This superb castle is located on elevated ground beside the river at the south-eastern end of the city. The castle was built in the thirteenth century on the site of an earlier fort. However, the present building is vastly different from the stronghold erected by Strongbow in the middle ages. Despite this, the present structure retains the architectural lines of a medieval castle. The building forms three sides of a quadrangle, with three of the four original round towers intact. The Butlers, the Earls of Ormonde (an Hibernicised Norman clan), occupied the castle from the fourteenth century onwards. In modern times, the castle has been restored to its former glory by the state, and was officially open to the public in 1976. There is an exhibition hall open to the public in the Old Castle Stables. Kilkenny Castle provides guided tours, an art gallery, a cafe during summer, extensive grounds and a childrens play area. JERPOINT ABBEY, Thomastown,Co. Kilkenny. An outstanding Cistercian abbey founded in the second half of the 12th century. The church with its Romanesque details dates from this period. In the transept chapels the visitor can see 13th and 16th century tomb sculpture. The tower and cloister date from the 15th century. The chief delight of the Abbey is the sculptured cloister arcade with unique carvings. The Visitor Centre houses an interesting exhibition. Access for visitors with disabilities. Guided tours available. NATIONAL CRAFTS GALLERY. The National Crafts Gallery is located in Castle Yard directly across from Kilkenny Castle. This gallery was initiated by the Crafts Council of Ireland with the objective of stimulating an innovative and quality design ethos in the Irish crafts sector. The gallery boasts an impressive range of craft exhibitions that successfully communicate and showcase the cultural and commercial attributes of the craft sector in Ireland. SHEE ALMS HOUSE Shee Alms House is situated in Rose Inn Street and was founded in 1582 by Sir Richard Shee. The purpose of these institutions was to take care of the poor, and this Tudor Alms House is one of the last remaining buildings of its type still in existence in Ireland. The building has been recently restored and now accommodates the Kilkenny Tourist Office. THE THOSEL This central Kilkenny landmark dates from 1761. Erected by Alderman William Colles, the Thosel served as the market for the city (the word 'thosel' means literally a marketplace). Architecturally, the building has a double length arcade with an impressive Georgian Council Chamber room positioned above the arcade. There is a clock tower on the steeply pitched roof, and the southern wall contains the Kilkenny coat of arms. The original building was badly damaged after a fire in 1987, but has since been completely restored, and now serves as the City Hall. This magnificent sixteenth century Tudor town house is situated on Parliament Street. Built in 1594 by John Rothe, the building consists of three houses with courtyards. Rothe House currently houses the museum and library of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society. Within the museum there are a number of exhibits including period costume displays and a genealogical centre. ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL. The cathedral is situated on James's Street, and dates from the mid nineteenth century. The building is accessible from the Black Abbey via Black Mill Street. St. Mary's boasts a 200ft high tower and superbly carved altars. William Marshall (Earl of Pembroke) founded the Black Abbey in 1225 for the Dominicans. This impressive building is situated on Abbey Street, and features a tower and some magnificent windows dating from the original the original structure. The Dominican abbey was dissolved in the sixteenth century and subsequently became a courthouse. Fortunately, the abbey was restored to its former glory in the nineteenth century enabling it to be reopened as a church. At the Abbey entrance, one can find a series of monumental slabs and stone coffins dating from the middle ages. BLACK FREREN GATE Black Freren Gate is located in close proximity to the Black Abbey on Abbey Street. This landmark is the sole existing remnant of the entrance gates in the medieval city walls. William Marshall (Earl of Pembroke) founded St. Francis's Abbey in the thirteenth century. In recent years, the Abbey has been the oratory of Smithwick's Brewery, famous for 'Smithwicks' and 'Kilkenny' ales. The building features a bell tower, a Chancel, and the superb east window. In the sixteenth century the Abbey was possessed by the state and given to the corporation. Fortunately, the building has been completely renovated in recent years. MOUNT JULIET, Thomastown,Co. Kilkenny. Deep amid the rolling hill of Ireland's beautiful south east, lies Mount Juliet, Twelfth Century origins. A leisurely pace of life and a traditionally generous hospitality combine with world-class sporting amenities and conference facilities, making Mount Juliet a place of contrast and surprises, unique in its combination of old and new. A sporting Paradise, rich in history and tradition. Nothing can prepare you for the warmth of its welcome. Enjoy golf, horse riding, shooting, tennis and the spa and leisure centre. Or simply relax in the most idyllic surroundings imaginable. ST. CANICE'S CATHEDRAL. St. Canice's was erected in the thirteenth century, and is accessible from Irishtown via St. Canice's Steps. The cathedral features a magnificent tower that offers impressive views of the city. The cathedral evolved over the centuries and was unfortunately damaged by Oliver Cromwell's troops in the seventeenth century. This Kilkenny landmark features a fascinating collection of monuments and tombs dating from the Tudor era. KILKENNY COURTHOUSE (formerly Grace's Castle). Kilkenny Courthouse formerly known as Grace's Castle is presently used for sittings of the Circuit and District Courts.The site was originally a town house of the wealthy Grace family who leased the building to the crown in 1566. Used as a jail from 1566, it was transformed into a courthouse around the end of the 18th century.

