Private Walking Tour of Kilkenny: Explore Medieval Streets and Historical Structures
5.0
17 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
(17 Ratings)
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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
Norarg8964of
Jul 17, 2023
Excellent tour and tour guide - We had John as our tour guide for a work event today. Very informative, interesting guide who brought us to loads of historical sites today and provided us with entertaining nuggets of information about Kilkenny. Thoroughly recommended 👌
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Naomi
May 24, 2023
Very informative and pleasant! - John was very knowledgeable and personable. He did answered many questions without hesitation nor irritation. Very enjoyable evening.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S
May 21, 2023
Informative and Enjoyable - John was full of historical information about his beloved hometown. Such a lovely town! We learned about the river, churches, castle, and conflict. First rate tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bburnsg550
May 16, 2023
Perfect Day in Kilkenny - John was a great guide with wonderful stories of the history of Kilkenny. He was very accomodating to the physical limitations of our group which was much appreciated.
Review provided by Viator
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May 2024
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