Kilkenny, Ireland

Since returning from Ireland, I started a second job, which made it difficult to publish something weekly post-Ireland like I planned. I saved a draft on Kilkenny and scheduled a date to publish it. It got published, but it was clearly unfinished. Oops.

Now on to business.

About an hour south west of Dublin heading to Cork is a small town called Kilkenny. It is easily accessible by Bus Eireann or the Irish Rail (Iarnrod Eireann). I chose the Irish Rail to get to Kilkenny. Now, I have not been on too many trains in my lifetime, but this one was pretty cool. You can book your seat in advance, and to find your seat, your name will be displayed on this super small digital screen. Unfortunately, I didn’t take a picture of it. The train has tables and comfortable seats, as well as a trolley service for some snacks and drinks, which I very much geeked out about because Harry Potter.

Kilkenny is significantly smaller than Dublin, but I still got lost trying to find my hostel. The hostel I stayed at is called MacGabhainns Backpackers Hostel. I set up my journey in a way so I can arrive to my destinations in daylight as opposed to past sundown. I arrived too early there so I left my backpack (which had a lock) with the lovely staff. On to get more lost I go.

There were only really two main streets as far as dining and attractions are concerned, so I really had no reason to get lost. But as small as Kilkenny is, it definitely has its charm with its beautiful abbeys and cathedrals. And because I was there for St. Patrick’s Day week, the streets were decorated and looked very lively.

Not very far from my hostel was the Black Abbey, and not too far from that is St. Mary’s Cathedral. The structure and details of each buildings were very impressive.

Black Abbey

St. Mary’s Cathedral

After this, I eventually came across their shopping center. I eventually found a place to eat lunch, and lo and behold, I found Kilkenny Castle.

To say that Kilkenny Castle is huge is an understatement. It probably deserves a separate blog post for its lengthy history (it was built in the 12th century), as well as other pictures I took inside the castle. I want to say I was in there for about two hours. As I strolled along the hallways of the castle and thought I would be done with the whole thing, I would come to another corner that would lead me to another room or floor.

I’m afraid I’m not the very best when it comes to sharing information about history, though I certainly love reading about them.

My night in Kilkenny ended at a restaurant called Charcoal Steak House near my hostel and a gas station (which surprisingly sold yummy pastries and that’s why I’m mentioning it). I didn’t take pictures as the lights were very low. The restaurant was small and cozy. The general manager was friendly and was able to tell me where their food came from! Their bread with butter basket was amazing.

I did not go out at night, as I was traveling alone and my suite mate was resting. Kilkenny has many small pubs with live music, and of course they are very big on soccer. One day is probably enough depending on what you want to do, but I personally would not have minded two or three days!

Next post will be on another small town, the southern coastal town of Kinsale, overlooking River Bandon!