Kilkenny: Shenanigans Walking Tour with Stories & Magic

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/8

Duration1h 30m

GroupUp to 15

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Unexpected tales and playful magic along Kilkenny’s medieval streets

You’ll walk Kilkenny’s winding streets with a lively local guide, hearing wild stories about witches and knights while catching glimpses of medieval life. Expect clever magic tricks, spontaneous laughter, and plenty of chances to ask questions or just soak in the atmosphere—this isn’t your usual guided walk.

1h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided walking tour of Kilkenny

Discover Kilkenny's Medieval Mile
Hear history of Smithwick's beer
Explore medieval markets and phrases
Visit medieval alms house stories
Learn about Kilkenny's witch Alice Kyteler
Test group member as witch for fun
See city gates and medieval tombs

The Experience

Ever wondered if you’d laugh your way through a history tour? That’s what happened to me in Kilkenny. We met our guide just off the Medieval Mile—he had this quick grin and a way of talking that made even the cobblestones seem like they had secrets. The air smelled faintly of hops from Smithwick’s brewery, and I kept catching snatches of music from a busker somewhere down the street. Our group was small, which helped—I could actually hear the stories without having to elbow my way in.

I didn’t expect magic tricks, honestly. But there we were, watching coins vanish in front of Kyteler’s Inn while our guide spun tales about Alice Kyteler (I’m still not sure if she was really a witch or just clever). At one point, he picked someone from our group to “test for witchcraft”—everyone cracked up, including a little girl who kept tugging at her dad’s sleeve. The whole thing felt more like hanging out with a local friend than being lectured at. And when we passed the old alms house, he told us about medieval monks brewing beer and how some phrases we use today started right here. I tried repeating one in Irish—don’t ask me to do it again.

The best part? It didn’t feel rushed. We wandered through narrow lanes where the stones were slick from last night’s rain, stopping whenever someone had a question or wanted to peek inside an old gate. There was this moment by one of the city gates where everything went quiet except for distant church bells—I don’t know why that stuck with me. Maybe because it felt like all those centuries were just... right there with us for a second.

What’s included

Your time includes an entertaining local guide leading you through Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile with live storytelling, interactive magic moments, and plenty of laughs—all at a gentle walking pace suitable for everyone.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Shenanigans Walks