Al Fresco Dining Hotspots in Kilkenny 

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.

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!

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.

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.

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! 

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! 

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. 

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.

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!

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!