Kilkenny: Shenanigans Walking Tour with Stories & Magic

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

How long is the Shenanigans Walks tour in Kilkenny?

The guided walking tour lasts about 90 minutes at an easy pace.

Is the Kilkenny walking tour suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s designed for all ages and has fun elements that kids enjoy.

Are Shenanigans Walks wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on the tour are wheelchair accessible.

Does the tour include stories about Kilkenny’s witch Alice Kyteler?

Yes, you’ll hear stories about Alice Kyteler and even take part in a playful “witch test.”

Do I need to be very fit for this Kilkenny walking tour?

No special fitness required—just comfortable walking for 90 minutes to 2 hours at an easy pace.

Is there public transportation nearby for getting to the start?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the meeting point.

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.