A holiday rental home or holiday cottage in County Kilkenny is the best way to explore Irelands "green green" land

County Kilkenny is in southeast Ireland in the Leinster region bordering the counties of Carlow, Laois, Waterford, Wexford and Tipperary. The River Nore flows through County Kilkenny and the River Suir borders County Waterford. the highest point is Brandon Hill. The County is divided up into the following baronies – Callan, Crannagh, Fassadin, Galmoy, Gowran, Ida, Iverk, Kells, Kilculliheen, Kilkenny City, Knocktopher and Shillelogher.

Places to stay in County Kilkenny, Ireland

Self-catering holiday accommodation allows you the freedom you need to explore County Kilkenny. Although there are a number of guest houses, B and B and hotels in the area, these can be restrictive because you have to eat according to their timetable. County Kilkenny cottages put you in charge of your schedule.

Irish cottages are perfectly situated for visiting the heritage sites of this popular tourist destination. Round towers are unique to Ireland and are located in St Canice's Cathedral in Kilkenny, Kilree near Kells, Tullaherin near Bennettsbridge, Aghaviller near Knocktopher and Fertagh near Johnson. Interesting castles include Kilkenny and Foulksrath Castle, which is in Jenkinstown.

A Kilkenny cottage holiday is great for visiting the many Irish church buildings that date from medieval times, such as the cathedrals of St Canice and St Mary and St Lachtain's Church in Freshford. County Kilkenny also has several abbeys, priory's, friary's and a whole host of holiday attractions. There are a variety of self catering holiday accommodation including romantic country cottages, stone cottages, barn conversions, luxury apartments and thatched cottages for an affordable holiday.

Things to do in County Kilkenny, Ireland

County Kilkenny is perfect for walking holidays through its rolling green hills and on tiny roads through the valleys past swirling rivers. there are many excellent restaurants and pubs full of character to stop at, along the way. This is a great area for angling and there are several fishing instructors and guides who will show you the right way to catch trout and salmon, like the Inchbeg Fishing School in Freshford.

County Kilkenny is central to arts and crafts in Ireland. The National Craft Gallery is free and demonstrates the best crafts in the area. There is an arts week festival in August, which has an excellent program of visual arts, music, literature, street performances and children's events all over Kilkenny County. Another festival, the Cats Comedy is at the end of May and features over sixty comedians.

There are numerous sports and leisure activities including lawn tennis, golf, horse riding, river adventures, karting, snooker clubs, horse racing, swimming pools, grey hound racing, golf courses and fun factories throughout County Kilkenny and all within easy reach of your holiday cottage. For those looking for pubs and bars offering nightlife, a few of the best in the area are Caislean Ui Cuain, Kyteler's Inn, Eamon Langton's, Tynan's Bridge House and Marble City Bar and Tea Rooms.

Weather in County Kilkenny, Ireland

The climate in County Kilkenny is typical of wide river valleys in Ireland with low temperatures when there is a cloudless sky at night. It is generally mild but changeable with the occasional extreme.

Travel in County Kilkenny, Ireland

Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Waterford airports serve County Kilkenny and Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) provides rail services from Dublin to stations throughout the county, as do Bus Éireann and there is a small airport at Kilkenny.