My guided walking tours in Kilkenny run daily at scheduled times — typically morning: 10:30am, afternoon: 2:30pm , and early evening: 6:30pm. Booking ahead ensures you secure the time that works best for your visit.
Most of our guided walking tours take about 2 hours and covers approximately 3km (1.8 miles) taking in the key historic highlights of Kilkenny’s city centre at a comfortable pace.
On our walking tours, you’ll visit highlights like Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, and The Medieval Mile, The Black Abbey, Rothe House, The Medieval Mile Museum, The Butterslip, The Tholsel, and The Medieval Walls, along with some hidden gems and stories you won’t find in guidebooks.
We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season. While walk-ups are sometimes possible, online booking secures your place on a specific tour time and avoids disappointment. You can book by contacting John directly by email or phone, or via the options on the booking page.
Yes! I’m happy to offer private or custom tours of Kilkenny for groups, families, or individuals. Just contact me and let me know your preferences, and we’ll create a personalised experience. Find out more here.
Yes — Kilkenny City is compact and our tours are designed for all fitness levels. Routes are kept at a relaxed walking pace and kids often enjoy learning about knights, castles and medieval adventures.
Yes — tours typically run rain or shine. Kilkenny weather can be unpredictable, but tours run rain or shine. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. If it’s a light drizzle, we’ll keep going, but we can make adjustments as needed.
Your ticket includes a local expert guide and a walking introduction to the city’s history, landmarks, and hidden gems. Entrance fees to paid attractions are not included unless stated.
Absolutely — travellers consistently rate John Comerford's Kilkenny guided walking tours very highly for history, storytelling, and local insight, making them one of the best ways to explore the city in a short time.
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing and an umbrella is recommended. A camera is also a good idea for capturing Kilkenny’s scenic spots.
Many visitors ask about accessibility before booking a walking tour, and we want you to feel confident and informed.
Answer:
Our Kilkenny walking tours take place in the historic city centre, which includes cobbled streets, gentle slopes, and uneven pavements in some areas. Because of this:
The tour isn’t classified as fully wheelchair-accessible.
Participants should be comfortable with steady walking for up to 2 hours at a relaxed pace.
If you use a mobility aid (walker, rollator, scooter, wheelchair), please contact us before booking so we can advise on the best option or recommend a more suitable route.
We’re happy to help plan a tour experience that fits your needs — whether that means a shorter route, rest points, or a customised private tour tailored for comfort.
In summary:
While the standard walking tour involves terrain common in historic cities, many guests with mild mobility limitations have participated successfully with prior planning. Just let us know your needs so we can make appropriate arrangements and ensure a great experience.
Yes, our tours are designed to be engaging for all guests. Since our tours focus heavily on storytelling and local history, there’s plenty of rich oral content to enjoy. John, your guide, is happy to provide vivid descriptions of landmarks and surroundings to enhance the experience. If you have specific needs, feel free to contact us ahead of time so we can ensure your comfort.
We keep our groups small (a maximum of 15 people), ensuring everyone can hear clearly without being crowded. If you require special accommodations, such as facing the guide during storytelling or repeating key points, we are happy to make adjustments. Please let us know in advance to help us provide the best experience possible.