Nicknamed the Marble City for its black-limestone pavements, medieval Kilkenny charms with a 12th-century castle overlooking the River Nore, winding lanes of half-timbered taverns and a flourishing craft-beer scene led by Smithwick's 300-year-old brewery. August brings the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival; November hosts the Oscar-qualifying Kilkenny Animated. Jerpoint Abbey's stone saints whisper on the town's edge, while Nore Valley trails draw walkers through willow-lined meadows. Small in size but mighty in personality, Kilkenny marries Gothic grandeur with down-to-earth craic.