2 - QVI Club

Kilkenny’s Must - Visit List
St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower
These two iconic monuments have been an essential part of
Kilkenny’s rich heritage since it was founded as a site for Christian
worship in the 6th century. Named after St.Canice, this present
cathedral dates from the 13th century and is the second longest
in Ireland.
The cathedral has been preserved through the years in its original
Early Gothic style and form, with its many stained glass windows
and limestone construction. Kilkenny’s oldest standing structure, the
Round Tower, was built in the 9th century and stands stoically beside
the cathedral. It is one of only two Round Towers in Ireland that can
be climbed to the top. Ascend this one to admire the magnificent
views of Kilkenny City, the river, and the surrounding countryside.
Kilkenny Castle
One of the most visited tourist sites in Ireland, Kilkenny Castle was
the venue for the meeting of the General Assembly, or parliament,
of the Confederate Ireland government in the 1640s. The castle was
sold to the local Castle Restoration Committee in the mid 20th
Century for £50. Shortly after, it was handed over to the State and
opened to visitors after refurbishment. Since then, it has become
one of Ireland’s most popular tourist sites, with ornamental
gardens on the city side of the castle, an expanse of land and
gardens at the front, and part of the National Art Gallery on display
in the castle.
The Irish love a
great festival! Be it
religious or secular
in nature, festivals
in Ireland are
greatly celebrated
affairs with lots of
music, dancing, food
and drink.
Jerpoint Abbey
For a glimpse of romantic ruins with Romanesque details and
unique stone carvings, visit Jerpoint Abbey, a Cistercian abbey near
Thomastown, about 20km south of Kilkenny city.
The abbey was built around 1160 by the King of Ossory, Donal
MacGillapatrick, for the Benedictine monks. In 1180 it was taken
over by Cistercian monks from Baltinglass Abbey. The Cistercian
order was founded in 1098 in Citeaux. The monastery was selfcontained,
and included its own gardens, watermills, infirmary,
cemetery, kitchens, granary, stables and other outbuildings.
This national monument has been under the care of the Office
of Public Works since 1880. While you’re there, be sure to drop by
Newtown Jerpoint, where the ruins of a church still remain. Local
legend has it that the grave of Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) lies within!
Dunmore Cave
The name of Dunmore Cave is derived from the Irish words Dún
Mór, which means ‘great fort’. It is a limestone cave located in
Ballyfoyle, containing some of the finest calcite formations found
in any Irish cave. Famous for being the site of a Viking massacre in
928 A.D, the numerous human bones found in the cave are believed
to be the victims’ remains. Till today, artefacts from this horrific
event can still be found in the cave.
Kilkenny’s Must - Do List
Love Festivals – Like the Irish Do
The Irish love a great festival! Be it religious or secular in nature,
festivals in Ireland are greatly celebrated affairs with lots of music,
dancing, food and drink. Most festivals and events are held during
the summer months – the icing on the cake for tourists who flock
to the city during this peak travel season!
If you are planning a holiday to Kilkenny during this period, don’t
miss the Smithwicks Rhythm and Roots Music Festival (late April),
the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival (May), the Ballykeeffe Midsummer
event (July), and the Kilkenny Arts Festival (August), which is also
one of the city’s principal events.
Shopping & Eating
To explore the city at leisure, shop at MacDonagh Junction shopping
centre, or indulge in a gastronomic feast at one of Kilkenny’s fine
restaurants and bars. Kilkenny City has a vibrant nightlife, so don’t
let the night slip away without partying at the local pubs!
Live the Irish Life
The medieval charm of this city beckons, so bask in the full glory of
its idyllic beauty by traipsing along walking trails, going horse-riding
in the countryside, or angling in River Nore, famous for its high trout
and salmon population! Those who favour a taste of Irish sporting
activities can go golfing, watch greyhound racing, and try carting.
QVI Club, through XchangeWorld, offers you a wide selection of
resorts throughout Ireland. The graceful 19th century 8-suite
Knocktopher Abbey and its adjacent 7 Mews Cottages are located
between Kilkenny and Waterford in beautiful countryside. To plan
a holiday in Ireland, do contact QVI Club at +65 6491 0900 or at
customercare@qviclub.com.