Kilkenny’s Finest Food and Drink

Arán is an award-winning bakery based on Barrack St. in Kilkenny. They became popular for their tasty twist on the traditional brunch scene. Their delectable sourdough bread earned them the Supreme Champion award at Blas na hÉireann 2022. It takes 48 hours to craft the perfect Arán spelt sourdough loaf—time well spent!

They have introduced us to Korean and Filipino-inspired dishes, a flavourful cuisine that inspired the creation of their ‘Magic Sauce’. Available in their café and select Supervalu stores around the country, the Korean plant-based sauce can be enjoyed either hot or cold, as a marinade or just a simple dip, you decide how to eat it!

At Goatsbridge Trout Farm, they are passionate about farming trout. With knowledge that has been passed down through three generations, Mag and Ger Kirwan proudly produce the tastiest rainbow trout from the fresh waters of The Little Arrigle! People have been farming the rivers surrounding Thomastown since the 1180’s when the Monks lived there.

The Kirwans use two methods when it comes to smoking their trout; cold smoking and barbecuing. With smoked trout, they heat it no more than 33° Celsius to avoid the protein coagulating. When the trout is cooked this way, it has a soft, delicate texture. 

Whereas when they barbecue the trout, it is smoked between 70-80° Celsius so that the smoke cooks the fish, this results in a firmer fish that is a great addition to salads!

Visit the farm in Thomastown, where you can sample some of their products, see the trout ponds and gain insight into their heritage and history.

The Little Mill Company is owned and operated by The Mosse Family, who have been growing and milling their own wheat for hundreds of years along the banks of the River Nore. Their wheat is grown locally and is grown 20km away from the mill, taking a very small journey before being milled into premium quality flour for all your baking needs.

They became well known in Irish households during the 1960s when they produced the Mosse Brown Bread mix, which is still featured in their range to this day. They specialise in making flour-based mixes that allow people to easily bake treats such as brownies and scones. However, many cafés and restaurants in the county use their wholemeal flour to create award-winning breads and cakes! 

Have a taste of their goodness yourself by visiting the café at Nicholas Mosse Pottery, where they make their scones with their cousin’s Little Mill flour!

Founded in 2005 by professional chef, Mary Teehan, ‘The Truffle Fairy’ was a combination of 17 years of experience in the cheffing profession coupled with her passionate interest in becoming a chocolatier! She started production in her own kitchen and selling in her local farmers’ market. This experience shaped Mary and her business into what it is today. She was able to meet her customers and get one-to-one feedback to help improve her products and invent new flavours.

Her business has grown in leaps and bounds since the early days and they now boast an impressive boutique-style chocolate shop in Thomastown, as well as processing national and international orders through their website! 

No matter how big or small they are, Mary remains adamant on one thing- her refusal to compromise on the quality and the source of her ingredients. From the Fairtrade cacao beans to the Highbank Orchards apple syrups, Mary knows where her quality ingredients come from.

Established in 2016, Ballykeefe Distillery was built by the Ging family, who had farmed the land for several generations. Morgan’s dream was to turn the farm into a distillery and it took 25 years for it to come true. New laws were passed in the drinks industry and the Ging family decided to grow their own grain and feed the by-product to their herd of cattle to ensure there was no waste. 

Morgan’s ethos is to take care of their land so that they can pass on the business and farm to future generations. They are members of ‘Origin Green’, the world’s first food and drink sustainability programme that sets measurable sustainability targets that respect the environment. 

They are an entirely independent, Single Estate distillery that makes spirits such as Poitín, Vodka and the Kilkenny-famous spirit, whiskey. 

An ode to sustainability, Highbank Orchards is a chemical-free orchard in Callan that produces high-quality apple products, ranging from apple cider vinegar to apple rum. The apple paradise is home to Rod and Julie Calder-Potts, who set up Highbank Orchards in 1969.

Highbank Orchards is home to the multi-award winning Highbank Orchard Syrup. They are known for their innovative ‘Drivers Cider’  a non-alcoholic drink for the designated driver. In 2014, they launched ‘Dodonus’ Ireland’s smallest distillery, based on the grounds of the original Highbank Dairy. 

