What happens when you combine medieval castles, record stores, Metallica fans, historic landmarks, and one of the world’s most famous breweries? You get an unforgettable trip through Ireland.
In this episode of Denver Metal Things, we trade Colorado for the Emerald Isle, exploring the medieval city of Kilkenny before making our way to Dublin. Along the journey we tour historic churches, hunt for vinyl records, experience the energy of Metallica fans filling the city, and visit several attractions that should be on every traveler’s itinerary.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Ireland or you’re simply looking for destinations that combine history with music culture, here’s a look at our adventure.
Arriving in Ireland
After a direct flight from Denver to Dublin, we immediately boarded a train to Kilkenny, about 90 minutes from Ireland’s capital.
Known as one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval cities, Kilkenny blends centuries of history with a walkable downtown, making it an excellent first stop for visitors.
Exploring Kilkenny Castle
Our first destination was the impressive Kilkenny Castle, one of Ireland’s most recognizable historic landmarks.
The beautifully restored castle features expansive landscaped gardens, historic furnished rooms, an impressive collection of artwork, and exhibits highlighting centuries of Irish history. The castle grounds are just as enjoyable as the interior, making it easy to spend several hours exploring the property.
Local Food and Irish Discoveries
Part of any international trip is experiencing local food and discovering things you won’t find back home.
One memorable meal featured cooking steak on a hot stone, allowing the meat to finish cooking right at the table. We also came across a unique Irish candy called Funny Money, one of those small discoveries that makes traveling memorable.
A Music Store in Kilkenny
No episode of Denver Metal Things would be complete without visiting a music store.
While exploring Kilkenny we stopped at a local music shop featuring acoustic guitars, Ibanez electric guitars, traditional Irish instruments, and music accessories. Seeing modern electric guitars alongside instruments commonly used in traditional Irish music offered an interesting contrast between Ireland’s musical heritage and contemporary music culture.
Saint Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower
Next, we visited Saint Canice’s Cathedral, one of Kilkenny’s most historic sites.
Visitors can explore the cathedral itself, extensive cemetery grounds, and the famous medieval round tower. Climbing the tower is an adventure in itself, requiring visitors to ascend a series of narrow ladders before being rewarded with panoramic views over Kilkenny.
Black Abbey
Another highlight of the city is Black Abbey, a Dominican priory founded in 1225. Inside, visitors will find beautiful stained-glass windows and a peaceful atmosphere that encourages quiet reflection.
Vinyl Hunting in Dublin
After arriving in Dublin, the record hunt officially began. Our first stop was Golden Discs, one of Ireland’s largest music retailers. The chain carries an extensive selection of new vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and other music-themed merchandise.
While the selection of used vinyl was limited, it was still a great introduction to Ireland’s music retail scene. I was also hoping to find albums from Irish-language hip-hop group Kneecap, whose growing international popularity has introduced many listeners to modern Irish-language music.
Dublin During Metallica Weekend
One unexpected highlight of the trip was arriving in Dublin during Metallica’s concert weekend.
The city was filled with fans wearing Metallica shirts, while special pop-up shops and fan zones added to the excitement. Seeing one of the world’s biggest metal bands transform parts of Dublin into a gathering place for heavy music fans created a unique atmosphere throughout the city.
The Book of Kells and Trinity College
No visit to Dublin would be complete without seeing the Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin.
While the illuminated manuscript itself is historically significant, the biggest surprise was the Long Room Library, whose towering bookshelves and historic atmosphere proved to be one of the most memorable parts of the experience.
It’s an essential stop for visitors interested in Irish history, literature, and architecture.
Temple Bar: One of Dublin’s Most Vibrant Neighborhood
The Temple Bar district quickly became our favorite part of Dublin.
Known for its lively streets, live music, pubs, and independent shops, the neighborhood also offers several destinations for music fans, including independent record stores, rock-and-roll themed shops, the Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum, and live music venues.
Touring the Guinness Storehouse
Another must-visit attraction was the Guinness Storehouse at St. James’s Gate. The self-guided tour explores the history of Guinness brewing, advertising, and Irish culture before concluding with panoramic views across Dublin from the Gravity Bar. Whether you’re interested in brewing history or simply want one of the city’s best viewpoints, the Guinness Storehouse easily lives up to its reputation.
Banba Toymaster
Before leaving Dublin, we stopped at Banba Toymaster, an outstanding toy store with something for collectors and families alike.
The shop carries collectible models, action figures, die-cast vehicles, children’s toys, Formula 1 collectibles, and pop culture merchandise. I found a few gifts to bring home for friends and family.
Final Thoughts
Ireland offers much more than castles and pubs. For music fans, history lovers, and collectors, cities like Kilkenny and Dublin provide a unique combination of medieval architecture, independent record stores, iconic attractions, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
Episode 11 of Denver Metal Things captures that blend by exploring both the famous landmarks and the lesser-known discoveries that make traveling through Ireland so rewarding.
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland—or simply enjoy combining travel with music and collecting—watch the full episode for even more recommendations, travel tips, and highlights from our journey.
SEO Keywords
Ireland travel guide, Kilkenny Ireland, Kilkenny Castle, Saint Canice’s Cathedral, Black Abbey Kilkenny, Dublin Ireland, Temple Bar Dublin, Guinness Storehouse, Book of Kells, Trinity College Dublin, Golden Discs Ireland, Dublin record stores, Metallica Dublin, Banba Toymaster, Ireland itinerary, vinyl shopping Ireland, Denver Metal Things, Auricular Impalement.