Visiting From The USA

One of Ireland’s friendliest cities, Kilkenny offers you “one hundred thousand welcomes” and we invite you to stay in the heart of the city. Enjoy a relaxing break in the 4 star Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel from where you can explore and experience the medieval city on our doorstep.

Experience a Warm Irish Welcome at the 4 Star Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel

Located conveniently for exploring Kilkenny's finest attractions, The Kilkenny ­Ormonde is Kilkenny’s premiere 4 star city centre Hotel; a dazzling jewel in this remarkable city. As the ONLY city centre hotel boasting full leisure centre amenities, we provide a fully-equipped gym, diverse fitness classes, a 21-meter swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. With 118 contemporary and spacious guestrooms, including family accommodations and luxurious suites, our Kilkenny Hotel offers modern comfort for visitors to relax and unwind after a day exploring our diverse city and beyond. Indulge in delightful drinks and casual cuisine amidst elegant surroundings at the Hoban Bar & Brasserie, while Savour Restaurant provides a bright and inviting setting for breakfast and private dining. Guests can enjoy the convenience of secure city centre parking at reduced rates and have the perfect opportunity to explore Kilkenny County on day trips within easy reach from the city. 

Top Attractions

The medieval City of Kilkenny is situated at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, surrounded by some of the greenest, richest pastureland in Ireland. Situated alongside the picturesque River Nore and boasting a rich history spanning over 2,000 years, Kilkenny hosts one of Ireland's iconic landmarks: the 13th century Kilkenny Castle. Step back in time and delve into Kilkenny's medieval heritage along the Medieval Mile, a fascinating trail winding through Kilkenny City. Notable attractions include the 16th century Tudor merchant’s townhouse, Rothe House & Gardens, Ireland’s best-preserved medieval Cathedral, St. Canice's Cathedral and it’s 900 year old Round Tower, the captivating Medieval Mile Museum located in the 13th century St Mary’s church, and the immersive Smithwicks Experience, which vividly portrays the city's esteemed brewing tradition.

At every corner, the City and surrounding County brim with lively heritage and rich history with so many stories for you to uncover in Kilkenny. Take a walking or a bike tour, shop till you drop or get adventurous with fun family activities. Whether you’re the outdoor or indoor activity type, Kilkenny offers something for everyone.

Festivals

Famous for hosting Ireland's premier festivals, Kilkenny boasts a vibrant calendar that blends culture, arts, comedy, and culinary delights with festive themes. Whether you crave captivating storytelling, unconventional art, economics mixed with the finest Kilkenny humour, St. Patrick’s Processions and Spectacle or Traditional Irish Music, then plan your visit with one of our great festivals.

Design & Craft 

Kilkenny City is renowned as the design and craft centre of Ireland. Its craft studios are very much a living tradition and you can visit these and the National Craft Gallery at Kilkenny Design Craft Yard just a few minutes stroll from the hotel. A treasure trove of beautiful Kilkenny crafts, premium Irish handcrafted jewellery, knitwear, Celtic gifts, china, crystal, pottery, glass, and striking one-of-a-kind contemporary designs. You can also enjoy a stroll in Butler House’s Walled Gardens located at the back of the Design Centre.

Shopping

Kilkenny is home to an eclectic mix of retail outlets, gift shops, craft centres and bespoke boutiques just waiting to be explored. Discover the very best craftsmanship at Jerpoint Glass, Nicholas Mosse Pottery, and the esteemed Rudolf Heltzel Jewellery, where you can explore exquisite cut glass, pottery and handmade jewellery. Fashion enthusiasts will delight in Kilkenny's array of chic and designer boutiques, offering a haven for ladies' fashion. A short distance from the Kilkenny Ormonde you’ll find the perfect gift shops to find those cherished Irish gifts as a memento of your time in our city.

Dining

Kilkenny has all the ingredients of a vibrant, top-class restaurant scene. As well as our own stylish Hoban Bar & Brasserie for Dinner as well as the Castle Lounge for Lunch and Afternoon Tea, an extraordinary array of dining establishments awaits, each with its own captivating tale behind every dish. The diverse culinary landscape ensures you're spoiled for choice, with numerous options ranging from restaurants and cafes to bars and brunch spots, each offering its own distinct experience. Whether you crave Mexican, Italian, Indian, or traditional cuisine, in a casual or fine dining ambiance, Kilkenny has a culinary delight to satisfy every palate.

