Dublin to Kilkenny by Coach or Minibus
Kilkenny is about 125 km south-west of Dublin, roughly an hour and three quarters by coach. Groups go for the castle and the Medieval Mile, for hen and stag weekends, for weddings in the Nore valley and for hurling at Nowlan Park. The road is motorway almost to the edge of the city.
Journey
- Dublin to Kilkenny
- Approximately 1h 45m
- Serving Dublin
Airports at Kilkenny
- Dublin Airport (DUB)
Why groups travel to Kilkenny
- Kilkenny Castle
- Medieval Mile
- St Canice's Cathedral
The M7 and M9
From the city centre the coach takes the Naas Road to the M50 at the Red Cow and goes out on the M7. Near Kilcullen the M9 branches south, and the coach leaves it at Junction 8 for the N10 into Kilkenny. The M7 toll is further west, beyond Portlaoise, so this route has none. Only a group starting from north Dublin or the airport meets a toll, on the western M50.
Coach parking in Kilkenny
Kilkenny County Council has coach spaces along Castle Road below the castle, an overflow at Larchfield for busy periods, and a third site at the Abbey Quarter. From Castle Road the group is at the castle gates and the top of the Medieval Mile. The city streets are narrow and partly one-way, so the driver confirms where to set down for a hotel or restaurant.
Timing around the castle
Kilkenny Castle is run by the OPW and opens daily, with slightly longer hours from April to September. The OPW warns of delays at the busy summer peak, so ask about group admission before you travel. Leaving Dublin around 8:30am puts the group at the castle by mid-morning. A day trip leaves time for the castle, St Canice's Cathedral and lunch, with a return in the late afternoon.
Is there a toll between Dublin and Kilkenny?
Not on the M7 and M9 route. The only toll a group might pass is the M50 section near Blanchardstown if the coach starts from north of the city.
Can the coach bring us to a hurling match at Nowlan Park?
Yes. Big matches bring heavy traffic, so agree a set-down and pickup point in advance and allow extra time after the final whistle.
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