Kilkenny is often called Ireland’s medieval city, but in 2025 and 2026 it is also a growing hub for international job seekers. Known for its historic streets, strong creative scene, and central location, Kilkenny combines tradition with modern opportunity. While smaller than Dublin or Cork, the city offers attractive options in tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, education, and technology. For expats who want to experience Irish culture in a close knit community while building a career, Kilkenny is an excellent choice. With professional support from The CV Doctor, your CV can be adapted to the expectations of local employers.
Like everywhere in Ireland, international workers in Kilkenny need the correct visa and work permit. The Critical Skills Employment Permit is most relevant for high demand roles in engineering, IT, and healthcare. The General Employment Permit is available for other positions, with conditions outlined by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment at enterprise.gov.ie. Visa processing and registration are managed by Immigration Service Delivery at irishimmigration.ie. New arrivals in Kilkenny register at their local Garda immigration office, and it is important to make an appointment soon after arrival.
Recruitment agencies connect international candidates with opportunities in Kilkenny and surrounding counties. CPL at cpl.ie and Sigmar Recruitment at sigmarrecruitment.com handle roles in technology, multilingual services, and engineering. Hays Ireland at hays.ie lists vacancies in accountancy, teaching, and construction. Morgan McKinley at morganmckinley.ie also advertises roles within the southeast region. For leadership positions, Odgers Berndtson at odgersberndtson.com works with employers across Ireland. A strong CV is critical in standing out, and The CV Doctor ensures your documents match Irish hiring practices.
Kilkenny’s economy has a diverse base. Tourism is central, with attractions such as Kilkenny Castle and the Medieval Mile drawing thousands of visitors each year. This creates jobs in hospitality, retail, and cultural industries. Food production and craft industries are also strong, with Kilkenny known for artisan foods, brewing, and design. Engineering and manufacturing contribute significantly, with companies in precision engineering and building materials offering steady employment. The technology sector is smaller but growing, supported by enterprise hubs and innovation centres backed by Enterprise Ireland at enterprise-ireland.com.
Education is another pillar of local employment. Kilkenny has a number of respected schools and is close to South East Technological University campuses in Carlow and Waterford, which attract international staff and researchers. Teachers moving to Kilkenny must register with the Teaching Council at teachingcouncil.ie. Healthcare roles are also available, with St Luke’s General Hospital and community health services employing international staff. Details of public healthcare are on hse.ie.
Living in Kilkenny is more affordable than Ireland’s larger cities. Rents are lower, though demand has risen as the city becomes more popular. Many expats live in the city centre, enjoying its historic architecture and walkable layout, while others choose suburbs such as Freshford Road or Callan Road. Some professionals prefer nearby towns like Thomastown or Castlecomer, which offer quieter living within commuting distance. The Residential Tenancies Board at rtb.ie provides rental data and tenant rights.
The cost of living in Kilkenny is reasonable, with groceries and utilities priced similarly to other regional cities. Transport costs are modest, as the city is compact and easy to navigate. The Central Statistics Office at cso.ie provides regular updates on inflation and wage trends. Families will find a good choice of schools, and details are provided by the Department of Education at education.ie. For healthcare, many residents use local GPs and clinics, with hospital services in Kilkenny or nearby Waterford.
Transport links make Kilkenny accessible. Irish Rail provides connections to Dublin in under two hours, and regional bus services link the city with Carlow, Waterford, and other towns. Kilkenny does not have an airport, but Dublin Airport is reachable by bus and train. Cycling and walking are popular within the city, given its compact layout. Public transport details can be found at transportforireland.ie.
Cultural life is one of Kilkenny’s greatest strengths. The city hosts the Kilkenny Arts Festival, Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, and year round theatre and music events. Traditional pubs feature live music, and the city’s creative reputation attracts artists and performers. Sport is central too, with Kilkenny’s legendary hurling team giving the county a strong sporting identity. Joining local clubs is a great way for expats to make friends and integrate quickly.
Networking opportunities exist through the Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce, professional associations, and start up hubs. The design and craft sector is particularly active, and international professionals often find opportunities by building personal connections. Irish employers value cultural fit as well as qualifications, and having a well written CV from The CV Doctor ensures you are ready for interviews.
Kilkenny’s future is shaped by growth in tourism, manufacturing, and creative industries. Government plans outlined on gov.ie include investment in housing, infrastructure, and regional enterprise. The city is expected to benefit from its location in the southeast, with easy access to Dublin and Waterford. For international professionals, this means opportunities will continue to expand in 2025 and 2026, particularly in engineering, education, healthcare, and hospitality.
For expats, life in Kilkenny offers a balance of career and lifestyle. Families enjoy safe neighbourhoods, strong schools, and a welcoming community. Individuals benefit from a lively cultural life and affordable housing. The city’s size makes it easy to settle in and quickly feel at home. With careful planning, the right visa, and professional support, Kilkenny is an excellent destination for international job seekers. With The CV Doctor preparing your CV, you can approach the Kilkenny job market with confidence.