Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in New Ross

"As you climb the Round Tower, a monk’s voice encourages you onwards, up 121 steps and back through 1,000 years to the Age of Saints and Scholars. And so you begin to understand the deep-rooted importance of the tower and the 13th century cathedral to the vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny. The 6th century Christian site here was named Cill Chainnigh,Gaelic for the Church of Canice, which also gave its name to Kilkenny."

"St. Canice's Cathedral is one of Kilkenny’s most famous attractions and is one of the most important medieval churches in Ireland. Its founding history goes back to the 6th century, but the building as we know it today was only built in the 13th century. Admire the round stained glass windows, marble floors and a number of fascinating 17th century tombstones."

"Built between 1202 and 1285 this graceful Cathedral has been preserved in its original style and form. Inside the massive walls is an exuberant Gothic interior, given a sombre grandeur by the extensive use of the locally quarried black marble. Worship has taken place here for 800 years."

"Once the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde, Kilkenny Castle, located in the heart of Kilkenny City, is a 12th century castle, remodelled in Victorian times and set in riverside parklands. The magnificent castle overlooks the River Nore and has guarded this important river crossing for more than 900 years. Visitors can explore the castle - including the Butler Art Gallery, with contemporary art exhibitions - at their leisure."

"With eight centuries of history whispering from its walls, Kilkenny Castle is one of Ireland's most iconic and historic sites."

"The original house was built between 1594 and 1610 and was the home of landowner and Mayor of Kilkenny City, John Rothe Fitz Piers, his wife and their children. It is the only example of an early 17th-century merchant’s townhouse in Ireland and it’s a gorgeous place to visit and take pictures. They have a perfect recreation of the original Rothe Garden as they discovered the archaeological remains of the gardens original layout and used popular plants and flowers of the time to recreate it."

"In the middle of Kilkenny’s famous Medieval Mile is our hidden gem, Rothe House and Gardens. Built between 1594 and 1610 by the Cistercian order, it went on to become home to the Mayor of Kilkenny John Rothe Fitz Piers and his family. Kilkenny Archaeological Society (KAS) now owns the building complex and have complied an impressive museum collection from Kilkenny and the surrounding countryside."

"Built by John Rothe between 1594 and 1610 Rothe House is one of the finest examples in Ireland of a Tudor era merchant’s house. Now owned by Kilkenny Archaeological Society it houses a collection of Bronze Age artifacts, ogham stones and period costumes. The Garden is a recreation of a historic garden from the 17th century and is the only urban garden of this period which is open to the public."

"The 13th-century Black Abbey is a world of candlelit serenity, with the largest rosary window of its kind in Ireland. Containing an astonishing 10,000 pieces of ruby and sapphire glass, it tells the story of the life of Christ and it’s absolutely breathtaking.Just a short distance from Black Abbey is Rothe House and Garden, a restored 16th-century Tudor home, where archaeologists recently found the remains of an earlier medieval townhouse (thought to be the “city pad” of the Abbot of nearby Duiske Abbey)."

"One of Ireland’s oldest and most beloved churches the 13th century Dominican Black Abbey has a gorgeous stained glass and carved stone interior. The correct title of the church is the Abbey of the Most Holy Trinity but as the Dominicans were known as Black Friars from the black cloak worn over the white habit, the popular name Black Abbey came into use. At the entrance are 10 stone coffins from the 13th and 14th century that were found during excavations."

"Founded in 1225 by William Marshal, this Dominican abbey takes its name from the monks' black habits. Much of what survives dates from the 18th and 19th centuries, but remnants of more ancient archways are still..."

"By the north bank of the River Nore is a 16th-century tower left over from a Medieval hospital set up around the 13th century. The heavily fortified hospital was positioned outside the centre of Kilkenny and mainly treated lepers. The name “Maudlin” comes from Mary Magdalene, as leprosy was a disease generally associated with prostitution in Medieval times."

"One of Ireland’s finest Cistercian ruins, Jerpoint Abbey was established in the 12th century, with the tower and cloister dating from the late-14th or early-15th century. It is famous for its unusually large number of medieval stone carvings – look for the series of unusual and often amusing figures, both human and animal, carved on the pillars around the cloister. The abbey enjoys a lovely rural setting about 2.5km southwest of Thomastown on the N9."

"Located in the heart of Kilkenny City Centre, Paris Texas has quickly become a local hotspot. As an award winning bar and restaurant, it’s easy to see why it’s top on everyone’s lists of places to visit in Kilkenny. With a newly renovated outdoor area, Paris Texas has never looked so good!"

"If you’re a big fan of beef, you’ll definitely love the sound of the Paris Texas menu. The menu is inspired by barbecue food of the southern states of America; Louisiana, Georgia and the Carolinas. All the food is cooked by an authentic American chef and his imported equipment."

"Situated in the heart of the Kilkenny city centre, Pembroke Kilkenny is the perfect hotel to enjoy the city’s thriving arts culture, variety of festivals, boutique shopping and vibrant nightlife. Explore over 300 years of history and heritage just minutes’ walk from Kilkenny’s most famous landmarks including Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny Design Centre, St Canice’s Cathedral, Medieval Mile and Ireland’s Ancient East. Address: Patrick Street, Kilkenny"

"Wake up to the sight of Kilkenny Castle’s turrets at this fresh and modern four-star hotel. The Pembroke’s Castle View rooms boast unbeatable views of the famous landmark, while all of the rooms benefit from large windows which allow for plenty of natural light. Ease your way into your holiday with a trip to the on-site mini-spa, where you can get everything from facials to massages."

"The best hotel in Kilkenny, according to users on Booking.com, is the Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel. This four-star boutique hotel is a neighbour to top attraction Kilkenny Castle, making it an excellent base for exploring the surroundings. There is a spa and wellness centre while the rooms offer elegant and straightforward furnishings with splashes of modern décor."

"The tenth best hotel in Waterford, according to users on Booking.com is Treacy’s Hotel, Spa & Leisure Club. This three-star establishment sits right on the Waterford Quays, offering stunning views of the waterways. An on-site wellness centre and leisure club – including a 20-metre pool – ensures that this hotel is ideal for a weekend break."

"Courtesy of Treacys Hotel Spa & Leisure Club Waterford / Expedia.com|Courtesy of Treacys Hotel Spa & Leisure Club Waterford / Expedia.com"