We began our first adventure on the road by traveling back to where our ancestors came from…Ireland. We started down this road of discovery during August & September of 2026. Below are travel tips and information.
In this post:
Mena House B&B
Innkeeper Katherine Molley runs Mena House B&B , a lovely B&B just outside of town. Family rooms are available. If you don’t have a car, the local bus stops right near the inn and its a five minute ride into town. A delicious breakfast is served 8-9:45 am. Please note that Mena house does not accept credit cards.
Kilkenny Highlights
Ormonde Language Tours - To help you get acquainted with Kilkenny, consider a two hour walking tour which begins & ends near the iconic Kilkenny Castle.
Kilkenny Castle - Tour this landmark castle built in 1260 & lovingly restored! Enjoy tea & cakes in the castle tea room & save time to tour the beautiful gardens & grounds!
The Black Abbey Established in 1225, the Black Abbey has the largest stained glass window in Ireland. It is free to visit and is absolutely stunning!
St. Canice's Cathedral - Built between 1202 & 1285, this cathedral is the oldest medieval building in Kilkenny - You might consider climbing the round tower built in the 9th century!
Rothe House - Reserve a tour for the restored 15th Century merchant house & gardens to see what town was liike in its hey day and hear the story of the family who lived there. On site preservation of clothing and artifacts is on going.
Kilkenny Design - Visit shops for handcrafted items by Irish artisans to bring home!
Medieval Mile Museum - This museum is housed in a 13th-century church & graveyard & features medieval sculpture & Renaissance-era tombs that you can get up close to…Come see 800 years of history!
We took the Dublin Coach from Kilkenny Macdonagh Station to Anderson's Quay in Cork
Kilkenny Restaurants
Louies - We enjoyed wonderful soup & brown bread & tea for lunch at this cafe!
Left Bank - Enjoy delicious entrees in this renovated bank! Soaring ceilings, huge windows and delicious entrees! Walkins only. A pub menu is served from 12-6 & dinner thereafter!
Playwright Bar - Large portions & great service.
Kytelers Inn Discover the connection to witchcraft in this medieval inn! No reservations allowed. First come, first served. Stop in for a delicious Sunday Roast!
Irish Phrases- This is the list of common and useful phrases we assembled and practiced before landing in Ireland. FYI we used very little of it, as few of the people we came in contact with spoke Irish. Please note- We are not language experts!
