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Al Fresco Dining Hotspots in Kilkenny 

Kilkenny River Court Hotel Outdoor Terrace.

Summer is here!  And with the longer evenings and sunny days, many of you will be thinking ahead to blissful evenings spent dining in your favourite restaurants and drinking coffee in your local café on your staycation. Visit Kilkenny and explore Kilkenny’s top-class food locations in the medieval city and county, in the safety and comfort of one of its many ‘Al Fresco’ locations. Here is a flavour of what we can look forward to.

Langtons Terrace

Langton House Hotel

Langton House Hotel is an iconic hotel & bar in the Medieval City.  The hotel is centrally located on the bustling John Street at the heart of Kilkenny City Centre.  They offer a variety of outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy.  Their gardens are an oasis located in the heart of the City.  Whether it’s a beer in Bridies Garden, cocktails on the Garden Terrace, lunch in the Set Courtyard at Langton’s Hotel, there is so much to choose from for the ultimate Al Fresco dining experience this summer.

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Billy Byrnes Gastro Bar

Billy Byrne’s is one of Kilkenny’s most famous hotspots located in the heart of this Medieval City. Visitors of all ages will love it here with a reputation for good beer, good food and a warm welcome. There is a dedicated live music room at the back of the bar, not to mention a funky beer garden furnished with rescued sofas and homemade tables, like a beach bar in the middle of the city!

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Hotel Kilkenny

Hotel Kilkenny is located 5 minutes walk from Kilkenny City Centre, but has all the outdoor space of a countryside hotel. With outdoor dining spaces available at the front of the hotel and in the garden, there are plenty of options for guests to dine or drink safely.  The sun shines brightly onto these spaces during the day, while the heaters come out at night to keep customers comfortable and warm.  Hotel Kilkenny has the perfect outdoor spaces to enjoy this summer!

Sullivan's Taproom Outdoor Pods

Sullivan's Taproom

Soak up the atmosphere and savour the ancient craft of independent artisan brewing at Sullivan’s Taproom.  Enjoy food and drink with your friends or family in the cool and quirky outdoor pods and seating area. Try a delicious woodfired pizza & pint of award-winning Sullivan’s Brewing Company beer. Visitors will love the laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff and trendy surroundings.

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Avalon House Hotel

Idyllically located in the picturesque Kilkenny countryside, just a short drive from Kilkenny City, Avalon House Hotel has recently refurbished it’s outdoor bar and renamed it ‘Little Jim’s’. With a clean 90’s American diner feel to it, this is the perfect spot to meet up safely and have a drink with friends or family this summer. Make a day of it and enjoy an exhilarating day at Castlecomer Discovery Park. End your day with some well-deserved beers and Al Fresco dining at the Avalon House Hotel.

Mount Juliet Estate

Mount Juliet Estate

Set against the spectacular backdrop of 500 acres of green pastures, Mount Juliet Estate offers beautiful surroundings and provides the perfect settings for dining Al Fresco this summer. The beautiful Presidents Bar offers a veritable cornucopia of dining options with an extended seating area, perfect to celebrate a perfect occasion or to simply enjoy the sunshine with friends and family. Enjoy the wonderful grounds on the estate with a private lunch outdoors. Mount Juliet will assemble a bespoke gourmet hamper that meets your requirements and dietary needs, which you can share with your loved one, creating new memories at Mount Juliet Estate.

Rivercourt

Kilkenny River Court Hotel

Located in a quiet secluded courtyard just off the main tourist area, Kilkenny’s River Court Hotel provides one of the most picturesque backdrops for outdoor dining. With a view of Kilkenny Castle and overlooking the River Nore, the Terrace at the Kilkenny River Court is the perfect place to sit back, unwind and enjoy a glass of prosecco after a day exploring the Medieval City. Whether you are on a girly getaway or couples staycation you will love soaking up the ambience in this unique location.  During the day you’ll have clear blue skies surrounding the Castle but at night the river and terrace are lit up, creating a wonderful magical atmosphere.

Al Fresco Dinning Lyrath

Lyrath Estate

The luxurious five-star Lyrath Estate Kilkenny is unlike anywhere else. The grounds are spread across 170 acres of Irish countryside, complete with picturesque lakes, historic gardens, and emerald woodlands. The Terrace and Conservatory of Tupper’s Bar overlook Lady Charlotte’s Victorian Gardens – which have been fully restored to her original design based on family records and drawings. The perfect place to spend an evening. 

 

 

 

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Butler House & Garden

Kilkenny’s Butler House has launched a new outdoor dining space offering quality, healthy menu options, served in the tranquil surroundings of the walled  garden, an oasis in the centre of Kilkenny City and adjacent to Kilkenny Castle. 

The Orangerie at Butler House is a new addition to one of Kilkenny’s most historical heritage  properties. It is a wonderful experience to sit in the walled garden of Butler House, amid the  eye-catching fruit trees and wonderful herbaceous borders while indulging in Afternoon Tea  just as the Georgian house owners would have done centuries ago. The Orangerie also  provides exquisite views of the elegant garden elevation of Butler House and the iconic  Kilkenny Castle. With the help of leading heritage designer Orla Kelly, the beautiful and  stylish Orangerie will superbly enrich Butler Garden during the summer months. A must visit on your Kilkenny staycation! 

