Aside from the historical landmarks, Kilkenny continues with its heritage: it has many lively art and craft scenes; a lot of festivals go on year-round, and great wealth in Hurling, Ireland’s ancient Gaelic sport. The county has a landscape graced by rolling countryside, little villages, and ancient ruins. This is perhaps not an imperative place for anybody visiting Ireland’s Ancient East, but Kilkenny is that place which in every sense combines historical greatness with modern vibrancy.
The county, too, bids the visitor welcome to the medieval charm and the richness of history with a very good dose of the cultural life of the County Kilkenny in itself. The heart of Kilkenny is its namesake city, and through the city is where the visitor basks in the glory of Kilkenny Castle, which looms over the River Nore. This line talks of the historic buildings, lively pubs, and artisan shops lining the medieval mile. If this mile could talk, it would open a fascinating window onto both county history and modern history. The countryside of Kilkenny from beyond the city holds good-looking villages, including Inistioge and Bennettsbridge, with their respective allure and friendly ambiance. The county enjoys an outstanding artistic heritage, being home to the Kilkenny Arts Festival and many craft studios specializing in pottery, woodwork, and textiles. Here one may ramble the winding streets of Kilkenny City, follow the crooked smile of its medieval lanes deep into the pure countryside, and enjoy the restful beauty of this rural landscape. County Kilkenny certainly has the centuries-old beauty and warm hospitality to enchant the visitor.