Winter Getaway In Kilkenny: Best Indoor & Outdoor Activities Before The Season Ends

Some say Kilkenny is better when the sun is shining but locals know the city is just as beautiful in the cooler Winter months. Winter hotel breaks are a great way to get to know the city without the usual summer rush and there is plenty to do both indoors and outdoors, depending how adventurous you feel! We can’t guarantee it won’t rain but we can guarantee you’ll have a fantastic time, especially with one of our Winter hotel deals in Kilkenny.

1. YULEFEST KILKENNY

Yulefest is back this year and although it’s smaller than usual, it’s even more special. Discover local vendors, producers and independent businesses selling unique items from their cosy wooden chalets weekends in December.

Enjoy live music and performances across the city centre with some extra special festive performances from local choirs. You can take part in the Yulefest Medieval Mile run, some festive movie nights, pay a visit to the big man in red and so much more, with something for the entire family. Yulefest is the highlight of a winter getaway in Kilkenny.

2. OUTDOOR WINTER ACTIVITIES IN KILKENNY

There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing! Wintertime provides a unique opportunity to experience nature in a completely different way. You can enjoy crisp winter walks on one of the many walkways and trails, challenge yourself to some archery or ziplining or wrap up well & explore some of the best cultural and historic sites in and around the city.

Kilkenny Activity Centre

The Kilkenny Activity Centre has some excellent winter activities for groups. Do you fancy shooting paintballs in misty weather or sliding around an exciting assault course? Maybe you’d love to try bubble football? Kilkenny Activity Centre is perfect for the daredevils among us who aren’t afraid to get dirty to have a great time. If you’d prefer to stay warm, they also have The Cube which is great fun and indoors.

Castlecomer Discovery Park

Castlecomer Discovery Park, about twenty minutes from Kilkenny city, is another great spot for outdoor activities. You can enjoy the great outdoors, enjoying walks and trails or something more exciting like ziplining, octagon, archery, axe throwing, treetop climbing wall and much more. You can also visit the Castlecomer Craft Yard where you can pick up a unique gift for yourself or someone else handmade by a talented local crafter.

3. INDOOR WINTER ACTIVITIES IN KILKENNY

Summer can be very busy with people travelling from all over the country and the world to visit our beautiful medieval city. The evenings are busy too with Hen & Stag parties taking advantage of the excellent nightlife and the friendly welcome from our locals. One of the best ways to get to know a new place is to visit its history and the abundance of galleries & museums in Kilkenny do not disappoint. Read our guide to the best historic sites in and around the city.

Enjoy Kilkenny’s lively pubs

There’s no denying that part of our culture lies in the pub and Kilkenny has those in abundance. From a simple ‘hole in the wall’ to huge venues you’d get lost in, there are pubs to suit all tastes in the city. Enjoy a pub crawl (responsibly) and discover our traditional pubs and live Irish music on every corner. Remember, it never rains in the pub!

Shop ’til you drop

Shopping in Kilkenny is a unique experience. Instead of focusing on big brand names and department stores, the city loves local talent and independent retailers. Kilkenny has many unique Irish boutiques and independently-run clothing and accessory stores all stocking gorgeous gifts for yourself and others that you’d never find on the high street. Remember, large online retailers will survive another year, supporting local this year is more important than ever.

4. CHOOSE THE BEST ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUR WINTER GETAWAY IN KILKENNY

Our team has worked hard to put together some excellent packages so you can enjoy a winter hotel break in Kilkenny. Our two- or three-night packages include:

• 2 or 3 night stay in a spacious and stylish bedroom
• Full Irish Breakfast each morning with a choice of full Irish or a continental selection
• A delicious 3-course evening meal with tea/coffee on a night of your choice in our 1801 Restaurant
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and on-site car parking
• Free cancellation up to 4pm on the day prior to arrival

Author Bio: Katie McGarr is a travel-savvy writer for The Hoban Hotel Kilkenny, a world-class hotel for business and leisure travel, offering exceptional accommodation and dining experiences in Ireland’s historic marble city. When she’s not taking vibrant street photos, you can find her writing articles about travel, food, and lifestyle.