by Lynda Mc Donald

Created on: July 13, 2009   Last Updated: July 14, 2009

If you have to go anywhere in Ireland I would highly recommend going to Kilkenny. Kilkenny hosts three of the largest events in Ireland every year, the most well known of these in the 'Carlsberg Cat Laughs Comedy Festival' which includes world famous comedy acts playing at various venues throughout June each year for five days. Some years, depending on the weather there is even a comedian's football match between the Irish Acts and everyone else. The town is always packed with more Irish and international tourists visiting the world's largest annual comedy festival.

Kilkenny is also home to Ireland's largest art festival in August each year. Art work can be found in almost every building and any space it will fit outdoors, while various music gigs and readings take place daily. If you are looking for art work, there is a selection of everything from internationally renowned artists to local emerging artists, with prices to suit everyone.

Also during august the Smithwicks's 'Source' Concert each year, which is usually headlined by a internationally famous artist (e.g. in 2008 Dolly Parton was the headliner). The concert is held in Nolan Park, just off of the city centre.

If you end up visiting Kilkenny, but not during the time that any events are on, there is also a lot of things to do in the city itself.

The most obvious place to visit is Kilkenny Castle, which has daily guided tours, not to mention the Butler Gallery on the bottom floor, while displays exhibitions of Ireland's finest contemporary artists. The large castle grounds are also worth a tour as the castle's small graveyard is hidden between the trees.

Kilkenny is the Norma capital of the country, and you can easily see its medieval roots by looking at the cobbled streets or beautifully designed buildings. The city hall or 'Tholsel', Rothe House and the Black Abbey are all definitely worth seeing. Roth house also provides lots of information leaflets for tourists.

St. Mary's cathedral is in the centre of the city, and its elaborate spire can be seen from quiet a distance, both is and St. Canice's Cathedral are worth visiting because of their beautiful architecture. The grounds of St. Canice's Cathedral are also home to St.Canice's tower, which is open to the public everyday. Climbing the tower does take a while but it is worth it once you witness the bird's eye view of the city from the top.

There are lots of pubs in Kilkenny, as there is all over Ireland, but the Kytler's Inn is the one that is most frequented by tourists because of its rich history. The tavern originally belonged to Dame Alice Kytler who was one of the last women in Europe to be charged with witchcraft and consorting with the devil.

During the summer month's the city's tourist office also organised guided tours of the city. In regard to accommodation there is many hotels throughout the city along with numerous B&Bs and a hostel.

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