Kilkenny

Kilkenny is the smallest city in Ireland with a population of only eight and a half thousand, although if you include the suburbs of the city that number goes up to over twenty two thousand. But just because it's small it doesn't mean it isn't a great place to visit! It is a beautiful medieval city and home to many exciting events during the year. I'd like to tell you a little more about it.

Firstly, if you decide to visit here you will need somewhere to stay. There is a wide choice. Many people love staying on a traditional working farm as a nice break from the stresses and strains of urban life. Some like the economy and comfort of a hostel, the elegance of a guest house or the chance to sleep under the stars in a campsite. Others prefer to stay in a bed and breakfast, of which there are many here. Talking of breakfast, make sure you sample a traditional Irish one - pork sausages, bacon, eggs, black pudding, white pudding and soda bread, all washed down with a cup of Irish tea. By the way, black pudding is basically a sausage made from blood and potatoes or bread, white pudding is the same as black pudding but without the blood and soda bread is bread baked with bicarbonate of soda instead of yeast. Delicious!

Apart from visiting the wonderful historic buildings of Kilkenny, especially Kilkenny Castle, there are many activities you can do here throughout the year. For lovers of horses you can go riding around the splendid countryside or even visit the racetrack at Gowran Park to have a bet, a very popular Irish activity. Why not watch greyhound racing too? Again you can have a bet - who knows, you may be lucky! There are eight golf courses, a karting track, and plenty of opportunities for water sports.

Kilkenny hosts a lot of annual events too. On the holiday weekend at the end of May there is a comedy festival in the city centre. It usually goes on for 4 days and is sure to be a lot of fun. In August there is an arts festival where over ten days you can hear traditional, jazz and classical music, watch all kinds of theatre and dance and hear readings and recitals. The events take place all over the city and is an experience not to miss. However, my favourite is the Kilkenny International Hot Air Balloon Festival. For four days at the beginning of June balloonists from all over the world come to fly over the city and surrounding countryside. They take off from the castle and everyone is invited to come and watch. It's a spectacular sight.