Kilkenny Food and Drink Tasting: Cheeses & Chocolates

Taste your way through Kilkenny's artisan food scene on foot

A 2.5-hour guided food walk through Kilkenny where you sample local cheeses, artisan chocolates, traditional Irish fare and modern culinary creations from family-run producers and hidden gems throughout the city. The tour runs Thursday to Saturday year-round, with additional Tuesday and Wednesday departures from April to October. A live English-speaking guide leads groups through the city's culinary landscape.

The experience

Local cheeses, artisan chocolates, traditional Irish dishes and modern culinary innovations are the backbone of this walking tour. You move through Kilkenny on foot, stopping at producers and businesses that have shaped the city's food culture. The guide (someone who knows these makers and their stories) walks you past the places tourists usually miss and explains what makes each producer worth visiting. Meals are included throughout the 2.5 hours, so you're tasting as you go rather than hearing about food from a distance.

The tour celebrates artisan craftsmanship and family-run operations. You'll encounter the people behind Kilkenny's food scene and learn why they do what they do. This is not a museum visit or a lecture. It's a working introduction to producers who are still making things the way they choose to, often in small batches or with techniques passed down through generations. The walk covers the city at a pace that lets you absorb both the food and the context around it.

What’s included

• Meals throughout the tour.
• samples of local cheeses, artisan chocolates, traditional Irish dishes and modern culinary creations.
• access to family-run producers and artisan makers.
• a live guide in English who shares the stories behind each stop.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDepartures at 10:30 and 15:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (11 to 85 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Galway Food Tours

Is this one for you?The tour starts in Kilkenny itself and moves through the city on foot, so you don't need a car or transport beyond walking. If you're staying in the city center or nearby, you can reach the starting point easily. If you're based elsewhere in the region, public transportation options are available to get into Kilkenny.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 10 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What kinds of food and drink will I actually taste on this tour?

The tour includes local cheeses, artisan chocolates, traditional Irish fare, modern culinary creations, local brews and pastries. Meals are included throughout the 2.5 hours, so you're sampling across multiple stops rather than one tasting venue.

How often does this tour run and can I book a private group?

The tour departs Thursday to Saturday year-round. From April to October, additional tours run on Tuesday and Wednesday. Private tours are available daily if you want to book a group exclusively.

Is this tour walkable for someone who is not very fit?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. You'll be walking through Kilkenny for 2.5 hours, stopping at multiple producers along the way.

What will I learn about the producers I visit?

The local expert guide uncovers the stories behind Kilkenny's passionate producers: the people, the methods and the choices that define their work. You discover both well-known businesses and hidden gems throughout the city.