The 11 Best Indoor Activities in Kilkenny
In a place where rainy days abound, it’s always useful to have a list of fun indoor activities at the ready. You can still get out and enjoy yourself even when you can’t bring yourself to embrace the dreary weather. Kilkenny is home to many attractions that entertain people of all ages, so whether you’re heading out solo, with a partner, or with your kids in tow, you’re bound to find the perfect thing to do. To save you time, we’ve shortlisted some of the best options available.
1. Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle has more than 800 years of history and now serves as an exhibition space where visitors can explore the building and various facets of Ireland’s history. The castle hosts many family-friendly events and offers free activity worksheets that keep children excited and engaged. The worksheets explore ways for kids to build their own castles or medieval shields with materials like cardboard and paper, as well as games they can complete by visiting different parts of the castle’s grounds. They’ll likely want to return on a sunny day to explore the gardens and complete all the activities.
2. Medieval Mile Museum
Like Kilkenny Castle, the Medieval Mile Museum explores history but focuses on the Kilkenny area and its people. You can walk the museum at your own pace, following the 800 years of history to Kilkenny’s present. Alternatively, you could take a guided tour to deep dive into the museum collections, which include fascinating archaeological finds and records dating back to the 1200s.
3. Butler Gallery
Visiting the free Butler Gallery is another enjoyable way to spend a rainy day. Within the gallery, you’ll find an extensive collection of Irish art from the past and present. The gallery also provides opportunities for you to create through workshops for various art forms, including basket weaving, painting, and drawing. Plus, there are engaging art programs tailored specifically for kids. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a day filled with fun and creativity.
4. Design and Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) Gallery
The DCCI Gallery is a contemporary exhibition and creating space that welcomes visitors to explore displays set up in repurposed 18th-century stables and watch different crafts being made. The gallery consists of work from Irish and international crafters who use a broad range of mediums and forms, including metal, glass, ceramics, and fibres. An ongoing exhibition even spotlights Cartoon Saloon, the animation studio based in Kilkenny that’s created three films exploring Irish folklore, including the highly reviewed and awarded Wolfwalkers.
5. Art It
If the art galleries inspire you to create, you’ll want to check out Art It—an art studio designed for people of all ages to explore their creativity. You’ll find a vast collection of blank canvases, including jewellery boxes and figurines, just waiting to be decorated. For parents looking to have an hour or two to themselves, Art It offers walk-in activities that allow parents to set their kids up with a project in a safe space so the parents can do their own thing.
6. The Playstation
The Playstation—not to be confused with the Sony video game console—is the perfect place for energetic kids to burn off some steam. They can run wild through the indoor play space’s soccer area, slides, ball pits, and plenty of padding while you can sit and enjoy a coffee or tea.
7. KBowl Entertainment Centre
If you’d rather have the opportunity to play yourself, then the KBowl Entertainment Centre is the ideal option. The site entertains all ages and far more than just bowling. KBowl has an arcade section with shooting games, car games, and classics like skeeball. You’ll also find virtual reality headsets that take you on roller coaster rides. Like any good arcade or bowling alley, KBowl offers a menu with sweet and salty favourites like popcorn, nachos, pizza, churros, and slushies.
8. Set Theatre
Another indoor activity that will keep you entertained is catching a show at Set Theatre. The intimate theatre seats 250 people and serves as a performance space for musicians, comedians, and other performers. It is also a symposium space where experts share their research. Upcoming events include the comedian Chris Kent’s new show Offline, a presentation of Dr Kostas Papageorgiou’s research called The Psychology of Psychopaths, and a showing of Breathe – The Pink Floyd Experience. It’s a space with many events and activities, and you never know what might appeal to you.
9. Watergate Theatre
Watergate Theatre is another performance venue where you can enjoy performance art workshops, comedy shows, live music, and movie showings. Currently, the theatre is showcasing events as part of Kilkenny’s Sondheim Festival, which includes a performance masterclass from Rachel Tucker, a performer who has graced the stage at London’s West End.
10. Smithwick’s Experience
The Smithwick’s Experience allows you to explore the history and flavours of Irish ale in a whole new way with their Masters of Ale Experience. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes brewery tour, a lesson in the history of ale, an ale-tasting masterclass, and the chance to learn to pour the perfect pint. At the end of the experience, you can head to Smithwick’s Barrel Yard and test your new tasting skills.
11. Staying In
Sometimes, the best indoor activity is a day at home, and with the ability to choose from 100’s of slot games and movies online, you can easily queue up something to keep you entertained from the comfort of home. Use the weather as an excuse to cancel plans, throw on your most comfortable clothing, and curl up on the couch for a quiet day in.