Our Dining Room is a bright sunny conservatory and the lounge is has a homely atmosphere, where you can meet other guest and share interests. On chilly evenings the open fire is a delight where you can relax and read your favourite book. Breakfast is served till late giving you the chance of that precious lie in. Cold Buffet and Hot breakfast (Cooked to order). All dietary needs catered for. We have beautifully appointed bedrooms, so peace and quiet is assured. All our rooms have various characters which are cosy and warm. TVs, electric blankets, tea/coffee making facilities are available and each bedroom has either shower or bath. Winner of Kilkenny Excellence Award (Tourism). Royal Automobile Club (R.A.C.) Premier Selected. Chamber of Commerce Bord Gais Customer Care Finalists. Automobile Association, Premier Selected 5Q Award for consistently providing outstanding comfort, quality, hospitality and cuisine. The best accommodation we have stayed in, in twelve years and that includes hotels. You have perfected accommodation. We will be back, Please God. P.S. we own a bed and breakfast!!., John and Betty, Wicklow.

Printer Friendly Map. We are situated just over 90 mins drive from Dublin, 10 mins drive from the heart of Kilkenny city, 10 mins drive to Mount Juliet Golf Country Club,. Waterford, Carlow and Cashel all within 40 mins drive so we are ideally situated for site seeing making Kilkenny your base. Very impressed with this beautiful country house. Service and facilities excellent we will be back, Peter Maura Dublin.

Welcome to Newlands Country House. Award Winning Newlands Country House is set in its own grounds of 3 acres. Here you can expect a very high standard of accommodation. There is so much we could tell you about Newlands, but it is impossible in such a small space, you will have to come and experience it for yourselves!, but briefly: Newlands country house new proprietors Eamonn Nicola Murphy, with over 30 years experience in the Hotel Catering Trade collectively, have brought their expertise to Newlands Country House. Our aim is to provide a high standard of service in a tranquil and comfortable surroundings. At Newlands you will have the best of both worlds staying in sheer luxury in the country, yet only a short distance from Kilkenny City and a host of other ammenties. From the lush farmlands and clear rivers surrounding us we obtain the best of ingredients to produce delicious, hearty breakfasts. Honoured to be guests in Newlands, amazed by the relaxed professional hospitality with such attention to details, Paul Adri, The Netherlands. Newlands Country House, Sevenhouses, Danesfort, Kilkenny T: 056 7729171 E: info@newlandscountryhouse.com

Single Room From 60.00 per night Double Room From 50.00 per person sharing Triple Room From 50.00 per person sharing Family room Price on request Group Rates available on request. All rates are per night and include Bed Breakfast. All our rooms are ensuite First class lovely surroundings inside and out, food excellent would recommend to anyone, Maeve Patrick, Dublin.

 Baby chairs and cots are provided
 Credit cards accepted
 Dinner may be served in the room
 Heating
 Jacuzzi tub
 Smoke-free guest rooms
 Parking lot
 Quiet surroundings
 Clock/radio
 Fridge
 Private/Ensuite bathroom
 Tea and coffee making facilities
 Phone at reception
 Phones in rooms
 TV sets in rooms