Ireland · Heritage Walks

8-Hour Kilkenny Highlights Tour with Jerpoint Abbey and Glass Studio

8 Hours Round trip from Kilkenny Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Stroll along the Medieval Mile, tracing Kilkenny's origins to its 6th-century monastic settlement
02 Ascend the 9th-century round tower beside St Canice's Cathedral for panoramic city and countryside views
03 Explore Kilkenny Castle, its gardens, and its magnificent long gallery
04 Savour a pint of Ireland's oldest ale at the iconic Smithwick's Brewery
05 Visit Jerpoint Abbey and watch skilled glassblowers at work at Jerpoint Glass Studio

Spend 8 hours exploring Kilkenny, a medieval town in southeast Ireland known for its rich medieval heritage. Visit Kilkenny Castle and Gardens, the Medieval Mile, Jerpoint Abbey, Jerpoint Glass Studio, and other iconic buildings. Stop at Kyteler's Pub, which is linked to Ireland's only witch trials, and enjoy a well-rounded introduction to the city's history, architecture, and local traditions.

Discover Jerpoint Glass Studio and see skilled glassblowers perform their magic as they turn flowing red-hot molten glass into beautiful Jerpoint shapes right before your eyes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Kilkenny, Killarney

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Kilkenny Heritage, Castle, Abbey, and Local Traditions

Walk along the Medieval Mile and explore the city's origins, founded by Saint Canice as a monastic settlement in the 6th century.
Take in views of the city and surrounding countryside from the top of the 9th-century round tower beside the wonderful stone cathedral of St Canice.
Explore Kilkenny Castle, its gardens, and its magnificent long gallery.
Learn about the history of the city and the Ormond Family, who owned the castle until 1967.
Enjoy a pint of Ireland's oldest ale at the Smithwick's Brewery.
Have lunch at Kyteler's Pub.
Visit Jerpoint Abbey, an outstanding Cistercian abbey founded in the second half of the 12th century.
Discover Jerpoint Glass Studio and see skilled glassblowers perform their magic as they turn flowing red-hot molten glass into beautiful Jerpoint shapes right before your eyes.
Enjoy tea and homemade scones in the local Farmer's House before meeting the sheepdogs and watching a unique demonstration.

End of the tour.