Kilkenny crowned by Condé Nast as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Ireland’

Condé Nast Traveller has listed Kilkenny amongst its ‘7 Wonders of Ireland for 2026’.

The primary reason for the county’s inclusion is its culture, from buzzing city events to rural history, heritage and craft.

Author Grainne McBride gave special mention to Kilkenny’s penchant for hosting successful festivals including Cat Laughs and Kilkenomics.

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Also mentioned was the county’s cultural heritage with 12th Century Jerpoint Abbey namechecked as well as nearby Jerpoint Glass Studio.

Also included on the list were Waterford’s Copper Coast and Greenway, The Burren, Ring of Beara, Northwest Donegal, Fermanagh Lakelands and The Passage Tombs of the Ancient East.

All of the locations listed are described as being the ‘less instantly recognisable places to visit’ that are all ‘worth shouting about’.

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This isn’t the first time that Kilkenny has been recommended by the prestigious travel publication.

Back in 2013, readers of Condé Nast voted Kilkenny as the ninth friendliest city in the world.

One reader wrote about Kilkenny that “people were always greeting you”.

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Another praised the city as having “charming” locals who were clearly “proud folks who want you to sample their best.”

Kilkenny was notably the only European city to rank in the top 10, with Cork coming in at number 12.

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