Situated on the banks of the River Nore, Kilkenny is a city which seems to burst with the spirit of the Irish Republic. Either within the city boundaries or close by visitors can find a range of attractions, usually headed up by Kilkenny Castle, but also extending to include the sixteenth century Shee Alms House, and Tholsel (or Town Hall). Amid these glorious structures visitors also get to experience the song, dance, and melodies of Ireland by visiting a local pub, and understand just why Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle by exploring the nearby countryside.