Things to do in Kilkenny?

Ive posted this in P&B too but i'm looking for advice ASAP! We're going to Kilkenny for a few days and as I wont be doing my usual session on a weekend away I'm looking for some nice things to do? Any suggestions? Nice places for lunch, things to do, places to go?

You could tour the castle if thats your kinda thing, it has lovely grounds aswell for a nice stroll. Do some shopping and head out to lyrath estate for afternoon tea yum!

There's the castle, cinema, shopping etc. If you have a car with you and the weather is good any of the days you could head to Inistioge/ St Mullins- your only about 30 minutes away by car. Food wise there's Cafe Sol for lunch, Zunis or Runcinnis (sp) for dinner. There's also a new wine bar (think it's called the Grapevine). Foodworks has just moved to Parliament St (I think) and there's also a place called Campagne. http://www.campagne.ie/ http://www.restaurantskilkenny.com/ http://www.zuni.ie/ http://www.rinuccini.com/ Foodworks and The Grapevine don't seem to have websites.

When you going? Kilkenny Arts Festival is on in August, usually has something to suit all tastes. For a quiet (non-alcoholic) pint in a bar with homemade buzz and the threat of a session without any your of neon-lit, plasma screen bullsh*t, head to Cleeres, and Tynan's on the Bridge. Might be a decent gig on at Kytlers or the Set theatre. For cheaper lunch eats try upstairs above the book shop - daycint grub at reasonable dabs. Al fresco by the river in the River Court Hotel is hard to beat on Ireland's 3 - 4 four allotted days of summer, and the breakfast bagel in the Marble City Tea Rooms features in my top five breakfasts of all time so you're obliged to go there on the back of such a reliable recommendation. Have fun.

I was going to say Marble City Tea Rooms for breakfast as well! Hestia you are a woman of excellent taste Kilkenny is a great place for just strolling I think, and it's so full of historical buildings. St Cannice's Cathedral (spelling, gah, my parents - both Cats - will kill me ) is gorgeous. Plus one for the castle, and also head across the road to the Design Centre (is that called The Courtyard now?), great place for a stroll and a poke round the various exhibits

Thanks girls, we're going on Sunday so I'm really looking forward to it now. The forecast isnt looking great but sure we'll find something to do! I'm liking all these food recommendations though, I seem to be starving every 2/3 hours so I'll have no problems getting round them all!

[quote="MinnietheMinx":33n67gyv]If you have a car with you and the weather is good any of the days you could head to Inistioge/ St Mullins- your only about 30 minutes away by car.[/quote:33n67gyv] +1 to this suggestion, St Mullins is so picturesque and the walk along the river to the first lock (or even to Graiguenamanagh and back if you're feeling energetic) is really gorgeous! My favourite place in Ireland. There's a lovely little cafe there now with picnic benches outside if the weather's fine.

Afternoon tea in the conservatory in Lyrath is lovely, nice way to pass the afternoon if it's lashing.