- Kyteler’s Inn (Kilkenny City): Located on St Kieran’s Street, this historic pub, established in the 13th century, is one of Kilkenny’s most famous, associated with Dame Alice Kyteler, accused of witchcraft in 1324. Its medieval character, with original stonework and multiple floors, combined with nightly live music and locally sourced food (e.g., Guinness and leek sausages) make it a cultural landmark. A lively atmosphere with traditional Irish music, hearty pub grub, and a chance to explore its witchcraft history. Ideal for tourists and music lovers seeking a historic experience.
- 2. Matt the Millers Bar & Restaurant (Kilkenny City): Situated on John Street Lower, this energetic pub spans four floors, offering live music daily, a large LED video wall for sports, and a menu with locally sourced dishes. Voted Ireland’s Best Music Pub in 2017, its vibrant atmosphere, extensive drinks menu, and proximity to Kilkenny Castle make it a top choice for stag and hen parties. A bustling, multi-level venue with live music, sports screenings, and quality food, perfect for a lively night out or group gatherings.
- 3. The Left Bank (Kilkenny City): Housed in a former Bank of Ireland branch on The Parade, this award-winning gastropub offers a stylish main bar, a covered beer garden, and an extensive menu with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Its beautifully renovated interior, large heated outdoor area with an indoor/outdoor bar, and focus on local produce make it a fan favorite. A modern yet cozy setting with artisan cocktails, quality food, and a welcoming vibe, ideal for casual dining or private events.
- 4. Tynan’s Bridge House Bar (Kilkenny City): Located at 2 John’s Bridge, this 1703 pub is Kilkenny’s oldest, offering a quintessential Irish experience with no food or TVs, just great Guinness and whiskey. Its historical charm, with mosaic tiles, stained glass, and a granite countertop, plus its 1978 Pub of the Year award, make it a time capsule of early 1900s Ireland. A cozy, traditional pub with a warm welcome, excellent pints, and a focus on conversation, perfect for those seeking an authentic Irish bar.
- 5. The Hole in the Wall (Kilkenny City): Found at 17 High Street, this tiny pub, housed in Ireland’s oldest surviving townhouse (1582), is known for intimate gigs and storytelling nights. Its Elizabethan architecture and reputation as a “storytelling pub” with excellent Guinness make it a hidden gem loved by locals and visitors. A cozy, historic setting with live music or storytelling, great pints, and a unique atmosphere, ideal for those seeking an intimate pub experience.
- 6. Billy Byrne’s Gastro Bar and Venue (Kilkenny City): On John Street Upper, this gastropub offers great food, a wide drinks selection, and a bright blue double-decker bus in its beer garden. Its laid-back vibe, large beer garden with pizza service, and reputation as a sports-watching spot make it a versatile venue. A relaxed atmosphere with tasty pub grub, craft beers, and a fun outdoor area, perfect for sunny days or watching a match.
- 7. Cleere’s Bar & Theatre (Kilkenny City): Located on Parliament Street, this cozy pub features a small theatre at the back, hosting trad music, comedy, and poetry, with a focus on creamy pints like Murphy’s. Its 100-seat theatre and Monday night trad sessions make it a cultural hub, blending traditional pub vibes with arts and entertainment. A welcoming, traditional pub with live performances, good drinks, and a creative atmosphere, ideal for music and theatre enthusiasts.
- 8. Lanigan’s Bar & Restaurant (Kilkenny City): A family-run pub on Rose Inn Street, offering live music seven nights a week, Irish cuisine until 9 pm, and the Kilkenny Way Hurling Experience. Its massive LED video wall for sports and unique hurling experience, combined with a central location near Kilkenny Castle, make it a standout. A vibrant pub with live music, hearty food, and sports screenings, perfect for tourists and sports fans seeking a lively night.
- 9. Sullivan’s Taproom (Kilkenny City): On John Street Lower, this modern pub, part of Sullivan’s Brewing Company, offers craft beers, wood-fired pizzas, and a lively atmosphere with big screens for sports. Its focus on craft beer, including Sullivan’s own brews, and private 6-person pods with TVs make it a unique spot for beer and sports lovers. A contemporary pub with quality craft beers, tasty food, and a social vibe, ideal for groups or craft beer enthusiasts.
- 10. Paris Texas Bar & Smokehouse (Kilkenny City): Located on High Street, this 2019 Pub of the Year winner blends American Southwest and New Orleans flavors with an in-house wood-smoking oven and a vast whiskey selection. Its fusion cuisine, extensive whiskey menu (one of the largest in southeast Ireland), and modern refurbishment set it apart. A stylish gastropub with bold flavors, craft cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for foodies and whiskey lovers.
- 11. The Dylan Whisky Bar (Kilkenny City): On John Street Lower, this Victorian-style bar specializes in whiskey, hosting over 200 varieties, with a cozy turf fire and Bob Dylan memorabilia. Its extensive whiskey collection and laid-back, music-themed ambiance make it a haven for whiskey connoisseurs. A relaxed, cozy setting with expert whiskey recommendations, ideal for a quiet drink or whiskey tasting.
- 12. Brewery Corner (Kilkenny City): At 29 Parliament Street, this pub is a craft beer paradise, offering over 100 different brews and a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Its dedication to craft beer, including local and international options, makes it a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. A laid-back pub with an impressive beer selection, perfect for sampling craft brews in a friendly setting.
- 13. The Field (Kilkenny City): Formerly the Castle Tavern, this quaint pub on High Street, established in 1620, offers an old-world vibe with traditional music sessions. Its historical ambiance and regular trad music make it a favorite for those seeking an authentic, historic pub experience. A cozy, historic setting with live music, good pints, and a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for history and music lovers.
- 14. Rafter’s Gastro Pub (Kilkenny City): Near Kilkenny Castle, this award-winning gastropub on Friary Street offers breakfast to dinner, a beer garden, and live music or sports events. Its “legendary” brunch, gluten-free options, and reputation for excellent service make it a local go-to spot. A friendly, modern pub with delicious food, a lively beer garden, and a welcoming vibe, perfect for brunch or a night out.
- The Home Rule Club (Kilkenny City): Established in 1894 at 3 John’s Quay, this historic pub is Ireland’s last remaining Home Rule Club, offering a wide selection of beers and whiskeys. Its unique history as a community hub and its preserved 19th-century charm make it a standout for those seeking a taste of Irish history. A cozy, historic pub with friendly service, good drinks, and a community feel, ideal for a relaxed pint and a glimpse into Kilkenny’s past.
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County Kilkenny:
Ireland’s county 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. Other attractions include the historic Jerpoint Abbey’s intricate carvings. Kilkenny is Ireland’s 16th largest county by size (2,062 square km) and 21st largest by population (104,160). Population peaked at 202,420 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 60,463 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Kilkenny is Ireland’s eleventh most visited tourist county with around 207,000 international visitors per year.
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