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Newpark Hotel Kilkenny

The luxurious 4 star Newpark Hotel has centuries of heritage steeped in its walls. It rests on the edge of medieval Kilkenny City. This family-friendly hotel is the ideal base for exploring Kilkenny city and its surroundings.  .

There are lots of outdoor dining options available at Newpark Hotel this Summer; 
 
Is the perfect oasis to catch some sunshine while enjoying a light meal or brunch with family and friends. A bistro-style decor with a Parisienne feel is complemented by plush throws and comfortable seating surrounded by 40 acres of parkland.
Outdoors at Scott’s
Enjoy a meal Al-Fresco at Scott’s Brasserie with family or friends, there’s outdoor heaters and plenty of space, this is the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
Non-residents are welcome to dine however pre booking is essential and there is very limited availability.
Dotties
The Newest addition to the Newpark’s outdoor dining is Dotties Café, located on the front Gardens of the hotel. The Horsebox Coffee shop is open from 12 noon daily serving takeaway hot & cold drinks, sweet treats & savoury snacks.

 

Zuni Restaurant

Zuni Restaurant

Zuni Restaurant Bar is highly regarded as one of Kilkenny’s top restaurants. Serving great food for lunch or dinner seven days a week. Arrive early for a cocktail in their chic cocktail bar. The new outdoor area “Zuni Secret Garden” is nestled away at the back of the restaurant and it is the perfect spot to savour great food Al Fresco! 

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Cakeface Patisserie

Kilkenny’s first patisserie located on the Medieval Mile in the shadow of St Canices Cathedral, this Kilkenny cafe is the perfect resting point for coffee lovers and foodies alike. Cakeface Patisserie offers handmade quirky and unusual cakes not to mention pastries and desserts that are works of art. The beautiful restored seating area, furnished with funky furniture is a great spot to drink your coffee and indulge in a delicious cake or handmade sandwich.

Cafe La Coco

Cafe La Coco

Cafe la Coco is a small, cozy family-run cafe in the heart of Kilkenny City.  Loved by the locals and tourists visiting Kilkenny, Cafè la Coco offers delicious breakfast and pastries in the morning, great coffees, and super tasty lunches. Tables are available on the kerbside on Patrick Street. 

Fennelly's of Callan

Fennelly's of Callan

Fennellys of Callan is a cafe and cultural hub in the heart of Callan town. All food is made from locally sourced ingredients and baked in-situ. This Kilkenny cafe believes in ethical and sustainable food and is sure that it is easy to taste the difference.  The beautiful courtyard is truly a happy place to have breakfast or lunch with colourful chairs, fresh flowers and lovely art collections by local Callan residents make this courtyard unique and funky.





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Marble City Bar & Tea Rooms

The Marble City Bar & Tea Rooms is one the oldest public houses in the County. It has still retained many of the original features and exudes a warm & friendly atmosphere. This City Bar and cafè is a favourite with locals and visitors.  An ideal meeting spot with an outdoor seating area’s on Kieran St., it is the perfect setting in which to experience a varied selection of coffees, teas, cakes, and pastries along with a full lunch and dinner menu.

Musecoffee

MUSE Coffee + Food

MUSE Coffee + Food is a family-run café, offering delicious, fresh, wholesome food served in the stunning garden courtyard of Butler Gallery.  Enjoy scrumptious toasties and fresh sandwiches, homemade cakes, tarts and specialty coffee in a truly unique al fresco experience in the heart of the city and the opportunity to take in the spectacular serene courtyard garden and medieval surrounds. 

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Kilford Arms Hotel

Kilford Arms’ city centre hotel provides its customers with outdoor dining and drinking options. Its newly renovated outdoor area is spacious and unique. With a mix of large and small tables to cater for groups of all sizes, this area is a sun trap for the summer!

 

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The Hoban Hotel

The Hoban Hotel’s terrace bar is a vibrant place to meet and socialise safely outdoors. Located within Kilkenny Retail Park, the hotel is just 15 minutes walk from the famous marble city. The newly refurbished outdoor terrace area is easily accessible from the 1801 Bar & Restaurant. Enjoy the fresh air, good food, great service and green surroundings.

 

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Rafter's Gastro Pub

As one of Kilkenny’s leading pubs, Rafter’s Gastro Pub serves superb food in a friendly atmosphere. The beer garden is a great place to relax and nourish your appetite and has a tv for all the live sporting events taking place this summer. When a place like Rafter’s has a great reputation as a local go-to place to eat and drink, you know it’ll be good!

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Paris Texas Bar & Restaurant

Located in the heart of Kilkenny City Centre, Paris Texas has quickly become a local hotspot. As an award winning bar and restaurant, it’s easy to see why it’s top on everyone’s lists of places to visit in Kilkenny. With a newly renovated outdoor area, Paris Texas has never looked so good! 

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The Cowshed at Mountain View

It’s always a fun weekend at The Cowshed in Mountain View. The Cowshed is our outdoor summer pop-up serving casual style takeaway food, that you can take in or take out! Mezze box, pulled pork, burgers, hot dogs pizzas & flatbreads all served in a takeaway box for you to enjoy with us or to take home. And of course, the view up at Mountain View is always beautiful… It’s in the name!

Taste

Visit www.tastekilkenny.ie for more information