Writer: Helena Bergström
Kilkenny is not just beer! Kilkenny is also a medieval Irish town with a beautiful castle. We have now travelled almost all of Ireland by motorhome. Join us for the final leg, to a fascinating old monastic village and to Northern Ireland's capital Belfast. But first - a visit to a castle in Kilkenny!
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
Share
ShareTable of contents
Our journey around Ireland
We are now back home in Stockholm after a 16-day trip around Ireland. But we haven't had time to tell you everything yet! We try to blog in real time, but over time we inevitably fall behind a bit. Probably because we see and do so much, and simply do not buoyant tell you everything in the evenings ...
On the map image below you can see our journey up to and including Kilkenny. After this we made a stop in a very interesting monastic village, before it was time to return the motorhome to Dublin. But then did we fly home? No, first we took a bus to Belfast for a city holiday. So keep following our blog!
City of Kilkenny
No, Kilkenny is not just a beer, although you might think so. Kilkenny is also a city in Ireland! It has just over 20,000 inhabitants and is both the Anglican and Catholic episcopal seat. This beautiful medieval city is also a popular tourist destination for both Irish and foreigners. We can agree that the city is really nice and charming, even if it was a bit difficult to perceive in it. persistent the pouring rain.
In addition to the impressive St Canice's Cathedral and the Black Abbey Dominican Priory, you can also enjoy The Smithwicks experience. Smithwicks beer has been brewed here since 1710. When they started exporting beer to the European and Canadian markets, the name 'Kilkenny' was chosen because 'Smithwicks' was difficult to pronounce ... Today, both names refer to two different, but similar, beers. Incidentally, the beer is brewed by the St Francis Abbey Brewery, which is owned by Guinness.
Castles in Kilkenny
In the city there is also a large castle, called Kilkenny Castle. Given the persistent rain, we thought it was a great place to walk around. unnecessarily a castle, and it wasn't a bad idea either! This castle in Kilkenny was built by William Marshall (1146-1219), and was then the residence of the powerful Butler family for 600 years. Today, the castle is open to visitors, and you can walk around its countless rooms.
Tomorrow there will be pictures from a crazy cool monastic village, a "ghost cemetery" and also Ireland's highest waterfall. Then we continue the journey up to Belfast!
What is it like to travel by motorhome in Ireland?
Writer: Helena Bergström We recently tried travelling by motorhome in Ireland for two weeks....
St. Patrick's Day in Stockholm – parade and celebration
Writer: Helena Bergström Updated: October 2026 | St Patrick's Day is also celebrated in Stockholm, with a parade,…
Ring of Kerry - a classic road trip in Ireland
Writer: Helena Bergström Everyone we spoke to during our road trip in Ireland says the same thing;...
Visiting Skellig Michael - Star Wars in Ireland
Writer: Helena Bergström Did you know that several scenes in Star Wars were filmed in Ireland?
Rock of Cashel - The Royal Rock of Cashel in Ireland
Writer: Helena Bergström The Rock of Cashel, or Cashel of the Kings, is a historic site in...
Kylemore Abbey in Ireland - a sad story
Writer: Helena Bergström We have visited Kylemore Abbey in Ireland. This beautiful white building, which...
Irish whiskey - & pubs and beer in Ireland
Author: Peter Bergström Irish whiskey is loved by many, as is the culture of pubs and beer...
The sacred monastic village of Glendalough - and Ireland's highest waterfall
Writer: Helena Bergström Our last two motorhome trips in Ireland were to the holy monastic village of...
Facts about Ireland - 30 things you (might) not have known
Writer: Peter Bergström Updated: September 2026 | Green landscapes, Guinness, St Patrick and pubs – there are certainly…
Horse riding in Ireland - Irish horses in Kerry
Writer: Helena Bergström What is it like to ride in Ireland, on Irish horses? We browsed through...
Into the fog - around the Irish Dingle Peninsula
Writer: Helena Bergström We have now driven around the Dingle peninsula on the west coast of Ireland. And no, we...
The music city of Galway in Ireland and a pub crawl
Writer: Helena Bergström We have mostly shown beautiful nature from here in Ireland, but Ireland of course also offers...
Dramatic Cliffs of Moher - on the west coast of Ireland
Writer: Helena Bergström If you're travelling along the west coast of Ireland, you can't miss the cliffs on dramatic...
Two caves in Ireland - Europe's largest stalactite
Writer: Helena Bergström We have visited two caves in Ireland, the Aillwee Cave which was a...
Killarney National Park - and the town of Killarney in Ireland
Writer: Helena Bergström Welcome to Killarney in Ireland! Killarney National Park and the town of Killarney are located in the ...
North Beach outside Dublin - and Ardgillan Castle
Writer: Helena Bergström Our first meeting with Ireland offered beautiful beaches at North Beach outside ...
Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland - kissing the Blarney stone
Writer: Helena Bergström Blarney Castle in Ireland is located just outside the city of Cork. In addition to visiting the ...
English (UK) 
Svenska
Ditte says:
What an interesting and "green" trip you made and cool to have driven almost all around Ireland. So much to see and experience. Can imagine that you had busy days and did not have time to stay so long at each stop but on the other hand, Ireland is still there.
Great pictures and I have really enjoyed following along.
16 May 2018 - 19:08
Helena says:
Truly an experience to drive around this green island! Yes, we have had quite a full schedule at times. But there have also been days when we have taken it a little slower 😉.
16 May 2018 - 21:25
GeddFish says:
I have followed the Ireland of my dreams. It is not possible to convey everything or take in everything for the uninitiated. I've had glimpses, but every trip is unique.
You have done the best.
16 May 2018 - 20:05
Helena says:
Surely it is difficult to convey everything you experience! We are fantastically happy with this trip 🙂
16 May 2018 - 21:25
Elisabeth says:
Exciting. I'm taking a look back at your journey.
16 May 2018 - 21:14
Helena says:
Nice to be able to contribute with a little review! 🙂
16 May 2018 - 21:26