Local Essentials
The practical stuff most travel sites skip. Everything you need to know before visiting Kilkenny, from parking to pharmacies.
Accessibility
Town Centre
The Medieval Mile is largely walkable and partly pedestrianised, but the streets and slips are cobbled and slope up towards St Canice's, which can be uneven for wheelchairs and buggies. High Street and the Parade are the most level stretches.
Castle
Kilkenny Castle has step-free access to the ground-floor State Rooms and a lift to upper floors; the parklands are on level paths. Confirm specific access with the OPW ahead of a visit.
Cathedral
St Canice's Cathedral is accessible at ground level, but the round-tower climb is 121 steep steps and is not accessible.
Station
Kilkenny MacDonagh Station is accessible; pre-arrange assistance with Iarnrod Eireann ahead of travel.
For venue-level access, contact each venue directly. The cobbled medieval streets and the uphill to the cathedral are the main obstacles in the centre.
ATMs & Banking
High Street and the Parade banks
High Street, the Parade and Market Cross
Bank ATMs cluster along High Street, the Parade and at the Market Cross Shopping Centre. AIB and Bank of Ireland both have city-centre branches.
Bike Rental
No city bike-share scheme
Kilkenny has no public bike-share scheme. The compact centre is easily walked. For the Nore valley and county craft trail, some local operators offer bike hire; check ahead seasonally.
Emergency Services
General Emergency
112 or 999
Coast Guard
Not applicable; Kilkenny is inland. For river or water incidents on the Nore dial 112 or 999.
Garda Station
Kilkenny Garda Station, Roseville, 1 Dominic Street, Kilkenny, R95 XA9K, +353 56 772 2222
St Luke's General Hospital, Carlow/Kilkenny, Freshford Road, Kilkenny, R95 FY71. 24-hour Emergency Department, about 10 minutes from the city centre by road.
+353 56 778 5000St Luke's General Hospital, Carlow/Kilkenny
Freshford Road, Kilkenny, R95 FY71
+353 56 778 5000Acute general hospital with a 24-hour Emergency Department serving Carlow and Kilkenny, about 10 minutes from the city centre by road.
For emergencies dial 112 or 999. The Emergency Department is open 24 hours. Attending an ED costs €100 without a medical card or GP referral.
For emergencies dial 112 or 999. The nearest Emergency Department is at St Luke's on the Freshford Road. Kilkenny Garda Station is on Dominic Street in the city centre.
Luggage Storage
There is no dedicated left-luggage office in the city centre. Several city-centre hotels will hold bags for guests on arrival or departure day; confirm directly. Day visitors arriving by train can ask their accommodation.
Parking
Market Yard Car Park
Rate: Pay-and-display; confirm the current rate on arrival
Central pay-and-display car park at the Market Yard, an easy walk to the Medieval Mile and High Street. The medieval core is tight and partly pedestrianised, so park on the edge and walk.
Ormonde Street / Market Cross Car Park
Multi-storey parking at the Market Cross Shopping Centre off Ormonde Street, central for the castle and High Street. Coach parking is at St Canice's Place near the cathedral.
Pharmacies
O'Sheas Pharmacy
Unit 4, Market Yard, Kilkenny, R95 HH01
City-centre pharmacy at the Market Yard, beside Dunnes Stores. Late opening Thursday and Friday to 8pm. Boots and McCauley also have High Street branches.
Supermarkets & Groceries
City-centre supermarkets
Market Yard and the Market Cross, Kilkenny
Dunnes Stores at the Market Yard and SuperValu and other branches around the centre cover groceries and picnic supplies for the Nore walks.
Taxis & Rideshare
City-centre taxi ranks / FreeNow
Taxi ranks operate at the Parade and on John Street near the bridge. FreeNow operates in the city. Ranks are busiest on festival and match weekends.
Public Toilets
The Parade, near Kilkenny Castle
WiFi & Connectivity
City-centre cafes and the library
Most city-centre cafes offer free WiFi for customers. Kilkenny City Library on John's Quay has free public WiFi during opening hours.
SIM Cards
The main mobile network stores (Three, Vodafone, Eir) are in and around High Street and the Market Cross Shopping Centre. A prepaid tourist SIM with data costs around €20.