Visiting Kilkenny from Australia
How to Get Here, What to See and Where to Stay
For many Australians, travelling to Ireland is not just about seeing new places. It is about tracing connections, slowing down, and finding places that feel real rather than polished for tourism. Kilkenny offers exactly that kind of experience.
As one of Ireland’s best preserved medieval cities, Kilkenny carries its history with ease. Narrow streets, ancient stonework, lively cafés and quiet green spaces sit comfortably side by side. The city feels walkable, welcoming and easy to settle into, with a gentle rhythm that invites you to take your time.
Located in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, Kilkenny is a natural base for discovering Ireland’s layered history while still feeling relaxed and accessible, even for first-time visitors.
Where to Stay in Kilkenny?
Where you stay shapes how you experience Ireland. For travellers seeking calm, character and a genuine sense of place, Butler House & Garden offers something quietly special.
Butler House & Garden
Butler House & Garden is a beautifully restored Georgian residence, with a rich connection to the city’s aristocratic past. Built in 1786 as the Dower House for Kilkenny Castle, it once housed the Earls of Ormonde and remains a striking example of 18th-century architecture. With original features, bowed bays and views of the walled garden and castle, it offers guests a rare sense of place and history. Quietly tucked behind the castle walls and surrounded by mature, carefully kept gardens, the house has welcomed guests for generations and remains deeply rooted in Kilkenny’s story. Through the garden gate an youww br in the Castle yard a& Craft Studios, then into the vibrant Parade Street, moments from Kilkenny’s medieval streets, museums, cafés and craft shops.
With just 17 individually designed rooms, the experience feels personal, warm, and authentic. Elegant yet comfortable, historic yet relaxed, Butler House offers a sense of calm and belonging, a place to return to at the end of the day simply to slow down. A stay here feels less like a visit and more like an immersion in history.
Where to Eat in Kilkenny?
Kilkenny’s culinary scene is as inviting as the city itself, a blend of thoughtful menus, seasonal ingredients and lively places that feel rooted in local character. Independent restaurants, cosy cafés and welcoming pubs are scattered through the medieval streets and around the Castle, offering everything from traditional Irish fare to inspired modern cuisine. Seasonal menus, local ingredients, and a relaxed approach to dining define Kilkenny’s culinary scene, making it easy to enjoy both casual meals and memorable evenings out.
Each autumn, Kilkenny comes alive with Savour Kilkenny Food Festival, a much-loved celebration of food and flavour set against the backdrop of Kilkenny Castle. Over four days every October Bank Holiday weekend, the city fills with over 100 artisan stalls and street-food vendors showcasing local produce, seasonal treats and innovative dishes. There are free cookery demonstrations, craft brewers and distillers to meet, and plenty of opportunities to savour the best of Irish food culture in a relaxed festival atmosphere right in the heart of town.
Dining and Experiences at Butler House
Dining at Butler House reflects the character of the house, unhurried, thoughtful and relaxed. Breakfast is served in elegant surroundings, prepared with care using quality local ingredients. Butler House is also well known for its Afternoon Tea (on selected dates), a much-loved experience enjoyed by guests and visitors alike. Freshly baked treats, traditional favourites and the calm of the garden setting make it a gentle pause in the day, whether before exploring the city or after returning from it. Guests can enjoy homemade, carefully prepared dishes inspired by seasonal ingredients, from comforting afternoon tea overlooking the garden to relaxed evening meals served at an easy pace. It is the kind of setting where time softens and meals are enjoyed slowly, without any sense of hurry.
We offer a number of packages throughout the year, with a focus on dining experiences, heritage & wellness-focused stays.
You can view current offers here.
What to See in Kilkenny?
Kilkenny city is easily explored on foot, with centuries of heritage woven into its streets, buildings, and historic landmarks. From medieval churches to craft studios and cultural spaces, the city rewards curiosity and unhurried exploration within walking distance.
One of the pleasures of staying at Butler House is how much of Kilkenny can be explored on foot. Through the garden gate and just beyond the front door, you can easily visit:
- Castle Yard Craft Studios
- National Design and Craft Gallery
- Kilkenny Castle and Parklands
- Medieval Mile Museum
- St Canice’s Cathedral
- Rothe House and Garden
- The Black Abbey
- Butler Gallery
- Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum
- Boutique shops, cafés, restaurants and traditional pubs along Kilkenny’s medieval streets.
Kilkenny rewards slow exploration. It is a city of layers and stories, best discovered without rush.
A short drive from the city brings you to:
- Inistioge
- Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum
- Bennettsbridge
- Graiguenamangh
- Thomastown
- Jerpoint Abbey
- Jerpoint Glass Studio
- Kells Priory
- Nicholas Mosse Pottery
- Jerpoint Glass Studio
Must-See Attractions a Short Drive from Kilkenny
For Australian visitors with an interest in history, ancestry and landscape, Kilkenny is well placed for thoughtful day trips across Ireland’s Ancient East. Butler House & Garden is ideally located in Kilkenny City Centre, allowing you to explore all that Kilkenny City has to offer within moments. Additionally, you can venture further to experience Ireland’s Ancient East and beyond. You can easily spend a day visiting nearby counties such as Tipperary & Waterford. Below are some incredible sites located about an hour away from Butler House & Garden, making them perfect options for day trips or tours from Kilkenny.
Check out our suggestions for great day trips from Kilkenny below!
Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary
Located approx. 45 minutes' drive from Kilkenny. The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most impressive historic sites, with medieval buildings set high above the surrounding countryside, houses a remarkable cluster of medieval buildings rising 60m above the Golden Vale
Cahir Castle, Co. Tipperary
A beautifully preserved medieval castle on the River Suir. Approximately 30 minutes away from the Rock of Cashel.
The House of Waterford, Waterford City
Discover the heritage of Ireland’s world famous crystal through guided tours and exhibitions, and witness how the crystal masterpieces are crafted, from the initial design right up to the final engraving. Founded in 1783, the House of Waterford has upheld a centuries-old tradition of crafting the world’s finest crystal. About one hour from Kilkenny.
How to Get to Kilkenny?
Dublin Airport is the main international gateway for visitors travelling from the United States. From there, Kilkenny is easy to reach by bus, train, car or sea.
By Direct Bus
The JJ Kavanagh 717 runs from Dublin Airport (Zone 16) to Ormonde Road, a short walk from Butler House. Journey time is about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
By Train via Dublin City Centre
Take the Aircoach to Heuston Station, then the train to Kilkenny. The journey takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes. MacDonagh Station is about a 10-minute walk from Butler House.
By Car Hire or Taxi
Driving takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Car hire is ideal if you plan to explore beyond Kilkenny. Remember that driving in Ireland is on the left and speed limits are shown in kilometres per hour.
When to Visit Kilkenny?
Kilkenny is beautiful in every season.
Spring brings fresh colour and long days for exploring.
Summer offers festivals, outdoor dining and lively streets.
Autumn brings rich tones and a quieter pace.
Winter is especially beautiful, with festive lights, cosy cafés, glowing shopfronts and a slower rhythm that suits the season perfectly.
There is no wrong time to visit, only different ways to experience it.
Plan Your Stay
For Australian travellers seeking an Ireland that feels authentic, walkable and deeply connected to its past, Kilkenny offers an easy and rewarding place to begin. And for those choosing where to stay, Butler House & Garden offers the perfect base, tucked away, yet right where you want to be!
Explore our offers here
For enquiries or reservations:
Phone: +353567722828
Email: res@butler.ie
Website: www.butler.ie
