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A speech bubble outlined in black, red, blue, yellow, and green on a white background. The overlapping lines create a colourful, multi-layered effect—perfect for capturing the energy of the Kilkenny Animated Festival.Explore Kilkenny

HISTORY & CULTURE

Kilkenny is a small medieval city with a BIG reputation for creativity.
Nestled within it’s winding streets, you’ll find award-winning animation studios, artists, designers and makers, with a rich cultural history in design, craft and the creative industries.

With its intimate scale, we invite you to explore Kilkenny at an easy pace, discovering work in unexpected places and getting a feel for why so many creatives choose to live and work here.

Discover Cafes, Pubs & Restaurants That Serve Any Type Of Palette

places to eat

The Book & Coffee Shop

A cosy café with bookshelves filled with books, brown chairs, and a small round table with a teacup and saucer—perfect for relaxing after you explore Kilkenny Animated Festival. A chalkboard menu and coffee counter are visible in the background.

Sullivan’s Taproom

A group of people sits around a wooden picnic table outdoors, enjoying drinks and conversation in a lively garden setting during the Explore Kilkenny Animated Festival. Green grass, colourful buildings, and leafy branches frame the vibrant scene.

Cleere's Bar and Theatre

The image shows the front of a pub called "John Cleere", with red-trimmed windows and door, hanging flower pots, posters in the windows, and a yellow barrel with plants—perfect for those looking to explore Kilkenny Animated Festival on a city pavement.

Kilkenny Whiskey Guild

Two pieces of seared foie gras with sauce rest on a white plate, accompanied by two glasses of amber-coloured wine—a perfect pairing to enjoy as you explore Kilkenny Animated Festival in a vibrant, green-lit setting.

Highbank Organic Orchards

A glass bottle and filled glass sit on a table with leaves and flowers in a blossoming orchard of pink blossoms. Sunlight filters through, creating a peaceful spring scene—perfect to explore Kilkenny Animated Festival vibes outdoors.

Zuni Restaurant

A hand pours hot chocolate sauce from a small white jug over a round chocolate dessert sphere on a plate, with a spoon and fork on the side—an indulgent treat to savour as you explore Kilkenny Animated Festival.

Kytelers Inn

A stone building at night is illuminated by green and orange lights. The sign "Miller's Inn" glows above the door, raindrops falling in the dark. Trees partially frame the scene—an inviting stop as you explore Kilkenny Animated Festival.

Billy Byrne's

A modern bar with a curved counter, glass shelves holding bottles, hanging wine glasses, wooden flooring, red tables, and wooden chairs. Large windows let in natural light—perfect for relaxing after you explore Kilkenny Animated Festival.
A historic stone building covered in ivy stands beside a calm river, surrounded by lush green trees and tall grass. Explore Kilkenny Animated Festival amidst reflections of this scenic view beneath a cloudy sky.

From Reptiles to Art Galleries.

Places Of Interest

Butler Gallery

A stone building with arched and rectangular windows stands behind a black metal fence under a cloudy sky. Discover its charm as you explore Kilkenny Animated Festival, with a neatly trimmed lawn and a sign near the entrance welcoming visitors.

The National Design & Craft Gallery

A woman with blonde hair, seen from behind, stands in an art gallery looking at illuminated artwork on a grey wall—an experience reminiscent of moments at Explore Kilkenny Animated Festival. Display plinths and plates appear in the background.

River Nore

Colourful houses line a riverside under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, their reflections visible in the calm water; vibrant flowers bloom in the foreground—perfect for those who wish to explore Kilkenny Animated Festival nearby.

Rothe House & Garden

A stone cottage with a slate roof stands behind a lush, colourful garden filled with blooming flowers—an inviting scene to explore before heading to the Kilkenny Animated Festival under blue skies and scattered clouds.

The Hole in the Wall

A cosy room with stone walls, wooden beams, and a large fireplace. Warm purple and orange lighting, fairy lights, and small round tables invite you to relax—an intimate spot to unwind after you explore Kilkenny Animated Festival.

The National Reptile Zoo

A smiling child wearing a hat and green shirt looks closely at an iguana perched on a branch surrounded by green leaves, capturing the wonder you’d find as you explore Kilkenny Animated Festival.

Irelands Ancient East

Experience Ireland’s Ancient East where vibrant history and modern life meet. Enjoy memorable food experiences, wander down the cobbled streets of medieval towns and explore the gorgeous gardens of this scenic region.

Hear local legends and mythical tales of the east of Ireland on a lively walking tour or travel back in time at an ancient monastic site. Head on an epic mountain hike and after, experience the cultural riches of the incredible cities.

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An older couple walks hand in hand along a canal towpath beside a calm waterway, with a stone bridge and moored boat in the background. The words "Explore Kilkenny Animated Festival," "Ireland's Ancient East," and a white logo are overlaid.

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