Rightfully proud that it has maintained its Middle Ages allure, Kilkenny attracts travelers from across the spectrum. While considered a city, it truly feels more like a town with shopping, first-rate pubs, and superb sights all within walking distance.

The center of Kilkenny is a pedestrian-friendly freeway for the masses. While walking, you might notice the slender passageways known as “slips” and other iconic establishments such as Kyteler's Inn (056 772 1064, www.kytelersinn.com) off of Saint Kieran's Street.

Dame Alice Kyteler and her maid, who were pronounced guilty of being witches, made this inn and cellar bar famous.

Departing from the Kilkenny Tourist Office, Tynan's Walking Tour (087 265 1745 or 056 776 3955) is a popular venue and a valuable historical stroll through Kilkenny's best sights. Tours depart from mid-March to October, Monday–Saturday, 10:30 A.M., 12:15 P.M., 3 P.M., and 4:30 P.M.; Sunday, 11:15 P.M. and 12:30 P.M. Admission 5.50/6. The must-see sights of Kilkenny City are highlighted in the following sections.

Rothe House and Garden

Built during the rule of the Tudor dynasty, the Roth House (056 772 2893, www.rothehouse.com) is representative of a merchant's townhouse during the fifteenth to seventeenth centuries. Containing special artifacts and costumes of the era, the house is now owned and operated by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society. The estate Gardens is a reconstruction of an Irish urban garden. Open April–October: Monday–Saturday, 10:30 A.M.–5:00 P.M.; Sunday, 3:00 P.M. — 5:00 P.M.; Open November–March: Monday–Saturday, 10:30 A.M. –4:30 P.M. Admission 4/5. Combination tickets with admittance to St. Canice's Cathedral are available.

Kilkenny Castle

The painstakingly restored Kilkenny Castle (056 770 4100, www.kilkennycastle.ie) was first constructed circa 1200. The home's most prominent owners were the wealthy Butler family. Restored during the Victorian era, the castle has passed through various restoration stages over the years. Nearly decrepit, the castle fell into the hands of the local government, who have worked for decades to complete its full restoration. Nearly complete, the informative and guided tour will sweep you back in time. Open June–September, daily, 9:30 A.M.–7:00 P.M.; October–May, daily, 10:30 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Closed Good Friday and Christmas. Admission 2–4/6.

Black Abbey

Depicting the hardships of its past, the aptly named Black Abbey (056 772 1279) was a Dominican abbey founded in 1225. Thereafter ransacked by Cromwellian forces in the 1650s, it was reopened as a holy place of worship in the early 1800s. Restoration was complete by 1979. The church now stands in its full glory, one of the highlights including a massive stained-glass window completed in the 1890s. Open April–September, daily; October–March, Monday–Saturday. Closed during worship services. Admission free. Donations appreciated.

St. Canice's Cathedral

Also known as Kilkenny Cathedral, St. Canice's Cathedral (056 776 4971) beckons visitors with its dominating view over the city. The current edifice was constructed circa 1200 but was originally established by the patron saint of Kilkenny in the sixth century as a sort of diocese. The round, topless tower sits on the spooky cemetery. Open April, May, September: Monday–Saturday, 10 A.M.–5 P.M.; Sunday, 2 P.M.–5 P.M.; June–August: Monday–Saturday, 9 A.M.–6 P.M.; Sunday, 2 P.M.–6 P.M.; October–March: Monday–Saturday, 10 A.M.–4 P.M.; Sunday, 2 P.M.–4 P.M. Admission 3–4/5. The climb up the round tower costs extra. Admission to Rothe House included with combination ticket.