Kilkenny

We stayed at another out-of-the-way bed and breakfast in Kilkenny. Newlands Country House was a 7-minute ride outside of town. Our room was large, comfortable, and clean and we received some great suggestions for dinner and nightlife in Kilkenny.

All that was left of the Atlantic chowder.

Kilkenny is beautiful and charming. Women dress fashionably and men scream, "I feckin' told ya no!" into their cell phones as they walk along the sidewalks. Dinner was at Langton's 67 Bar. The atmosphere was upbeat and it was obvious this is a place to find the locals. The food was amazing! My husband had decadent lamb and I enjoyed buttery salmon. But the best part of the meal was my starter, the Atlantic Seafood Chowder. Please, if you ever go to Kilkenny, stop at 67 Bar and order the chowder. It was indescribably scrumptious.

Kilkenny

Our next recommended stop was Kyteler's Inn. It was everything you'd expect and hope for in a traditional Irish pub. Packed to overflowing by people drinking Bulmer's cider and whiskey, it was the perfect place to experience a trad session. I wish we had known the words so we could have joined in on the singing and swaying. We stayed for a couple hours and I have to say that this pub was better than most we found in Dublin.

Kilkenny Castle

We rested peacefully that night, with the soundtrack to our dreams provided by the Irish ballads we heard at Kyteler's. Breakfast was early the next morning and then we set off to explore Kilkenny in the daylight. It was still charming but definitely quieter on a Sunday morning. We walked through a lush park on the way to Kilkenny Castle. Structures on the site have been around since 1172. The castle has been modified several times throughout its history and many impressive restorations have taken place. It was interesting to see before-and-after photos as we walked through the castle.

View of River Nore from Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle Grounds

After a quick snack we were back on the road and driving toward Dublin, our final destination. Before we made it there, we had to drop off our rental car and that became an adventure all by itself. But we'll talk about that next time.

Rainbow over Kilkenny Castle