Best bars and restaurants in Kilkenny

There's lots of places that you can enjoy a good meal in Kilkenny and on this page, we have listed a handful that we are confident you will enjoy.

Image: Eating & drinking in Kilkenny

Recommended restaurants in Kilkenny

Campagne, 5 The Arches, Gashouse Lane - Opened in 2008. The emphasis has been to serve food based on high-quality seasonal produce with French influences in a relaxed and comfortable dining area - Visit website

Foodworks, Parliament St. - A former bank in the town centre, on Kilkenny's Medieval Mile, close to major attractions. A high ceiling, airy space with a bright, fresh look and quality food - Visit website

Café Sol, William Street, Kilkenny. One of Kilkenny's favourite places to dine for lunch and dinner. Located just off the bustling High Street, its lively atmosphere and delicious international menu are not to be missed.

The Grapevine Café / Winebar, 6 Rose Inn Street (30 seconds from The Parade on the right.) Serving wine, world beers and great tapas in a wonderful old world meets contemporary setting. Live music most weekends.

Jacobs Cottage, 1 Ormonde Street, Kilkenny (Found in the Hibernian Hotel). Two menus, Table d'Hôte and A la Carte. This splendid restaurant is open from 6.30 to 10 M-Sa for dinner, and till 9 on Sundays. Lunch times are as expected.

Kilkenny Design Centre, Castle Yard, Kilkenny. Beautiful setting, opposite the castle and in the old stables of the Castle. This is the perfect café for a lunch during the day.

Kytelers Inn, Kieran Street, Kilkenny. Probably Kilkenny's most famous pub and restaurant, this place is steeped in history and is the centre of Kilkenny's ancient witchcraft scene. The food is wholesome Irish food and with a pint of Guinness is an experience in itself.

Rinuccini, 1 The Parade, Kilkenny. Authentic Italian restaurant opposit the castle. Can be very busy. Lunch from 12 - 2.30 and dinner from 6 to 10.30.

Zuni, 26 Patrick Street. Very good restaurant on Kilkenny's Edwardian Street.

Drinking in Kilkenny

The City of Kilkenny has a large array of pubs and clubs to suit all ages. While Parliament Street remains the traditional area for quiet, comfortable pubs, John Street is more for the younger clubbing crowd.

Cleere’s Bar and Theatre, 28, Parliament Street (Opposite the Watergate Theatre). Very popular bar that also puts on small shows in its theatre out back.

The Grapevine Cafe Winebar, 6 Rose Inn Street (30 seconds walk from The Parade). Great wine, world beers, tapas and music 6 nights a week. Open for coffee daily too!

The Left Bank, Parade (Right on the Parade). A trendy bar in a former bank. This stunning building is in the heart of the city.

Kytelers Inn, Kieran Stret. Great old bar, full of character, tourists and locals. Has a great beer garden.

Matt the Millers, 1 John Street (Right beside John's Bridge). Very popular pub. Often has a late bar, so open after other pubs close.

The Pumphouse, (Opposite the Watergate Theatre). Great pub for a quiet drink during the week, but can be very busy on weekends.