Savour Kilkenny, Ireland’s much-loved food festival, brings together the best of Irish food, culinary culture, and community every October. Whether you’re a local, visiting from elsewhere in Ireland, or coming from overseas, there are plenty of ways to make your journey smooth, sustainable, and enjoyable.

Travelling from Across Ireland, Kilkenny is extremely well connected by bus, train, and road. JJ Kavanagh, proud transport sponsor of Savour Kilkenny, operates several routes that serve the city. Their Route 717 (Clonmel – Kilkenny – Dublin City – Dublin Airport) now stops directly at MacDonagh Junction and Ormonde Rd. The closest stop to the Festival Quarter is Ormonde Rd, a 2 minute walk to Kilkenny Castle, the Savour Market, and many dining event locations.

If you prefer to travel by rail, Irish Rail operates a convenient service between Dublin Heuston and Waterford, stopping at Kilkenny MacDonagh Station. The journey from Dublin takes just over 90 minutes.

Travelling by Car, Kilkenny lies just off the M9 motorway, about 90 minutes from Dublin and approximately 30 minutes from Waterford, Tipperary or Carlow. Kilkenny County Council manages a range of on-street and off-street parking options, including the Ormonde multi-storey car park, a 1 minute walk from the festival.

Getting Around for Locals, the city’s compact layout makes walking, cycling, and taking the bus all great options. Kilkenny is a cycle-friendly city with bike parking around the city, closest to the festival at Canal Square. The city bus service (routes KK1 and KK2) provides reliable connections across the city.

Travelling from Overseas, the most common arrival point is Dublin Airport. From the airport, take the JJ Kavanagh Route 717 bus directly to Kilkenny, or travel into Dublin city and connect by train from Heuston Station. If arriving by sea, ferry routes with Stena Line and Irish Ferries connect Ireland with the UK and continental Europe.

Wherever you’re coming from, planning ahead will help you make the most of your Savour Kilkenny experience. For the latest festival updates, including venue maps and transport information, visit the Plan Your Visit section on savourkilkenny.com.

Travel Sponsor 2025: JJ Kavanagh & Sons.