Visiting Kilkenny from USA

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

Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s best preserved medieval cities, shaped by centuries of Norman, Georgian and Victorian influence. From narrow streets and ancient churches to the Kilkenny Castle and Butler House & Gardens, the city tells a continuous story stretching back over a thousand years.

Kilkenny sits right in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, a region rich in history, heritage and living culture. For visitors travelling from the USA, it offers an easy introduction to Ireland that feels authentic, walkable and deeply atmospheric. Medieval streets, historic landmarks, lively cafés and peaceful green spaces all sit within easy reach of one another, creating a place that feels both vibrant and gentle.

kilkenny street 1

Where to Stay in Kilkenny?

Choosing the right base makes all the difference when exploring Kilkenny. No visit feels complete without a stay at the historic Butler House & Garden.

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. Nestled within the original castle demesne and framed by Kilkenny’s medieval city wall, you are truly staying within a living part of Kilkenny’s heritage. A stay here feels less like a visit and more like an immersion in history.

Tucked within the quiet grounds of the Castle Demesne yet just moments from Kilkenny’s medieval streets, museums, cafés and craft shops, Butler House offers the best of both worlds. With just 17 individually designed rooms, the experience feels personal, warm and authentic.

butler housegarden

Where to Eat in Kilkenny?

Kilkenny has developed a strong reputation as one of Ireland’s most enjoyable food destinations, known for quality local produce, relaxed dining, and independent restaurants. From contemporary Irish cooking to casual cafés and traditional pubs, the city offers a wide choice within a compact, walkable centre.

Many restaurants are located along the Medieval Mile and in the surrounding streets, making it easy to enjoy dinner, lunch, or a casual bite just minutes away from it all. Seasonal menus, local ingredients, and warm hospitality are hallmarks of Kilkenny’s culinary scene.

Dining and Experiences at Butler House

Dining at Butler House reflects the character of the house, unhurried, thoughtful and relaxed. 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?

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
Kilkenny Castle and its parklands
National Design and Craft Gallery
Medieval Mile Museum
St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower
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

jerpoint abbey

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

Dunbrody Famine Ship, New Ross, Co. Wexford
Around 1 hour and 20 minutes from Kilkenny. A powerful experience, particularly meaningful for visitors tracing Irish ancestry.

dunbrody famine ship

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 or car.

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

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