Family Activities in Kilkenny

Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s best destinations for a family getaway, offering a perfect mix of medieval castles, outdoor adventures, hands-on museums, and exciting indoor activities. Whether you're travelling with toddlers, curious school-age children, or energetic teenagers, Kilkenny offers plenty of memorable experiences for the whole family.

Located in the heart of the city, Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel is the ideal base for a family break in Kilkenny. The hotel offers spacious family rooms, a dedicated family dining menu and full access to the Ormonde Leisure Club, home to Kilkenny’s only city-centre 21m swimming pool. And with many of Kilkenny’s top attractions just a short walk away, the hotel offers both comfort and convenience for families looking to make the most of their time together.

Things to do in Kilkenny with Kids: 

From medieval castles and interactive museums to outdoor adventures and enjoyable indoor attractions, here are the top family-friendly activities in Kilkenny, all within easy reach of the hotel.  

 

Kilkenny Castle & Parklands

One of Ireland’s most famous landmarks, Kilkenny Castle, is a highlight for visiting families. Children love exploring the castle’s grand rooms while learning about medieval life. Outside, the large parklands offer scenic walks and a fantastic playground where younger visitors can run and play.

 

St. Mary's Medieval Mile Museum

History becomes fun and interactive at this award-winning museum. Kids can take part in a LEGO® Minifigure Hunt, explore interactive displays, and discover Kilkenny’s medieval past through engaging family activities. Special workshops and puppet shows are often hosted during school holidays. 

 

Kilkenny Road Train Tours

This 30-minute narrated train tour is perfect for families wanting to explore Kilkenny’s landmarks without lots of walking.

 

BoatTrips.ie

Take a relaxing boat tour along the River Nore while learning about Kilkenny’s history, wildlife, and landmarks from a unique perspective.

 

Kilkenny Road Train

This 30-minute narrated train tour is perfect for families wanting to explore Kilkenny’s landmarks without lots of walking.

 

St. Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower

Visit one of Ireland's most beautiful cathedrals, and its round tower is a highlight for visiting families. Older children will love the challenge of climbing the 121 steps of the 9th-century Round Tower, one of only a small number of climbable towers in Ireland. At the top, you’re rewarded with spectacular panoramic views across Kilkenny city, a memorable moment for the whole family.

 

The Kilkenny Way Hurling Experience

Introduce children to Ireland’s national sport with a fun skills session on a real pitch. Families learn the basics of hurling from experienced coaches.

 

Shenanigans Family Walking Tour

This lively walking tour blends history, comedy and magic tricks, keeping children entertained while learning about Kilkenny’s past.

 

KBowl Kilkenny

Located at the front of MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, it offers ten-pin bowling, a cashless arcade and VR games with hundreds of options. Families can enjoy ten-pin bowling alongside an arcade with racing simulators, air hockey, and other games.

 

National Reptile Zoo

The National Reptile Zoo is home to more than 50 reptile exhibits, including snakes, lizards, crocodiles and tortoises. Children love the interactive animal encounters, where they can safely get close to fascinating creatures.

 

Kilkenny Cycling Tours

Families can choose to rent bikes or hydrobikes, giving them the chance to explore Kilkenny by land or water. Pedal along the river on hydrobikes or join a guided cycling tour to see the city from a new perspective. These activities are safe, fun and ideal for beginners, making them a great option for all ages.

 

The Playstation Indoor Adventure Centre

One of Kilkenny’s most popular indoor family attractions. The centre features:

• large soft play zones
• indoor go-kart track
• soccer area
• café for parents

Ideal for children up to age 11.

 

Art It

Children can paint pottery, decorate t-shirts or customise sneakers at this creative studio in MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre.

 

The Happy Pottery

Kids can paint their own pottery pieces or join clay-building classes, making it a fun, creative activity.

 

LaserWars

This outdoor laser tag experience is located just 15 minutes from Kilkenny city. Families enjoy tactical games using military-grade infrared technology in a safe, outdoor battlefield environment.

 

Kiltorcan Raceway

Families with older children can experience the thrill of outdoor karting at Kiltorcan Raceway. Children from age five can enjoy kart sessions with full safety briefings, while teens and adults can race on the high-speed track.

 

Nore Valley Park

A wonderful day out for families, Nore Valley Park offers friendly farm animals, outdoor play areas, tractor rides and seasonal activities. It’s the perfect mix of fresh air, hands-on fun and memorable moments for little adventurers.

 

Castlecomer Discovery Park

This 80-acre woodland adventure park is one of the best family attractions in Kilkenny. Activities include:

• Ireland’s longest zip line
• Tree-top walks
• Boating and kayaking
• Archery
• Fairy woodland trails for younger children

Families can also try Operation Minefall, an augmented reality adventure game that turns the park into a fun investigation mission.

 

Go With the Flow River Adventures

For families with a sense of adventure, Go with the Flow offers guided canoeing and river kayaking experiences along the scenic River Barrow. Safe, supervised and full of excitement, it’s a great way to explore the waterways together.

 

Dunmore Cave

Just outside the city, Dunmore Cave offers an unforgettable underground adventure. Guided tours explore dramatic limestone chambers while sharing fascinating stories about Vikings and ancient Irish history.

 

Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum

A beautiful location for family walks, Woodstock Gardens offers woodland trails, restored gardens, and scenic views over the River Nore Valley. It’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon outdoors.

 

Seasonal Family Events in Kilkenny

Kilkenny hosts a variety of family events and festivals throughout the year, including:

• Easter egg hunts
• Summer family activities
• Halloween festivals
• Christmas markets

For more info on seasonal events, visit Kilkenny Events

With something happening every season, Kilkenny is always an exciting destination for families.

 

Why Kilkenny is Perfect for Family Breaks

Kilkenny offers the ideal mix of history, outdoor adventure, creative activities, and family entertainment, all within a compact and walkable city.

Families visiting Kilkenny can easily combine castle visits, outdoor adventures, museums, and fun indoor attractions into a memorable family trip.

• Compact, walkable medieval city
• Huge variety of outdoor and indoor activities
• Educational attractions mixed with adventure
• Perfect for weekend breaks and short family holidays 

Kilkenny blends history, nature and fun experiences in a way that keeps both kids and adults entertained, making it one of Ireland’s top destinations for family travel.