Outdoors & Family Activities

Kilkenny Castle Parkland and Playground is located just a few minutes away from the hotel, with ample space for an afternoon stroll or to keep the kids happy with the state-of-the-art playground. However, if you want to explore Kilkenny’s thriving countryside there is an abundance of landscapes and outdoor activities just a short drive away. Explore the Kilkenny countryside with a visit to Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum, overlooking the River Nore Valley and the picturesque village of Inistioge where you can later enjoy a leisurely ramble. Take a Jerpoint Abbey Guided Tour and hear the stories of the Cistercian monks who called the Abbey home in the 12th century. Embark on a Cycling Tour of Kilkenny City or Countryside and see innumerable historical sites and spots of natural beauty in and around Kilkenny’s stunning countryside. For animal lovers, Nore Valley Park offers families an opportunity to bottle feed the baby kids and lambs, or handle a small rabbit. For an adrenalin filled day then Castlecomer Discovery Park is the ideal activity park to keep everyone busy where thrill seekers can enjoy Ireland’s longest zip line. Water enthusiasts can take on the thrills of an exhilarating kayaking adventure on the River Nore or River Barrow.  Trail Kilkenny offers a series of walks that take place in areas of local heritage and natural history interest, taking walkers alongside rivers and canals, as well as through towns and villages and the great news is, the walks are all free of charge.

Golf

Located throughout the city and county, Kilkenny is home to some of the world’s finest parkland golf clubs including Kilkenny Golf Club, Castlecomer Golf Club, Gowran Park Golf, Callan Golf Club and Mount Juliet Estate Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus. From courses offering stunning views decorated with pine and birch trees to others hosting international tournaments, Kilkenny Golf Clubs are renowned for their warm welcome to visitors from far and wide.

Kilkenny Has It All!

Somehow Kilkenny seems to find the perfect balance between its ancient history and 21st century cosmopolitanism. It’s also got cute cafés, tempting boutiques and craft studios alongside the vibrant urban buzz of chic restaurants, bars and theatres.  Add to this the scattering of picture-perfect towns and villages strung about the River Nore as it flows out of the City and one minute you’re strolling and soaking up the buzz of the city, the next, exploring the rolling countryside of the county.

From culture to creativity, fine eateries, a vibrant nightlife, great outdoor activities and a magical medieval heritage, Kilkenny has something for everybody.

Kilkenny Ormonde's City Centre Location

Access to Kilkenny couldn’t be easier with motorway to take you to the outskirts of the City – it’s only a 90 minute drive from Dublin.  You’ll find the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel is perfectly situated at the crossroads in the middle of town, right in the centre of this medieval City with Kilkenny Castle and the City’s key attractions on your doorstep, just a few minutes’ stroll away. See location on google maps here.

And since Kilkenny was voted No.1 Friendliest City in Europe by Condé Nast Traveller, you can be sure of a warm welcome!

Discover all the best places to visit and key attractions - explore Maps of Kilkenny City and County

How to Get Here

It is really very easy to get to the hero county at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East and experience the very best that Ireland has to offer.

By Air:

Dublin Airport is less than 1 hour 30 mins and 85 miles from Kilkenny City  

Cork Airport is 100 miles approximately mainly via motorway takes 1 hour 50 mins  

By Car:

Just an hour and thirty minutes' drive from Dublin Airport, accessible via a motorway leading directly to the outskirts of the city, you'll find The Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel. Upon arrival, convenient secure city centre car parking awaits at the Ormonde multi-storey car park offering guests special discounted rates, opposite the hotel and a set down area located directly in front of the hotel.

Irish Car Rentals:

Dublin Airport, Dublin City, Cork Airport, Waterford and more.
Tel: +353 1 844 1944 email: rent@irishcarrentals.com Web: www.irishcarrentals.com 

Kavanagh's Chauffeur Service:

Tel: 056 7724888 / 087 2610959  email: info@kavanaghcars.ie  Web: www.kavanaghcars.ie  

By Bus:

Regular Bus Eireann and JJ Kavanagh & Sons bus services operate from both Dublin Airport and Dublin City. Dublin Coach operate a Waterford Kilkenny Dublin Bus Service (Connection to Dublin Airport)  

Rail Services:

Take the train straight to the heart of Kilkenny City from Dublin. Kilkenny is served by Irish Rail’s Dublin (Heuston) to Waterford train route with regular services to Kilkenny Train Station (MacDonagh) throughout the day, 7 days a week. 

This train route also serves key towns around the county.  

By Ferry:

Rosslare ferry port in Ireland is served by a number of ferry routes with crossings to Pembroke, Cherbourg, Le Havre, Bilbao & Fishguard available. Dublin ferry port offers crossings to Liverpool, Holyhead, Cherbourg & Douglas. 

We are happy to help you plan your visit

Please just ask our Reservations team if there’s something you think we can help you with.

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