The short answer
The HSE doesn't list a sexual health clinic in Kilkenny. That's not us being unable to find one — the HSE's own clinic directory has no Kilkenny entry.
So you have two realistic routes: order a free test kit to your door, which covers the whole Republic of Ireland, or travel to the nearest listed clinic in Carlow and Waterford. Both are free.
If you know of a Kilkenny service the HSE doesn't list, we'd rather add a verified one than invent a convenient one.
Free home testing, posted to Kilkenny
You don't have to attend a clinic. SH:24 runs the HSE's free home STI testing service: you order it, they post you a kit, you take the samples and post them back, and they send your results. Free if you're 17 or over and live in the Republic of Ireland.
You order directly from SH:24, which runs this with the HSE. STI.ie is an independent guide. In Northern Ireland?
Nearest clinics the HSE lists
These are in neighbouring counties, not in Kilkenny. We're listing them by geography, not by journey time — check what's actually reachable for you.
Sexual Health Clinic
St Dymphna's Hospital, Athy Road, Carlow, Co. Carlow
Phone: 051 842 646
Cost: free. The HSE states plainly: “All services are free.”
Booking: contact the clinic directly for an appointment.
The HSE listing doesn't publish this clinic's opening hours, walk-in availability or referral rules, so we don't either — ask when you ring.
Sexual Health Clinic
University Hospital Waterford, Dunmore Road, Co. Waterford
Phone: 051 842 646
Cost: free. The HSE states plainly: “All services are free.”
Booking: contact the clinic directly for an appointment.
The HSE listing doesn't publish this clinic's opening hours, walk-in availability or referral rules, so we don't either — ask when you ring.
Before you go
The HSE listing gives contact details, not opening hours. So ring first — and these are the things worth asking, because none of them are published:
- When are you open, and do I need an appointment or can I walk in?
- Do I need a referral from my GP?
- How long until you could see me?
- What should I bring, and is there anything I shouldn't do beforehand (like passing urine just before)?
- How will you give me my results?
If saying it out loud is the hard part, this is enough: “Hi — I'd like to book an STI test, please.” They take these calls every day. You don't have to explain yourself.
Which route makes sense for you?
You have symptoms
Sores, blisters, ulcers, pain, or unusual discharge? Ring a clinic or your GP rather than waiting on a postal kit. A clinician may need to look and take a swab.
No symptoms, just checking
A free kit posted to you is usually the easiest route, and it covers the whole Republic of Ireland.
Never done this before
Knowing what happens takes most of the worry out of it.
What about my GP?
Any GP can arrange an STI screen. What it costs depends on your own GP and your cover, and it isn't something we can quote for you — ask the practice when you book. Public sexual health clinics and the free home service don't charge at all.
Other counties
If this is about the last 72 hours
If you may have been exposed to HIV in the last three days, testing is not the first thing to sort out. There is medicine — PEP — that can stop it taking hold, and it has to be started quickly.
The HSE does list a PEP service in Kilkenny: St Luke's General Hospital ED, Freshford Road, Kilkenny, R95 FY71 — 056 778 5000. Open 24 hours. PEP is HIV medicine that has to start within 72 hours of the exposure, so this is not something to leave until Monday.
Sources
- HSE — Sexual health services and clinics (clinic names, addresses, phone numbers, and the statement that all services are free)
- HSE — Sexual health (free home STI testing: 17 or older, living in the Republic of Ireland)
Checked 10 September 2026. Clinic details change — ring ahead before you travel. If something here is out of date, the HSE listing above is the one to trust.