Solo in Kilkenny, Ireland, and loving it

I was looking for an Irish town to spend a view days on my own last April, during a two-week trip around Ireland with a rotating roster of travel companions.

Kilkenny stood out.

The city an hour-and-a-half south of Dublin is known as the design center of Ireland, but also has a medieval castle, a 17th-century Irish merchant's townhouse and a 13th-century cathedral. 

So much to see.

And I met the nicest people at the pubs, in the restaurants, at the local theater.  

Read about my visit to Kilkenny in this Sunday's Washington Post. 

Photos: Ellen Perlman. 1. Medieval Kilkenny Castle. 2. Matt the Miller's Bar and Restaurant, overlooking the River Nore.