Kilkenny Medieval Mile

This trail, dubbed Kilkenny Medieval Mile by tourism experts, goes through Kilkenny's city center, connecting a 13th-century cathedral with a towering, 800-year-old, creeper-clad castle, as well as a plethora of other historic structures. This time warp maze of cobblestone streets and alluring lanes (known as "slips") is steeped in history, and strolling through them is a shockingly sensual experience.

The Anglo-Norman fortress overlooking the River Nore, which was home to the powerful Butler family for six centuries, is one of the route's architectural highlights. The 6th Marquess of Ormonde handed it to the city for £50 in 1967, and it's a great draw with its picture gallery wing, which has a hammer-beam roof and is lined with family pictures. The route passes by some of Ireland's most beautiful structures, including the Tudor-era merchant's Rothe House, the Tholsel (or town hall), and St. Canice's Cathedral, which boasts a climbable Round Tower. The indigenous, black, polished limestone known as Kilkenny marble gleams on the buildings, earning the city the nickname Marble City.

Location: County Kilkenny