If you decide to stop at Kilkenny, and you should, there is only one place you should stay at : Corey and Nadia's !
They have a pretty little house very well located, everything is like shown in the pictures and the bed is amazingly confortable.
Corey and Nadia are incredible hosts. They love their city and will gladly give you advices and tips. But most of all they make you feel at home. At the end you won't know if you are more sad to leave Kilkenny or to leave Corey and Nadia.