Visiting Kilkenny from the UK

How to Get Here, What to See and Where to Stay

For visitors travelling from the UK, Kilkenny often feels both familiar and distinct, making it an easy and rewarding escape. Centuries of shared history are visible in the city’s architecture, traditions and stories, from Norman influences to Georgian elegance, yet the pace of life here feels softer and more unhurried.

It is a compact, characterful city with a lively cultural scene, excellent food, independent shops and a strong sense of place, all within easy walking distance. Historic landmarks sit comfortably alongside modern cafés, galleries and riverside walks, creating a city that feels relaxed yet engaging.

Located in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, Kilkenny offers the ideal balance of atmosphere and ease, perfect for a long weekend or a gentle break that feels different, without feeling distant.

couple at bh

Where to Stay in Kilkenny?

Choosing the right base makes all the difference when exploring Kilkenny. A place that allows you to step straight into the city, while also offering calm and quiet at the end of the day.

No visit feels quite complete without a stay at Butler House & Garden, a peaceful retreat tucked beside Kilkenny Castle, where the city seems to soften the moment you step through the gates.

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.

butler housegarden

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.

savour kk

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.

View Our Dining Options Here.

afternoon tea with bubbles l

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
Boutique shops, cafés, restaurants and traditional pubs along Kilkenny’s medieval streets.

kk castle 2 2

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

woodstock gardens

Must-See Attractions a Short Drive from Kilkenny

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

rock of cashel

Cahir Castle, Co. Tipperary
A beautifully preserved medieval castle on the River Suir. Approximately 30 minutes away from the Rock of Cashel.

cahir castle

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.

house of waterford

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.

By Ferry

For those who prefer travelling by sea, there are daily ferries from the UK to Ireland. Ferries depart from Fishguard and Pembroke to Rosslare & daily sailings from Holyhead to Dublin. Both ports are approximately a 1 hour and 30 minute drive from Kilkenny.

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

If you are travelling from the UK and looking for a place that feels authentic, walkable and deeply rooted in Irish history, Kilkenny is an ideal choice. And for those choosing where to stay, Butler House & Gardens offers the perfect base, tucked away, yet right where you want to be!