Warm bright days, park picnics and long stretches in the evening, we’re excited to welcome back Summer in Kilkenny. Kilkenny has everything you could wish for from a summer holiday with weekends spent golfing, family fun activities and lots of local festivals. Book your stay in Hoban Hotel Kilkenny and enjoy a comfortable, spacious place to stay without the city centre price tag. Our best available rates are exclusively available on our website.
Summer Festivals In Kilkenny
Festival Season kicks off in Kilkenny as soon as the weather warms up. Starting from St Patricks Festival and Tradfest in March, the lineup gets better and better. Kilkenny Roots returns to the city from 28th April to 1st May 2023 are celebrating 25 years this year. Over four days a wide range of Irish and international acts will perform in venues throughout Kilkenny city to celebrate all things Roots and Americana. Cat Laughs comedy festival falls on the June bank holiday (2-5th June) and brings together some of the finest local comedy talent to multiple venues in the city. Kilkenny Arts Festival (10-20th August) features some of the most talented creatives in the country for an array of electrifying events with dance, song, poetry, art and everything in between. We usually have a warm start to autumn and September Sounds is a great end to the season with some fantastic outdoor performances.
Family Fun
Summer is a great time for family fun. There are lots of children-centred entertainment and activities in and around Kilkenny City for all ages. Guests enjoy 15% off entry to the fantastic Castlecomer Discovery Park where all of your adventure dreams come true. Nore Valley is a traditional farm open to the public where your children can learn more about farming and the care of animals. The Watershed is one of Ireland’s best sports and leisure facilities and is conveniently located just 800m from The Hoban Hotel Kilkenny. It’s a great way to pass an inevitable rainy afternoon (yes, even in summer!). Feed curious minds with a trip to the fantastic National Reptile Zoo to learn more about exotic creatures like lizards, snakes and amphibians.
Markets in Kilkenny
One of the highlights of summer is the return of markets. Enjoy a stroll around a local farmers’ or craft market with a tasty ice cream while you search for a bargain. The artisan market located at Mountain View Golf Course in Ballyhale returns on 2nd April and opens every Sunday. You can pick up some delicious local food and drink, perfect to remind yourself of a great trip to Kilkenny. The Parade Farmers Market happens every Thursday and Saturday. Stroll through 18 stalls of local sellers with a mixture of high-quality foods and crafts available from home-baked bread and cakes to hand-made jewellery, skincare products, handbags and more. Castleinch Sunday Market also returns in summer and is one of the largest markets in the county selling everything you can imagine!
Golfing in Kilkenny
Golf is a very popular summer pastime in Kilkenny and one our locals and visitors take very seriously. Luckily, we have some of the finest golf courses in Ireland right here, ideal for a golfing break with friends. Book a round in the formidable Mount Juliet and play on the same green as some of the world’s all-time greats. Stay local with the Kilkenny golf club and make sure to visit their clubhouse for a well deserves 19th hole drink. Practice your swing at Newpark Driving range or have fun with minigolf in Nore Valley if you want to involve all of the family.
Outdoor Adventure in Kilkenny
Make the most of the warm weather while it lasts. Head to the adventure playground that is Castlecomer Discovery Park and enjoy ziplining, playgrounds or a long walk through the forest. The small town of Graiguenamanagh is a mecca for water sports in Kilkenny where you and your friends can enjoy kayaking or riding the rapids by canoe. Climb the formidable Brandon Hill on a nice day and enjoy a panoramic view of Kilkenny while you enjoy a picnic al fresco. Discover hidden depths at Dunmore Caves, well known as the ‘darkest place in Ireland’. The possibilities are endless.
After a day of exploring, enjoying a round of golf or a fantastic Kilkenny festival, return to our comfortable, spacious hotel on the skirt of the City. Hoban Hotel’s lowest rates and access to our special offers are exclusively available on our website. We look forward to welcoming you for a summer break in Kilkenny.
