City in County Kilkenny, Ireland
Kilkenny
Compact medieval city with a castle, craft studios, pubs and trad music, easy as a weekend or a day from Dublin. Small and sociable; few big sights and quiet beyond the center.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$2,810–3,940Comfortable, one person · €2,500–3,500Details
- Value for money27/100Better value than 26% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jul, SepWarmest: Jul, 20°CDetails
- Internet207 MbpsFixed broadband, Ireland medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe and good; check Uisce Éireann for rare local notices.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$68–101Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundIrish Rail (MacDonagh Station)Very walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereContactless widely accepted.Details
Where to stay in Kilkenny
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Medieval Mile (High Street to Castle) | First-timers: castle, cathedral, pubs, shops, all walkable |
| Parliament Street and the Butterslip | Pubs, restaurants and craft shops in the old center |
| Ormonde Road and Dean Street | Quiet guesthouses and cheaper stays near the center |
Apps that work in Kilkenny
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Just Eat | Takeaways in the center and main suburbs |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- TFI Live: Real-time buses, trains and Luas trams
- Taxis: No reliable ride apps; use the High Street rank or call a local taxi firm.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Ireland.
- Cards almost everywhere Contactless widely accepted. Carry some cash for craft stalls, markets and small family-run pubs.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs (AIB, Bank of Ireland, PTSB) don't add fees; avoid Euronet machines and decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants when service isn't included; nothing for drinks at the bar; round up taxi fares.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere; the card contactless limit is €50.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Ireland is in the EU but not Schengen: no EES fingerprints, and days here don't count toward Schengen's 90-day limit.
- Officers grant up to 90 days on arrival and may ask for a return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds.
- Ireland doesn't use ETIAS or an ETA. Going on to Northern Ireland or Britain, most visitors need a UK ETA.
Emergency numbers
Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 999
Plugs
Type G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Phone shops, convenience stores and Dublin Airport sell prepaid SIMs; about €15–25 for a month with large or unlimited data. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Ireland
Going to Kilkenny solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.