The medieval city of Kilkenny is regarded as among the most beautiful and interesting places to visit in Ireland.
Located just a couple of hours from Dublin, this makes an easy day trip among city residents or visitors who want to explore outside the capital.
Kilkenny is best known for its castle, the impressive historic buildings in the city center, the Smithwicks Brewery and it’s vibrant pub scene.
And in Kilkenny, no pub is quite like the other. Whether you fancy a good party, live music, tasty pub grub, craft beers, and even whiskey — there’s a Kilkenny pub for you.
There’s even a pub than offers pretty much everything you’ll need for a good place to hang out.
Visit one after touring the city, or stay to immerse in the local culture — here are nine of the best pubs in Kilkenny that you must visit.
Things you'll find in this article
9 Best Pubs In Kilkenny To Have A Pint and More
1. Billy Byrnes
Billy Byrne’s might as well be Kilkenny’s all around the pub, as it caters to all sorts of patrons any time of the day.
It is more like a cozy cafe by day, that transforms into a choice hangout and party spot during the evening and onwards.
It has a laid back atmosphere, sensibly furnished with plenty of space to move around and have a pint or a meal.
Aside from serving drinks, Billy Byrne’s is also a restaurant and B&B, located in John Street Lower just a short walk from the train station.
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday- 9:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Friday to Saturday- 9:30 AM to 12:30 AM
Sunday- 9:30 AM to 12:30 AM
Contact Information
Phone: 056 772 1783
Email: info@billybyrnes.com
Address: 39 John St. Kilkenny
2. Andrew Ryan’s Pub, Kilkenny
Located right in the city center in Friary Street, Andrew Ryan’s is a pub that’s well-loved by Kilkenny locals.
Apart from enjoying your favorite punt and craic, this charming, beautifully decorated local hangout is also a great music venue.
If you’re in Kilkenny and want to mingle with the locals to feel like one, Andrew Ryan’s is the place to be.
This pub is within walking distance from the shopping center and the castle, making it an ideal place to go to relax and unwind after hours of exploring Kilkenny.
Opening Hours
Monday- 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Tuesday to Thursday- 4:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Saturday to Sunday- 2:00 PM to 12:30 AM
Contact Information
Address: 3 Friary St, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 X932, Ireland
3. Brewery Corner
If you’re in Kilkenny and craving for some craft beer aside from the usual Guinness, Brewery Corner is a must.
Stop by for a pint, or maybe a hundred because that’s the number of craft beers to choose from — both tap and bottled.
While sampling a variety of craft beers, you can also enjoy great music at Brewery Corner, as they have a great lineup of musicians performing on most nights.
If you’d like something filling to go with your brew, Brewery Corner also serves good pub grub, making it one of those Kilkenny pubs that you simply must visit.
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday- 1:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Friday to Saturday- 1:00 PM to 12:30 AM
Sunday- 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Contact Information
Phone: 056 7805081
Email: seamus@ocarlowbrewing.com
Address: 29 Parliament Street, Kilkenny
4. The Dylan Whisky Bar
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If you’d rather have whiskey instead of a pint, this Kilkenny pub has you covered.
The old Victorian style Dylan Whisky Bar boasts of a fine whiskey selection, a warm turf fire, and Bob Dylan memorabilia.
The atmosphere is cozy and laid back, but if you’re a whiskey lover, you’d definitely have fun choosing from the 200 different kinds that they have.
This is definitely a must-visit pub in Kilkenny, a perfect ending to any day spent getting to know this lovely Irish town.
Opening Hours
Monday to Wednesday – 10:30 AM to 12:00 AM
Thursday- 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Sunday – 12:30 PM to 12:00 AM
Contact Information
Phone: +353 (0) 056 772 2689
Address: No.5 John Street Kilkenny City Ireland
5. The Field
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Formerly known as the Castle Tavern, this quaint Kilkenny pub was established in 1620.
If you’re in town and want to experience a bit of history mixed with some old-world vibe and an authentic feel — The Field is a must-visit.
Stop by for a meal, a pint or some live traditional Irish music.
Get to know locals and fellow tourists, or simply hang out, people-watch and take in the local scene.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Saturday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Contact Information
Phone: (056) 770 2763
Email: 2 High St, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 W429, Ireland
6. The Hole in the Wall
If you’re looking for a pub to enjoy a pint or a meal after your visit to the castle, you might kiss this tiny, cozy place in High Street.
The Hole In The Wall is worth finding and visiting though, also known in Kilkenny as the ‘storytelling pub’.
Tucked in an alleyway and a quick walk from the castle, it is housed in the Archer Inner House. Built-in 1582, it is the oldest surviving townhouse in Ireland.
Spend some time here alone or with companions, and you might just chance upon a unique kind of entertainment — folklore and tall tales while you sip your pint.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday – 1:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Contact Information
Address: 17 High Street, Kilkenny, Ireland
7. Kyteler’s Inn Pub
The historic Kyteler’s Inn was established in 1324 and named after its first owner and founder, Alice de Kyteler.
Accused of practicing witchcraft and sentenced to being burned, she fled Ireland bit her memory lives on on this intriguing pub.
Located in the heart of Kilkenny, Kyteler’s is one of Ireland’s oldest inns and it’s also one of the best pubs in the country. Its pub is also known as a fab place to hang out and have a pint, enjoy a meal, or even enjoy a quick tour.
The place is old and has been witness to the country’s long, conflicted history, but it retains the lovely decor and quite a fascinating place to visit.
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday – 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Friday to Saturday – 10:30 AM to 2:00 AM
Sunday – 12:30 PM to 12:oo AM
Contact Information
Phone: +353 (0)56 772 1064
Email: info@kytelersinn.com
Address: St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny City, Ireland.
8. The Left Bank
Easily one of the best pubs in Kilkenny is the stylishly decorated, award-winning pub and restaurant The Left Bank.
This is another pub that’s located close to the castle, at The Parade, and opened its doors to the pub-going, pint-loving patrons in 2008.
It is known locally not just a great place to hang out and meet friends, but also an ideal venue for private functions and parties. It also has a fully heated and covered smoking area that has its own fireplace and bar.
The Left Bank offers award-winning gastro pub food, as well as live music every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
They also conduct walking tours of Kilkenny, a fabulous and unique pub that’s definitely worth a visit.
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday- 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Friday to Saturday- 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
Sunday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Contact Information
Phone: +353 56775 0016
Email: events@leftbank.ie
Address: No. 1 The Parade, Kilkenny, Ireland
9. Matt the Millers
If you’re looking for a pub in Kilkenny that’s also a great place to party, look no further as the city has Matt the Millers.
Apart from the great drinks selection, this pub takes pride in being an award-winning music pub.
In 2017, and thanks to its amazing lineup of musicians and DJs, it was voted as Ireland’s Best Music Pub.
Matt the Millers is also known for its Irish Hen and Stag nights (bachelorette and bachelor parties) and you might just chance upon it when you visit so make this pub a part of your itinerary in Kilkenny.
Opening Hours
Monday – 9:30 AM to 2:00 AM
Tuesday to Wednesday- 9:30 AM to 12:00 AM
Thursday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 2:00 AM
Sunday – 9:30 AM to 12:00 AM
Contact Information
Phone: +353 (0)56 776 1696
Email: info@mattthemillers.com
Address: Matt The Millers Bar & Restaurant, 1 John Street, Kilkenny City, Ireland.
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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 60 countries for the past 12 years. I also lived in 4 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia, Africa and now in Europe. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.
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