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2 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Discover Kilkenny’s rich history, stunning architecture, and hidden gems on a relaxed, flexible walking tour with John – your knowledgeable, qualified guide. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking for a memorable stroll, your tours offer something for everyone.
Born and raised in Gowran in the heart of County Kilkenny, John has spent years immersing himself in Kilkenny’s unique history and culture. John has always been passionate about storytelling and sharing the hidden tales and well-known landmarks that make Kilkenny truly special.
John is happy to offer private or custom tours for groups, families, or individuals. Contact John to find out more!
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
St. Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower
St. Canice's Cathedral, a striking example of 13th-century Gothic architecture, is one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval churches. On a quick visit, you’ll be struck by its grand stone structure, beautiful stained glass windows, and the peaceful atmosphere.
Black Abbey
On a 15-minute visit to the Black Abbey, you'll experience a remarkable blend of medieval architecture and spiritual ambiance. Founded in 1225 by the Dominican Order, this historic church is renowned for its Gothic design and rich history. Hear about the Rosary Window and Marvel at the magnificence of Ireland's largest stained glass window.
Guided Walking Tour with an Experienced, Licenced Guide
Private transportation
We do not include admission fees for any of the attractions on our tour.
26 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Neil S,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
John is a great host for this leisurely stroll through the streets of Kilkenny. Warm and knowledgable John brought the streets of Kilkenny and the history of this beautiful city to life. Would highly recommend.
John S,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a brilliant time with John. His knowledge of Kilkenny is brilliant. We saw so many of the bits that you never normally see or hear about. Very generous with his time.
Joan C,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
John was very helpful from the start by showing us the best parking spot and how to get to his tour. He was very friendly and knowledgeable, always giving us interesting information about all the historical sights and cultural spots throughout our 2+ hour tour. Fascinating information and valuable insight to places we’d never find on our own.
Sightseer46619675824,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our tour with John was wonderful. He took so much time and care to make sure we got the most out of our visit to Kilkenny. From they abbeys to the castle and everything in between, John’s knowledge of history and interesting anecdotes made for a very enjoyable experience. He even tailored our tour to our kids when he learned that they were fans of Wolfwalkers and Cartoon Saloon. Thanks for the fantastic tour, John!




Derek M,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
From the moment of booking our tour with John he provided detailed information of when and where to meet him. The tour itself was very informative, John is a wonderful person and historian who has in-depth knowledge of Kilkenny and Irish history. It really was a pleasure to wander the town of Kilkenny with John.








Ana V,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
we had a great time, very interesting and fun tour! you will learn a lot about the city and its history.
Joëlle K,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
John picked us up from the hotel and stood by with umbrellas! We found his stories and anecdotes about Kilkenny very interesting and felt like VIP's as we were the only ones that had booked that morning because of the quiet season. Also John gave us some tips to go to dinner, which we heeded and were not disappointed! 🫶✨️ A great day!





John A,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
One of the highlights of visiting Kilkenny was our tour with John. He rescheduled the tour to the afternoon because of the rain and after that he was such an entertaining source of information about the history of Kilkenny and its people ,definitely, a5 star tour guide .
Anne R,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
Neither of us knew anything about Kilkenny. It is a town that is very easy to negotiate once you have directions not many inclines. Our guide John was so pleasant & his wealth of knowledge was second to none. We would definitely recommend this walking tour with John & will join it again if in Kilkenny town.
DavidOwen C,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
Our family of three had a wonderful walking tour of Kilkenny with John which far exceeded our expectations. He was very knowledgeable of the city and region, very generous with his time, passionate, friendly and responsive to our needs. Would highly recommend.
Operated by Kilkenny Tours