Family Attractions in Kilkenny

Families at the Hoban Hotel

Fun for everyone

Situated on the River Nore, Kilkenny (often referred to as Marble City due to it’s black marble quarries), is a old Norman settlement which was given the status of a city in 1609 by King James I of England. Between 1642 and 1649 Kilkenny was also the capital of confederate Ireland between 1642 and 1649. Currently Kilkenny is home to the seat of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Ossory and the Church of Ireland Bishop of Cashel and Ossory.

Family activities and places to visit

Kilkenny is a very family-friendly place. Its compact city centre is easy on little legs, and when you need a pit stop, there are plenty of cafés and child-friendly restaurants where you can kick back and relax. We know you won’t want to spend all your time in the hotel, so here are some great ideas to ensure you have a fun-filled holiday, with lots of happy memories!

Castlecomer Discovery Park

Guests enjoy 10% off entry to Castlecomer Discovery Park. Please speak with a receptionist for details. Activities include: Visitor Centre, Coal Mining Exhibition, The Redwood Café, Park Grounds, Walking Trails and many other outdoor activities!

Nore valley Park

This traditional farm has operated since 1989 and is a real favourite with the younger members of the family. Children can bottle feed baby kids and lambs, and can handle baby rabbits. There are a whole variety of animals to see and enjoy. For the more active children, they can enjoy the fun playground, sandpit with mini digger, straw play area and giant chess.

K Bowl Ten Pin Bowling

Located in McDonagh Junction Shopping Centre – Show your room card and receive 1 hour bowling for €20(covers up to 6 people).

Kiltorcan kart Racing

Experience the exhilaration of kart racing against your friends on the 1km super smooth track. In addition to organising events for groups of 10 or more people Kiltorcan have 15 or 30 minute sessions for individuals and smaller groups. Kiltorcan is approximately 20 minutes drive south from the hotel.

Warrington Top Flight Equestrian Centre

Located off the Bennetsbridge Road, Warrington has excellent facilities, horses and ponies making it suitable for every level of rider. The centre includes both indoor and outdoor arenas and a cross country course along the river bank with a variety of obstacles.

Reptile Zoo

Home to over 50 species including alligators, pythons, geckos and chameleons. Get close up and find out what a snake really feels like in the demonstration area. The Reptile Village Conservation Zoo is about 3km from Kilkenny City.

Shenanigans Walking Tours

Shenanigans Walks offers a contemporary take on conventional tours by enlisting local guides to take you on a captivating and educational journey through Ireland’s Medieval Mile. What sets Shenanigans apart is the incorporation of intriguing tidbits, and a touch of enchantment that gives the experience an exciting and refreshing twist, all while keeping it light-hearted with plenty of fun and entertainment!

Kilkenny Cycling Tours

Explore the historic and cultural sites of Kilkenny by bike. The tours are relatively gentle and suitable for most levels of fitness and ages.

Jerpoint Park

History and heritage surrounds you in Jerpoint Park, where you can trace back to the footsteps of a 12th century medieval town. Enjoy super fishing with wild salmon and brown trout. Take the kiddies on a pony trek, and relax over lunch in our tea rooms. Guests of The Hoban Hotel Kilkenny enjoy 10% off the admission price.

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