Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
If you’re visiting Kilkenny, Ireland, and looking for a way to really get under the city’s skin, a guided walking tour with Shenanigans Walks promises an authentic, entertaining, and insightful experience. With a perfect rating of 5.0 from over 400 reviews, this tour is clearly a favorite among travelers, offering more than just sightseeing—it’s a lively dive into Kilkenny’s stories, legends, and history.
One of the things we love most about this experience is the personalized touch that small-group tours provide. Nevin, the guide, has a knack for storytelling that not only educates but also entertains, blending humor, magic tricks, and local lore seamlessly. A potential consideration is that the tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, which is a manageable but somewhat brisk pace—perfect if you want a good overview without feeling rushed.
This tour is ideal for those who enjoy engaging guides, authentic stories, and discovering a city through its streets rather than from a bus window. Whether you’re a history buff, a family with children, or someone simply curious about Kilkenny’s magic, this walk will suit you well.
Key Points
Engaging storytelling by a knowledgeable guide makes the tour lively and memorable.
In-depth local insights reveal hidden gems and stories behind landmarks.
Small group size ensures a personal, interactive experience.
Walking through Kilkenny’s cobblestone streets offers authentic sights and sounds.
A good balance of humor and history appeals to all ages.
Affordable value at around $32 for nearly two hours of guided exploration.
Exploring Kilkenny on Foot: A Detailed Look
Looking for more options in Kilkenny? Here are some other experiences worth considering.
The Starting Point: The Parade
The tour kicks off at The Parade, a central hub in Kilkenny, making it super accessible from public transport and nearby attractions. From here, Nevin, the guide, leads the group into the narrow, centuries-old streets. Walking makes it easy to get close to the sights—from the imposing Kilkenny Castle to quaint alleyways bursting with stories.
Discovering the Landmarks: Landmarks, Legends, & Lore
As you stroll, you’ll pass key landmarks like the Tholsel (the historic city hall), and Rothe House, a fine example of a merchant’s residence from the 16th century. According to reviews, the tour covers many of Kilkenny’s must-see sites in a single session, giving a rundown that would take hours to piece together independently.
Nevin often shares stories about the city’s medieval life, including tales of witches, monks, and local legends. For instance, one of the most memorable parts is the playful “test” of whether a member of the group is a witch—a fun way to bring the stories alive, according to reviews. It’s these humorous, interactive moments that keep the tour engaging, especially for families or groups with children.
Local Tales & Magic: Bringing the Past to Life
A standout feature is the storytelling approach that combines historical facts with colorful anecdotes. One review mentions how Nevin “presented Kilkenny’s history in a manner that was both educational and entertaining,” highlighting how the tour’s personality makes history accessible for everyone.
For beer lovers, hearing about the story of Smithwick’s brewery adds a delicious layer to the walk. The guide also shares turns of phrase used to this day, from medieval markets to old sayings, giving you a sense of how history pervades everyday life.
The Witch of Kilkenny & Medieval Tales
One of the most talked-about moments is the story of Kilkenny’s witch. The guide whimsically tests a group member to see if they might be a witch, adding humor and fun to the historical narrative. Reviewers appreciated the light-hearted, fun approach—a great way to make history memorable.
City Gates & Protectors
Walking through Kilkenny’s historic gates, you’ll hear about the protector figures and the city’s defenses. The guide explains the significance of medieval tombs and the importance of the city gates, making the walk feel like a journey through Kilkenny’s protective walls and storied past.
The Tour’s End: Kyteler’s Inn & The Witch’s Final Curtain
The tour concludes at Kyteler’s Inn, one of Kilkenny’s most famous pubs and a fitting spot to reflect on your visit. The tour’s focus on Kilkenny’s infamous witch and her legend leaves a lasting impression, encapsulating the city’s dark and charming history.
Practical Details & What to Expect
Duration & Group Size: The tour lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes, with a maximum of 15 travelers. This small group size fosters interaction and ensures you get personalized insights from Nevin, who’s described by many reviewers as knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and personable.
Pricing & Value: At about $32.44 per person, this tour offers strong value. Reviews repeatedly mention how much information and entertainment you gain for such a reasonable price, often describing it as the best guided tour of their trip.
Timing & Accessibility: You can pick between morning or afternoon sessions, starting right from Kilkenny Castle and ending at Kyteler’s Inn. The walking pace is easy, making it suitable for most travelers who are comfortable walking for about 90 minutes.
Booking & Convenience: Most travelers book around 38 days in advance, indicating high demand. The tour provides mobile tickets, making it easy to organize and present on arrival.
Accessibility & Considerations: The tour is open to service animals and most travelers, with only a slight expectation of physical fitness to walk moderate distances comfortably. The tour’s intimate size and engaging style make it particularly suitable for families, history buffs, and casual travelers alike.
What Travelers Say: Authentic Insights from Reviews
Reviewers consistently praise Nevin’s storytelling style, describing him as “a wonderful storyteller” who keeps attention with humor and magic tricks. Several mention how kids and adults alike are kept engaged, with one reviewer emphasizing that the tour was “just the right balance of fun and informative for all ages.”
Many appreciate the local knowledge that Nevin shares, including recommendations for the best meals post-tour, such as the famous Foodworks. Others highlight how the walk helps uncover hidden corners of Kilkenny that casual strolling might overlook, making it a valuable investment of time.
The reviews reflect a genuine appreciation for the personalized experience, with many calling it “the best guided tour” they’ve done in Ireland. The combination of historical tales, humor, magic, and authentic Kilkenny sights creates a memorable, well-rounded experience.
The Sum Up
This walking tour with Shenanigans Walks is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to explore Kilkenny beyond the usual tourist spots. If you enjoy lively storytelling, engaging guides, and discovering local legends, this tour hits all those marks—and more. The small-group setting ensures intimate, personalized insights, making it feel more like visiting a friend’s hometown than just another organized tour.
The value for money is excellent considering the depth of stories, the charming street exploration, and the fun atmosphere. Plus, the blend of humor, history, and magic tricks keeps the experience lighthearted and memorable. It’s particularly well-suited for families, history enthusiasts, and those who appreciate a tour that’s as much about entertainment as education.
For travelers who want a genuine, fun introduction to Kilkenny’s landmarks and legends, this tour is a must. It will leave you with a deeper understanding of the city’s history, a few good stories to tell, and maybe even a smile or two from the playful tricks and tales.
FAQ
- How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, offering a good overview without feeling rushed. - Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at The Parade and ends at Kyteler’s Inn, both centrally located in Kilkenny. - Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention that the guide makes it fun for all ages, with interactive stories and magic tricks that kids enjoy. - How many people are in each tour group?
Maximum of 15 travelers, which helps ensure a personal experience. - What is the price?
Around $32.44 per person, which many reviewers find offers excellent value considering the storytelling and sights involved. - What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you’ll be on your feet exploring Kilkenny’s narrow streets. - Is the tour accessible for people with mobility challenges?
Most travelers can participate comfortably, but it involves walking for nearly 90 minutes at an easy pace. - Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility. - Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.
In brief, Shenanigans Walks offers not just a sightseeing tour, but a lively, storytelling journey into Kilkenny’s soul. With a passionate guide, well-chosen landmarks, and plenty of humor, it’s perfect for those wanting to connect with the city in a memorable way.
