Kilkenny Design Centre

Such a cute shop! Well, actually two shops. They’re right across from one another and both are filled with memorable items such as jewelry, scarves, ornaments, paintings, etc. Several of the souvenirs I purchased for my family were straight from this store. And who doesn’t love shopping right next to a castle?! (Yes, Kilkenny Castle is literally right across the street.)
They also promote the usage of the Horizon card (a way to shop tax free while in Ireland), which was handy for shoppers such as us as we were Americans and could get money back when leaving the country. This wasn’t something you had to do, but was an option and could save you some extra cash. I didn’t know about the Horizon card prior to my trip, so it’s something to check into before your next international excursion.

Located directly opposite Kilkenny Castle, the Design Centre occupies the old castle stables. There are two shops on your immediate left and right as you walk in, each selling handmade goods such as jewellery, clothes and pottery. If you continue walking through you will find many more shops and independent craftspeople’s own workshops where you can sometimes see them creating their jewellery and other goods. A hive of activity during the summer tourist season.