Day 6 Cycling the 32 counties of Ireland - KILKENNY
🚴🏾♂️ The Black Paddy Rolls into Kilkenny: Castles, Cats & Medieval Craic
What’s the story, Kilkenny?!
It’s your boy Fabu D, aka The Black Paddy, pedaling into the land of black marble, hurling legends, and ghost stories that would make Netflix jealous. I’m still on my cycling tour around Ireland for Jigsaw, the charity helping young people mind their mental health—and Kilkenny? You’ve got charm, cobblestones, and craic for days.
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🧠 A Word on Jigsaw
Before we dive into the madness, let’s take a moment. Jigsaw is doing powerful work—giving young people across Ireland a safe space to talk, to be heard, and to get the support they need. Mental health isn’t just a buzzword. It’s real, it’s raw, and it affects all of us.
This cycle isn’t just about the scenery—it’s about showing up for those who feel unseen. If you’re struggling, know this: you’re not alone. There’s help, there’s hope, and there’s healing.
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🏰 First Impressions: Kilkenny’s Medieval Swagger
I rolled into Kilkenny with Guinness Zero in my bottle cage and a grin on my face. First stop? Kilkenny Castle, of course. Built in 1195, this beauty has seen everything—Normans, rebels, and probably a few confused tourists trying to find the loo.
The castle sits right on the River Nore, looking majestic like it’s waiting for a drone shot. I walked the grounds, imagined myself as a medieval prince (with dreadlocks, back in the day), and tried not to trip over a squirrel.
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😂 Funny Kilkenny Facts (Because You Know I Love the Banter)
Alright, here’s some mad stuff I learned:
- Kilkenny is called the Marble City because of its black limestone, used in buildings across Ireland—including Daniel O’Connell’s gravestone.
- The people of Kilkenny are nicknamed “The Cats”, and they take their hurling very seriously. I saw a toddler with a hurley and a look that said “Don’t mess.”
- The Statutes of Kilkenny were passed in 1367 to stop the English settlers from going full Irish. Spoiler: it didn’t work.
- The last witch trial in Ireland happened here. Dame Alice Kytler was accused of poisoning her husbands. Her house is now a pub. Only in Ireland.
- Walt Disney’s great-grandfather was from Kilkenny. So technically, Mickey Mouse has Irish roots.
- The architect of the White House, James Hoban, was raised near Callan in Kilkenny.
- Kilkenny was once the capital of Ireland during the Confederate Wars in the 1640s. That’s right—Kilkenny ran the country for a hot minute.
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🎨 Medieval Mile: Culture, Cobblestones & Cat Laughs
I strolled the Medieval Mile, from the castle to St. Canice’s Cathedral, and it felt like walking through a history book—except with better coffee. I popped into the Smithwick’s Experience, where they brew the iconic Irish ale. I didn’t drink, but I did sniff the hops like a wine critic.
Kilkenny also hosts the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, so naturally I tried out a few jokes on locals. One man said, “Stick to cycling.” Fair.
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🗣️ Chatting with Kilkenny Legends
You know me—I can’t resist a good chat. I met a man named Seán who swears he saw a banshee near Dunmore Cave. I asked what it sounded like. He said, “Like my mother-in-law when I forget the milk.”
I met a woman who runs a pottery studio and makes mugs shaped like hurleys. I bought one. It’s now my official tea vessel.
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🚴🏾♂️ Cycling Through Kilkenny’s Heart
The roads here are a mix of medieval charm and modern buzz. I passed through Thomastown, where artists roam free, and Inistioge, which looks like a postcard from a fairytale. I even cycled along the River Nore, dodging ducks and daydreaming about being in a period drama.
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🧘🏾♂️ Mental Health Moments: Kilkenny’s Gentle Wisdom
Kilkenny has a rhythm. It doesn’t rush—it flows. I sat in the castle park, sipping my Guinness Zero, and just breathed. No pressure, no noise, just peace.
That’s what Jigsaw offers—space to breathe, to talk, to be. If you’re a young person feeling overwhelmed, reach out. You deserve peace.
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🛏️ Kilkenny Hospitality: Hotel Kilkenny Vibes
I stayed at the fabulous Hotel Kilkenny, and let me tell you—this place is slick. Comfy bed, top-notch breakfast, and staff so friendly they made me feel like royalty. I asked for directions and got a full itinerary, a weather forecast, and a motivational quote. Legends.
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💚 Final Thoughts & Shout-Outs
Kilkenny, you’ve been unreal. From castles to comedy, you’ve given me laughs, lessons, and a deeper appreciation for Ireland’s medieval soul.
To everyone who waved, cheered, or offered directions when I was clearly lost—thank you. To the cat who stared me down outside the cathedral—respect. To the county itself—keep purring.
And to Jigsaw, the reason behind every mile: thank you for being the light in someone’s dark. You’re changing lives, one conversation at a time.
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💚 Thanks for coming along on the ride!
If you’d like to support the cause, here’s the link:
👉 https://www.idonate.ie/blackpaddytour
Until next time,
Stay strong, stay smiling, and mind your mental health.
— Fabu D, The Black Paddy
