KILKENNY - GETTING AROUND

On foot

Nearly every sight in Kilkenny city can be reached on foot. The historic Medieval Mile, which runs from The Parade up High and Parliament Streets to Dean Street, is a slight misnomer (it is closer to a half-mile in length). It boasts lots of sights, and what can't be reached directly from High Street can be reached by walking one or two streets away. Walking is not recommended for the area away from the Medieval Mile and the banks of the River Nore in Kilkenny city, as distances are longer. (The distance from Kilkenny city to Jerpoint Abbey, for example, is about 10 miles.)

By bus and train

There is no public transportation service, bus or train, which operates solely for the city of Kilkenny, although there are rumors of a new bus service which could launch in 2018.

Train service (operated by Irish Rail) runs to both Dublin and Waterford from Kilkenny (MacDonagh) train station. There is an unmanned train station about a half-mile outside Thomastown, which can get you to Jerpoint Abbey, if you want a little experience of the trains in Ireland. The trains run seven days a week, with shorter service on Sundays. For more information, visit www.irishrail.ie.

Bus Eireann, Kilbride Coaches and JJ Kavanagh and Sons have buses which service Kilkenny bus station, which is adjacent to Kilkenny (MacDonagh) train station. JJ Kavanagh and Sons also has a second bus stop near the Newpark Hotel. These buses are nationwide coaches, but some smaller villages close to Kilkenny are accessible via these buses. The Kilbride Coach from Kilkenny to New Ross serves environs such as Inistioge, Thomastown, and Bennettsbridge. Return fares are all under €10 and can be bought by going to www.kilbridecoaches.com. To look up other buses, visit national.buseireann.ie and www.jjkavanagh.ie.

By taxi

There are only four taxi companies operating in Kilkenny, and they are fairly visible, sitting at taxi stands throughout the city. If you need to call a cab company, the companies operating in Kilkenny are Ray Cabs (086 888 2777), Call a Cab (056 776 1300), Kilkenny Taxi (087 225 5333) and 7 Sevens Taxi Kilkenny (056 777 7777). Most attractions can be reached for less than €10. Note that the meter will start at close to €5, with approximately €1.50 added for each mile.

By bicycle

The local government has renewed its commitment to the growth of bicycle paths and trails; currently five fan out from the city center, with more to come. It may be more cumbersome to ride into Kilkenny city, as some streets are narrow and still others are cobbled, but it is a fun experience we recommend if you feel you are up to it. Waterside Bike and Hike (www.watersideguesthouse.com/bike--hike-page.html) rents out bicycles for under €30 a day.

By car

Enterprise, Europcar, and other major car companies are represented in and around Kilkenny; note that you will have to leave the Medieval Mile area to rent a car. Rentals are priced in the €20 to €50 per day range. Public parking is plentiful both in Kilkenny city and in surrounding areas, so getting around with a car will be a breeze, more so than in other cities. Also, a car is necessary to explore further afield and see sights that are associated with Kilkenny but are not in the city center.