Travel bible National Geographic falls for Kilkenny’s medieval charms
SOME of Kilkenny’s best-loved landmarks and businesses have been singled out for praise in a special feature on Ireland’s Ancient East tourism initiative published by the global travel bible National Geographic.
The in-depth article identifies Kilkenny as one of 10 towns in the east of the country that are “saturated in stories of the past”.
It describes Kilkenny as “Ireland’s best-preserved medieval city”, which is “bookended by the magnificent 12th-century Kilkenny Castle with long portrait gallery to the south, and St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower to the north.”
It advises visitors to experience the historical wonders within the “once-walled town of the Medieval Mile”.
It adds: “Unearth 800 years of history at the new Medieval Mile Museum, or hear it first-hand on a Pat Tynan Kilkenny Walking Tour. Visit Rothe House (pictured above), a 17th-century merchant’s home with artifacts and costumes. The Smithwick’s Experience at the brewery dating to 1710 features a guided tour on the history of brewing, plus a tasting.”
No visit to the city, of course, would be complete without some refreshments, so it advises weary travellers to make a pit stop at Kyteler’s Inn – “doing business for seven centuries and hear the story of the witch of Kilkenny over a pint”.
It sings the praises of Tynan’s Bridge House Bar, which it notes “retains its Victorian interior with carved wood and gaslights”.
And it says the “antique-filled décor” at M.L. Dore Nostalgia Café is the perfect setting for afternoon tea.
