Kilkenny

Kilkenny is one of Ireland's most charming medieval towns, located about an hour and a half from Dublin. The narrow, winding streets are packed with well-preserved historic buildings, including the impressive Kilkenny Castle, which stands tall over the River Nore. This 12th-century fortress has been beautifully restored and gives visitors a glimpse into Ireland's Norman past.

The town is known as the 'Marble City' because of the distinctive black limestone (not actually marble) quarried locally, which creates a unique look to many of the historic buildings. The Medieval Mile connects many of Kilkenny's main attractions - from the castle to St. Canice's Cathedral with its 9th-century round tower that you can climb for amazing views of the city.

Kilkenny has a vibrant arts scene and hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival and Kilkenny Arts Festival. The town has deep roots in craft production, particularly pottery and design, which continues today at the Kilkenny Design Centre.

For a small city, Kilkenny has an impressive food scene with many restaurants serving up local produce. It's also home to Smithwick's, one of Ireland's oldest beers, which was brewed here for over 300 years. The city has a lively nightlife with traditional Irish music spilling from the doors of many pubs in the evening.