Kilkenny City

South Park fans always get a kick out of the name of this great medieval town, but rather than being a command to do away with one of the cartoon's characters, the name comes from the Irish Cill Chainnich, meaning 'church of Canice' the saint who gives his name both to the city and its cathedral. The town's focal point is the castle (which is well worth a visit if only to stroll around the magnificent grounds or relax in the luxurious gardens), but it also has a very modern, lively feel to it, with a fun atmosphere, lots of great pubs and restaurants, and a hell of a lot of craic. This is reflected in the amount of festivals and cultural events it hosts, including the annual Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, the renowned Arts Festival, several cookery festivals and even the Irish Conker Championships.