to experience the very best of what Kilkenny has to offer. Our experience combined with an unrivaled local knowledge make our premium packages the best way to organise your group visit to the Marble City.
And we’re already certain that once you sample unique Kilkenny, you’ll be just as enchanted as we are.