While visiting Kilkenny is always a good idea, we can’t promise the weather will always cooperate with your plans. We get most of our cold and dark weather in Winter and outdoor activities can be a challenge unless you’re well prepared. There are lots of things to do in Kilkenny that don’t involve getting rained on, whether you like to stay active or simply enjoy a pint. Book your stay in Hoban Hotel and enjoy the best of Kilkenny’s indoor activities.
Enjoy Kilkenny Pubs
One of the most popular things to do in Kilkenny is to visit an Irish pub and enjoy a couple of pints and some live music. It never rains in the pub! Kilkenny has pubs for all types of visitors from excellent food & drinks to talented trad musicians. We have pubs with centuries of history, modern, stylish gastropubs, hole-in-the-wall pubs, sports bars and everything in between. Kilkenny is popular with Hen & Stag parties over weekends so choose your pub carefully if you don’t want to get caught up in the madness! No matter which pub you choose, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome and most often, a delicious pint of Smithwick’s, our local red ale.
National Reptile Zoo
An interesting and educational way to spend a rainy day in Kilkenny is a visit to the National Reptile Zoo. Suitable for visitors young and old, a visit to the reptile zoo is a great way to pass a few hours and learn about the care and breeding of these exotic creatures. You can visit snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodiles and more at the National Reptile Zoo located in Hebron Business Park, close to Kilkenny City. There are over 50 exhibits, Animal Encounter Zone, Nocturnal Realm, Media Room, Education Rooms, Coffee Shop, Souvenir Shop and Play Area. They are open 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm and pre-booking is not essential.
Kilkenny Activity Centre
Regardless of the weather, there is no excuse not to keep your brain active. Most of the activities in Kilkenny Activity Centre are out in the fresh air and if the weather isn’t too bad you can still enjoy them. If you’d prefer to stay warm and dry. You can try Cube Games, inspired by popular TV show The Cube. They are a fun, family-friendly activity with healthy competition encouraged. You could also try an escape room, using only your brain and communication skills to solve various puzzles and challenges and escape the room in record time. These types of puzzle games will not only keep you indoors in bad weather they’re a fun way to bond with family, friends and teammates.
Family Fun
It’s hard enough to entertain children when the weather is good. When it rains it can feel impossible! Indoor family-friendly activities are not a problem in Kilkenny. Try your hand at family bowling at the K-Bowl Family Entertainment Centre at MacDonagh Junction, which is open every day until 10pm. You could also drop them off at an indoor play centre like Jellietots, The Playstation or the soft play area at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre. While they play, you can enjoy a bite to eat from a local café and catch up on your reading.
The National Design & Craft Gallery
If it’s cold out but you still want to make the most of your trip to Kilkenny, make a stop at the beautiful Design & Craft Gallery located in the former stable yard of Kilkenny Castle. The Gallery is Ireland’s leading centre for contemporary craft and design with a focus on Irish artists and producers. There are a number of craft-based shops to browse or watch work being made and often there are workshops for people to participate in for free. There is also a café so you can pick up a warm drink to get you ready for the cold outside.
If you can hear the wind and rain and would prefer to stay in bed, enjoy the warmth and comfort of Hoban Hotel. Our high-speed Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs with satellite channels and in-house bar & restaurant mean you’ll be happy to stay indoors all day. Book our best available rates exclusively on our website today.
