Private Walking Tour of Kilkenny: Explore Medieval Streets and Historical Structures
5.0
20 Ratings
Kilkenny
Discover the medieval streets and historical structures of Kilkenny on a private walking tour. Led by a certified local guide, explore the city's rich history and fascinating characters.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • St John’s Priory - From outside the building, a description will be given about the fascinating history of this 800 year old church.
  • Butler Gallery - Learn about what became of the priory, and how the site became transformed into the Butler Gallery.
  • St. Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower - This site has served many functions over the years.
  • Black Abbey - Except for Sunday, you can enter this wonderful church and admire the stained glass windows.
  • Black Freren Gate - See the last standing of Kilkenny’s original gates.
  • Smithwick’s Retail Store - Probably the most famous product to come from Kilkenny.
  • Rothe House & Garden - See one of the most historic houses in Ireland, which keeps it’s original Tudor period facade.
  • Kyteler’s Inn - Learn about the most notorious inhabitant in Kilkenny’s history.
  • Butterslip Lane - Is it really as slippy as butter?
  • Medieval Mile Museum - The dead centre of KIlkenny
  • Tourist Information Office (Shee Alms House) - What was the benefit of building a house for poor people?
  • Kilkenny Castle - The most famous building in Kilkenny’s history. The tour ends here.
What's Included
  • Qualified in-person tour guide
Additional Information

Reserve a personalized exploration of Kilkenny, suitable for both small and large parties. This excursion takes you through the historic lanes of medieval Kilkenny. Get to know intriguing figures from our past, and discover spectacular, centuries-old buildings scattered around the city.

If your group has a unique interest, please mention it so I can adjust the content or itinerary to better suit your preferences.

This two-hour stroll through Kilkenny is guided by local John Britton. John boasts a qualification in National Tour Guiding and a degree in Language Studies. He’s also a part of the Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland association. You can arrange tours in English, French or German.

Location
Kilkenny Crystal Shop
Rose Inn Street
We meet opposite the Kilkenny Crystal shop on Rose Inn Street.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(20 Ratings)
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Michael_r
Jun 2, 2024
Great tour - This tour covered a lot of important areas in Kilkenny which helped to understand its amazing history. We were also able to pick areas of interest to return in more depth. This was a great way to start our time in the city. Our guide was knowledgeable and outgoing.
Review provided by Viator
John_m
May 29, 2024
Marvelous tour - Kilkenny was a fascinating city and John was a great guide with wonderful stories about the history of the city.
Review provided by Viator
Sharon
Apr 27, 2024
Interesting and fun introduction to Kilkenny - We highly recommend the 2 hour Kilkenny tour. John, our tour guide was very knowledgeable and lots of fun. We got a good overview of the town and it's history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carolinem361
Apr 20, 2024
Beautiful spring day in Kilkenny city - I had the pleasure of of doing a walking tour with John today it was absolutely brilliant ! John’s knowledge and passion for his county shines through and he is very witty and made the tour enjoyable & entertaining . For anyone thinking of doing this tour I highly recommend it to you ! Thanks so much John really enjoyed the 2 hours
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eateria
Dec 1, 2023
Kick off your Kilkenny trip with an outstanding guided walk - John's walking tour is engaging and fun. He has a deep understanding of Kilkenny's historical fabric. Very educated professional guide. At the same time he knows how to connect with his audience. His commentary is clear and well structured. Whether you are a local history buff or on your first journey in Ireland, John's wit and social intelligence will enrich your experience in Kilkenny in a way no website or app ever could. His recommendations what to do after the tour were inspiring and practical. Tours are good value and available in French and German. Support the art of Irish story telling by booking a tour with this gentleman and gain insights both gruesome and glorious into Kilkenny 's past. Time well spent.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurie_e
Oct 15, 2023
Rainy day fun in Kilkenny - John was so kind and patient with us. We were on a private tour and he let us customize a bit by allowing time to climb to the top of St Canus round tower. It was raining but he found warm, dry places on our tour.
Review provided by Viator
Mike_n
Sep 13, 2023
John was a wonderful... - John was a wonderful guide, very informative and as friendly as the Irsh are. He has the knowledge to keep you dazzledabout your time in Kilkenny.
Review provided by Viator
Macshan
Aug 31, 2023
Wonderful Tour. A truly professional Tour Guide - We had a wonderful tour of Kilkenny with John Britton as our guide. We were with two other couples both from the United States. Myself and my wife are from Dublin so we knew a bit about Kilkenny and its fascinating history and heritage. We were amazed at how much extra we learned from John. He is a great story teller. We liked everthing about this tour. The locations in which he told Kilkenny's story were so well chosen. It was easily the best city tour I have experienced. I know the other couples thought the same. The time just flew John was so good. He is a true professional who clearly loves what he does.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q6161ewhelenc
Jul 21, 2023
Don’t miss this tour - I would highly recommend this walking tour of Kilkenny. John our guide was so knowledgeable with historical facts and witty tales. Lots of great photo opportunities along the way. Clarke family
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mauramulligan
Jul 20, 2023
Top tour in Kilkenny - This is the tour to take in Kilkenny. John gives a very interesting and informative overview of Kilkenny. Full of both historical and fun facts. And he also does the tour in French and German. Not to be missed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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June 2024
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