Kilkenny is absolutely buzzing in the summer months, especially across the weekends. Hotels are in demand, as are restaurants, cafes and attractions, which can often turn people off visiting. If you love a relaxed city break, you can always visit mid-week when the sun still shines, and the streets are less crowded. You’re more likely to get a reservation in your favourite restaurant and a lower demand in hotels means the rates are likely to be lower than weekend premiums. All of your favourite things to do in Kilkenny are still open from Sunday to Thursday and you won’t have to wait in long queues. Book your mid-week stay in Hoban Hotel Kilkenny today to enjoy the best of the city at a more relaxed pace.
Visit Inistioge
Inistioge is known as one of the most scenic villages in Ireland. It’s a charming place located in the prettiest part of the Nore Valley. Its main feature is the wonderful ten-arched bridge that attracts many visitors hoping for a picture-perfect shot. Part of the unique character of Inistioge is the eclectic array of buildings, dating from medieval times to the Georgian and Victorian eras. The views from the town are nothing short of magnificent and people flock to see this village, usually over the weekend. Visiting mid-week means you can enjoy unspoiled panoramic views of the area, you won’t have to wait to take pictures of the beautiful architecture and you’ll be the first served in any of the village’s three pubs.
Jerpoint Abbey
Did you know that the remains of a deserted 12th-century town still survive close to Kilkenny City? Jerpoint Abbey is a unique heritage site once called Newtown Jerpoint. Jerpoint Abbey may have been in existence since the 1160s but was only formally affiliated with the Cistercian order in 1180. The town was once a substantial settlement with a parish church and a stone bridge over the River Nore. Take a guided tour of this unique heritage site and delve into the interesting history of this once-thriving town you’ll hear more about the stunning 14th Century Medieval Tomb and hear stories of what life was like back in the year 1200AD. It gets busy over the weekend with tours so mid-week is an ideal time to visit and spend a very interesting afternoon.
Kilkenny Castle
As one of the main attractions in the entire east of Ireland, it’s not surprising that Kilkenny Castle van get packed on weekends and sunny days. The grounds are often filled with sunbathers, groups of friends and families making the most of their time off work and school. If you want to enjoy peace and quiet and maybe an uninterrupted lunch al fresco, the best time to visit is mid-week. Take a tour of the castle, enjoy the dozens of historical artefacts, and see how the other half lived. Enjoy the magnificent grounds of the castle which include gardens, a playground and plenty of open green space.
Enjoy an Irish Trad Session
There is something extraordinary about a traditional live music session, especially in Kilkenny. Irish music, commonly called Trad, is known and loved around the world for its catchy tunes and storytelling, something we’re very good at in Ireland. We are lucky to have some of the most talented people in the country here, many of whom are happy to share their skills with us in local pubs and venues. Trad sessions are often held mid-week in Kilkenny and if you prefer to listen with a quiet pint, rather than a full ceilidh, a midweek session is ideal. Head to spots like The Pumphouse which has Irish music Monday – Wednesday, or Paris Texas where you can grab a tasty dinner in the Gastro pub followed by some live music, 7 nights of the week.
Hoban Hotel is the ideal place for a hotel break in Kilkenny. We’re located on the skirt of the city, a short walk to the centre of town so you can enjoy all of the main attractions and have a quiet night’s sleep to refresh for the next day. Staying midweek means we have better flexibility for room types and lower rates than busy weekends, especially during the high season. Check our official website to secure our lowest available rates, guaranteed.
