Travelling in 2020 is limited in many ways, but also exciting as we get to adventure around our magnificent little island again and explore the many wonders awaiting us. Kilkenny is a medieval city in southeast Ireland, part of the famous Ancient East tourist area of Ireland. The ideal location for your next staycation! Please note, all activities outlined below may not be fully open due to government restrictions, it is advised you contact each to ensure they can cater for you during your stay in The Hoban Hotel on the outskirts of Kilkenny City.
Historical City
Tourism is no stranger to Kilkenny, you can rest assured the city is safe and prepared to cater for tourism in 2020, when the right time arises. Home to Kilkenny Castle, this remarkable building was constructed in 1195 by the Normans and has many delightful activities, playgrounds, and shops nearby to keep the whole family occupied.
For those who prefer the gallery and museum typesetting, make sure to get your Medieval Mile Pass as you’ll enjoy free entry into many of the city’s attractions and discounts in many local cafes and bars. One of the best and most fascinating tourist attractions in Kilkenny, the Medieval Mile Museum, is based in the centre of the city. The building itself is a 13th-century church & graveyard featuring interesting medieval sculpture and ancient tombs. As well as the gorgeous architecture of the medieval church, inside you will find a literal treasure trove of artefacts dating back 800-years plus. It’s a fascinating insight into the lives we lived in Medieval Ireland.
Golfing
Golf is one of the first sports to be allowed back in 2020, with strict social distancing and gradual reopening. The 2020 Irish Open, the largest golf competition in Ireland, was scheduled to be played in the stunning Mount Juliet Golf Course before having to be cancelled with all other large national events. Hosting the most prestigious Irish golfing event shows the calibre of this golf course, which is only a 15-minute drive from The Hoban Hotel. For the golfing enthusiast, many other golf courses and driving ranges of different price levels also await you nearby. If you wish to play, please ensure these facilities are open to the public and visitors before making your booking.
Family-Friendly City
Kilkenny is abundant with parks and family activities nearby.
NOWLAN PARK: Have you or your family ever tried your hand at hurling? If not, it’s one of those uniquely Irish sports that needs to be experienced to be believed. Schedule your visit to Kilkenny to coincide with a match in Nowlan Park to witness our multi All Ireland winning hurling team in action. This exciting sport is one the backbones of Kilkenny’s culture and history, something we are immensely proud of and we wear the black and amber proudly. Hon the Cats!
CASTLECOMER DISCOVERY PARK: Castlecomer Discovery Park is about 20-minutes outside of the city but it’s definitely worth the drive when you see the array of fantastic activities available. This old coal-mining town now contains one of Kilkenny’s finest outdoor adventure playgrounds. The park contains the longest zip line in Ireland, a dizzying treetop walk, a climbing wall, as well as archery, fishing and kayaking so you certainly won’t be bored!
DUNMORE CAVES: Dunmore Caves are a fantastic family adventure, exciting for both young and old alike. You are guided through this maze of limestone caves, in near darkness by a knowledgeable and experienced guide who is on hand to answer any questions your little explorers may come up with. The caves are just 10-minutes outside of the city and can be explored by families for as little as €13.00, a small price to pay for an afternoon of history and fun. Watch out for the bats!
Kilkenny awaits you, your family and friends this year, with so much to do and see, you will have a fun-packed holiday and all of the above within a short distance of The Hoban Hotel Kilkenny. The Hoban Hotel take standards for hygiene and cleanliness very seriously and are proactively implementing additional hygiene procedures and precautions to ensure that the highest possible standards are upheld throughout every area and service which the hotel provides, for its guests as well as our own team. You can read more about our measures by clicking here. The Hoban Hotel is scheduled to reopen to the public on July 20th 2020, should government policies allow. You can keep up to date on our website and social media channels.
If you’re looking for a great value hotel in Kilkenny that offers an ideal location, newly refurbished dining areas and a friendly Irish welcome, stay at Hoban Hotel. Remember to always book directly to avail of our best available rates and special offers not available anywhere else.
