A Guide to Kilkenny’s Pubs & Bars

Nothing says summer quite like soaking up the sun with a cool beverage in hand and beer gardens are the ideal place to do both! Billy Byrne’s Bar (pictured) does a beer garden with a difference with their bright blue double decker bus among the parasols. Christy’s Bar has been a family pub for 4 generations and you’ll see why locals love flocking to their beer garden. Lenehan’s Bar opened ‘the yard’ in 2020 – a modern covered outdoor space for enjoying a drink outside even if the weather isn’t on your side!

For those who consider themselves a whiskey connoisseur, they will be delighted with the variety of flavours on offer in Kilkenny. Paris Texas Bar & Smokehouse has one of the largest selections of whiskey in the south east of Ireland. Ask their expert bartenders for their recommendations to find your perfect new tipple. At The Dylan Whisky Bar (pictured), whiskey is their specialty. They boast over 200 premium whiskeys in their library, so it is a great place to take part in a tasting session. Wanting to learn more? The Kilkenny Whiskey Guild is partnered with 10 pubs and bars across the medieval capital and hold regular events to teach members about food pairings, mixology and more from the experts.

Cocktails and mocktails have become a popular choice on drinks menus and some bars really know how to mix the perfect tipple! Enter through the saloon doors of Bridie’s Bar for your favourite cocktail, or enjoy a drink in their terraced garden while the sun is shining. Brogan’s Bar (pictured) is a funky spot with the most Instagrammable cocktails around – sprinkles and candy floss galore! Sip on specialty mixes at Biddy Early’s cocktail terrace and even take part in a spot of karaoke afterwards.

The craft beer scene in Kilkenny is excellent for finding your new favourite flavour. As well as craft beers and cracking food, Brewery Corner is known for its wide selection of craft beers with a particular focus on Irish brewers. Sullivan’s Taproom (pictured) has Sullivan’s Brewing Company drinks on tap which are brewed locally by hand in small batches. Their tasting talks are the perfect way to learn about the fascinating history of the brewing company which dates back to 1702!

Music and Kilkenny go hand in hand, so you’ll never be far from live music in Kilkenny’s pubs. No matter what day of the week it is, Lanigan’s Bar will always provide the tunes with live music 7 days a week. Whether you prefer a good DJ set or toe-tapping traditional Irish music, you’ll find both at Matt the Millers. Rafter’s Gastropub regularly hosts local musicians so that you can pair your pub grub with the sounds of Kilkenny.

You’re never far from a fascinating story of days gone by in Kilkenny and the public houses are no exception! Did you know that it is believed that the first witch trials in Europe took place in Kilkenny? Kyteler’s Inn is named after Dame Alice Kyteler, the original owner of the pub who was accused of witchcraft and fled her trial. Try The Witches Brew here – an Irish red ale inspired by the story! Malzard’s Pub in Stonyford has a long history with the Malzard-O’Grady family having been under their watch for over 200 years and 5 generations. Not only that, but they offer a hurling experience so that visitors can try their hand at one of our national sports which is among some of the oldest in the world. Left Bank Kilkenny doesn’t look like your standard bar as it is a beautifully renovated bar in the impressive former Bank of Ireland building.

As the home of hurling, you can be guaranteed to find a pub showing the match. Lanigan’s Bar boasts the largest LED video wall in Ireland for all your sporting events. Sullivan’s Taproom has plenty of big screens with the top sporting events but to cheer on your team in comfort, you can book their private 6-person pods with your own TV. Christy’s Bar has an incredible 21 screens so from hurling and football to rugby and golf, you’ll find a screen to watch your favourite sport on here.