Their distillery allows them to produce delicious gin, brandy and vodka creations. The Calder-Potts also age the apples to create Apple Cider Vinegar that’s good for the environment and for your gut! 

In an exciting collaboration between the famous Kilkenny pub, Kytelers Inn and O’Hara’s Brewery, comes ‘Kytelers Inn Irish Red’ or more affectionately known as ‘The Witches Brew’! 

Kytelers Inn is the original homeplace of Alice Kyteler, the first woman accused of witchcraft in Ireland. There isn’t a better name for their special brew than that of our Kilkenny Witch.

The tasty red ale comes on draught at 3.8% ABV and is available exclusively in the Kyteler’s. 

Pop in for a drink or to learn about our witchy past at the Inn on St. Kieran’s Street in Kilkenny City.

Established in 1702 by Mr. Sullivan, Sullivan’s Brewing Company was one of the first of its kind in terms of large-scale brewing in Ireland. The Sullivan’s were a well-respected family in Kilkenny for hundreds of years so when the brewery went on fire in 1880, the people of the City came together to put out the blaze. 

The Sullivan’s were hardworking people who loved the brewery industry… until Master Sullivan in 1918, who lost the brewery to help pay off a betting debt. The brewing industry began to falter in Kilkenny for a number of years and in 2016, the Smithwicks family approached descendants of the Sullivan clan to revive the once famous Sullivan’s brewery. 

With the help of Ian Hamilton, a well-known Irish master brewer, they brought back a drink that was treasured by their ancestors. Made in small batches with local ingredients by ale experts, try the Maltings Irish Red Ale, the first ale to be revived in 2016. 

Visit Sullivan’s Taproom at 15/16 John’s Street for tasty pints and pizzas in their beer garden!

Smithwicks was founded in Kilkenny in 1710 by John Smithwick. The brewery was set on the site of a Franciscan abbey, where 13th century monks brewed ale. It was the site where all the ale was manufactured between 1710 and 2014. At the time of its closure, the Smithwicks Brewery on-site in Kilkenny was Ireland’s oldest operating brewery. 

The Smithwicks family helped to revive the Sullivan brewing company after they were forced to close in 1918 after a fire. Once rivals, now business partners. Smithwicks acquired the Sullivan’s brand and relaunched it in 2016. They brought in a former Diageo Master Brewer, Ian Hamilton, to revive the historic Kilkenny ale.

Kilkenny is home to the Smithwicks Experience, where visitors can learn more about the founders, the history and how the iconic red ale is made. They host Barrel Yard sessions in their heated outdoor garden, featuring street food, live music and the all-important pint of ale.

Edward Hayden launched his school of cookery in 2015 in his native, Graiguenamanagh. A well-known chef and food writer who makes frequent appearances on TV and radio, Edward is also a culinary lecturer at South East Technological University. 

His cookery school gives people a one-to-one experience with the talented chef. With private dining facilities, it is the perfect place for special occasions or corporate events. All classes are demonstration and dine style classes with a starter, 3 main courses & dessert prepared, cooked and served to a class of 12.

With an increasingly busy schedule, Edward doesn’t take bookings ahead of time, so keep an eye out on his socials for the next announcement or subscribe to his newsletter!

Ryeland House Cookery School first opened its doors in Kilkenny in 1991 with Mrs. Anne Neary at the helm. The Neary family have resided in Cuffesgrange for nearly 5 generations. One of the most important things at Ryeland House is the ingredients. Anne’s ethos is to use the finest, freshest local produce in her culinary creations, including eggs from the hens reared at the farm!

At the Ryeland House Cookery School they provide practical cookery demonstrations, classes and useful cookery tips in a relaxed environment. Their cooking classes are available as evening classes and full day courses that cover a wide range of recipes.

Located on the Medieval Mile, Cakeface Patisserie offers a variety of hands-on cookery classes for all ages, featuring both sweet and savoury recipes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, each class promises a fun and engaging challenge. From kids baking classes to back-to-college culinary courses, there’s something for everyone!

After your class, treat yourself to a bag of their locally-roasted coffee beans, available for purchase in-store. Pair your coffee with one of their deliciously unique cakes for a perfect way to finish your culinary adventure.