Luxury
- Mount Juliet Estate: Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. A 5-star Georgian manor on 500 acres with a Michelin-starred Lady Helen restaurant, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, and a spa. Guests can expect luxurious rooms, fine dining, and activities like horse riding, fishing, and archery. Ideal for golf enthusiasts, spa-goers, or those seeking a lavish countryside retreat near Kilkenny City (20 minutes).
- Lyrath Estate Kilkenny: Paulstown Road, Kilkenny. A 5-star hotel on 170 acres, featuring an Oasis Spa with an indoor infinity pool, two award-winning restaurants, and a falconry experience. Visitors can anticipate air-conditioned rooms with plush bedding, scenic parkland views, and leisure facilities like a gym. Perfect for romantic getaways or special occasions near Kilkenny City (5 minutes).
- Butler House and Garden: Kilkenny City Centre. A 4-star guesthouse, the former Dower House of Kilkenny Castle since 1786, offering 17 chic rooms with historic charm. Guests can expect spacious rooms, some with castle views, access to a garden, and afternoon tea. Its prime location near Kilkenny Castle and the Butler Gallery makes it ideal for a luxurious, tranquil city stay.
- Annamult Country House Estate: Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny. A 4-star pet-friendly country house near Mount Juliet Estate, offering a serene escape. Visitors can expect elegant rooms, a peaceful countryside setting, and proximity to Thomastown’s cultural attractions. Perfect for families or those seeking a luxurious, rural retreat with easy access to Kilkenny City (15 minutes).
Mainstream
- Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel: Kilkenny City Centre. A 4-star multi-award-winning hotel with 118 contemporary rooms, including family suites. Guests can expect access to a leisure club with a pool, HOBAN Bar & Brasserie for relaxed dining, and secure parking. Its central location near Kilkenny Castle makes it ideal for families or business travelers exploring the Medieval Mile.
- Pembroke Kilkenny: Patrick Street, Kilkenny City. A 4-star boutique hotel behind Kilkenny Castle, known for its central location and stylish decor. Visitors can anticipate air-conditioned rooms, dining at Statham’s Bar & Restaurant, and access to Mint Medispa at its sister hotel, The Ormonde. Perfect for a lively city break with easy access to the Medieval Mile Museum.
- Hotel Kilkenny: College Road, Kilkenny. A 4-star hotel 15 minutes’ walk from Kilkenny City Centre, named in Ireland’s Top 50 Hotels for 2025. Guests can expect modern rooms (including new “Plus” category), a 20-meter pool, gym, and dining at the Rosehill 1831 Bar. Ideal for families or those seeking entertainment and leisure facilities near historic sites.
- Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel: Kilkenny City Centre. A 4-star hotel in the former Hibernian Bank, offering luxury accommodation in a central location. Guests can expect stylish rooms, dining at Harper’s Restaurant, and drinks at the cozy Hibernian Bar. Its proximity to Kilkenny Castle and Smithwick’s Brewery makes it great for exploring the city’s attractions.
- Langtons Hotel Kilkenny: Kilkenny City Centre. A 4-star hotel with a rich history since 1938, featuring 34 rooms, a SET Theatre, and award-winning dining. Visitors can expect vibrant rooms, a vintage Tea Room, and lively bars with live music. Perfect for a dynamic stay near Kilkenny Castle, shopping, and nightlife.
- The Hoban Hotel Kilkenny: Ring Road, Kilkenny. A 4-star recently renovated hotel, 15 minutes’ walk from Kilkenny City Centre, with Green Tourism accreditation. Guests can expect 80 spacious rooms with rainfall showers, free parking, and a vibrant bar and restaurant. Ideal for business or leisure travelers seeking modern comfort near retail parks and the city.
- Newpark Hotel: Castlecomer Road, Kilkenny. A 4-star hotel on 40 acres of parkland, 10 minutes’ walk from Kilkenny Centre. Guests can expect cozy rooms, an outdoor infinity pool, hot tub, Aveda spa, and family-friendly amenities like a kids’ club. Perfect for a relaxing stay with easy access to St. Canice’s Cathedral.
Budget
- Kilkenny House Boutique Hotel: Freshford Road, Kilkenny. A 3-star boutique hotel 1 km from Kilkenny City Centre, recently refurbished. Guests can expect comfortable rooms with en-suite showers, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a hearty breakfast. Its location near Aut Even and St. Luke’s hospitals is ideal for budget travelers seeking value and proximity to the city.
- Kilmore Guesthouse: Kilkenny City. A 3-star guesthouse with courtyard views, a short walk from Kilkenny Castle. Visitors can expect clean, comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers wanting a central location near the Medieval Mile and Smithwick’s Brewery.
- San Antonio Guesthouse: Kilkenny City. A 3-star guesthouse offering budget-friendly rooms with free Wi-Fi and parking. Guests can expect a warm welcome, clean accommodations, and a convenient location for exploring Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral. Ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking affordability and charm.
- The Nore River House: Kilkenny City. A 3-star guesthouse with garden views, highly rated for its hospitality. Visitors can expect cozy, spotless rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a central location near Kilkenny Railway Station. Perfect for budget travelers seeking a comfortable, value-for-money stay close to the city’s attractions.
Kilkenny is a county of medieval charm, with Kilkenny City’s castle and St Canice’s Cathedral showcasing well-preserved architecture and round towers. The Dunmore Cave offers intriguing limestone formations, while the Nore Valley’s walking trails provide scenic beauty. The historic Jerpoint Abbey’s intricate carvings make Kilkenny an appealing destination for history and exploration. Kilkenny is Ireland’s 16th largest county by size (2,062 square km) and 21st largest by population (104,160).
Kilkenny:
Introduction – 1837 – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells –Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers
Hotels by category
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Eight GREAT hotels
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow

