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Check rooms and rates
From103US$ /night
Check-in
10Dec2025Select date
Check-out
11Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Friary Street, Kilkenny, Ireland
-
Close to the city center
Perfect
7.8
8.2
/10
3.6
4.1
/5

Rooms & Amenities

The Rafter's Gastropub offers 16 rooms with en suite shower rooms, TVs, and ironing facilities. Rooms include complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Some units have city views. Complimentary tea and coffee are available on request. Rooms range from doubles and twins to triples and family-sized accommodations.

Dining Options

The onsite restaurant serves traditional Irish breakfasts and an à la carte menu featuring local produce. Dishes include Angus striploin steak with hand-cut chips and smoked bacon with red pepper relish. The bar offers craft beers, stouts, lagers, and cocktails. Live music plays every Saturday.

Leisure & Entertainment

Guests can play billiards and darts, or watch sports on large screens in the rooftop beer garden. The pub hosts private parties, cocktail-making classes, and outdoor activities like go-karting and paintball. A common area includes a TV and barbecue grills.

Location & Transport

The Rafter's Gastropub is a 1-minute walk from Kilkenny Castle and less than 10 minutes from Kilkenny Train Station. Nearby landmarks include Rothe House (300 meters), Black Abbey (500 meters), and St. Canice's Cathedral (1 km). Waterford is 60 km away.

Services & Events

The pub provides luggage storage, laundry facilities, and complimentary newspapers. Private events can be hosted in the function room for up to 100 guests. Services include cocktail training, outdoor catering, and tailored packages for stag and hen parties.

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Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
Family Room
4 persons
16 m² 
3 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Double Room
2 persons
1 Double bed
Triple Room
2 persons
2 Single beds
Double or Twin Room
2 persons
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
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Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Cycling
  • Golf course
  • Billiard tables

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu
  • Game room

Spa & Leisure

  • Entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Location

Friary Street, Kilkenny, Ireland
Map view
Friary Street, Kilkenny, Ireland
Nearby
Museum
Medieval Mile Museum
290 m
Museum
Rothe House and Garden
290 m
The Tholsel High Street
Town Hall
290 m
Church
Saint John's Priory
450 m
Gallery
Butler Gallery
300 m
31 Rose Inn St
Butter Slip
290 m
Public Building
Kilkenny Old Jail and Courthouse
350 m
cnr Ormonde Rd & New St
Talbot's Tower
340 m
Gallery
The Blackbird Gallery
380 m
Church
O'Loughlin Memorial Church of St John the Evangelist
570 m
Church
Capuchin Friary Catholic Church
80 m
Church
St Francis Abbey
540 m
Library
Kilkenny City Library
350 m
29 Rose Inn St
The Kilkenny Way
210 m
Collegepark
Kilkenny Castle Rose Garden
220 m
Gallery
The Kilkenny Art Gallery
210 m
Gallery
National Design & Craft Gallery
300 m
5 John Street Lower
Kilkenny Whiskey Guild
300 m
Event hall
The Parade Tower Wing
320 m
40 Parliament St
Riverboat Casino & Poker Club
410 m
The Black Abbey 12 Abbey Street Near Black Abbey
Black Freren Gate
430 m
Church
St. John's Church of Ireland
450 m
7-91 Maudlin St
Corner Tower
510 m
Public Building
County Council Grounds
540 m
Restaurants
Aroi
140 m
Friary Street
Murphy's Ice Cream
170 m
16 Rose Inn Street
Supermac's & Papa John's
150 m
24 High Street
Ladi's Chimney Cakes
150 m
Unit 34
Kafe Katz
180 m
3 Ormonde Street
Kilkenny Cafe
140 m
The Square Market Cross Kilkenny Post Office 73 High Street
Abrakebabra
240 m
8 Rose Inn Street
The Playwright
310 m
Browne's 65 High Street
The House Of Pretzels
370 m
Level 2
Explore Kilkenny
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Medieval Mile Museum
Medieval Mile Museum
4 minutes' walk
A museum showcasing Kilkenny's rich medieval heritage through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
Black Abbey
Black Abbey
8 minutes' walk
An iconic 12th-century abbey known for its stunning stained glass windows and tranquil atmosphere.
St Marys Cathedral
St Marys Cathedral
8 minutes' walk
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture featuring beautiful stonework and a serene interior.
Rothe House and Garden
Rothe House and Garden
4 minutes' walk
A historic house offering guided tours, beautiful gardens, and insights into Kilkenny's history.
Nowlan Park
Nowlan Park
20 minutes' walk
Home to local sporting events, this park is perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic in a natural setting.
Dunmore Cave
5-minute drive
A thrilling adventure awaits at this cave system, featuring guided tours to explore its stunning geological formations.
Aroi
Aroi
2 minutes' walk
A vibrant eatery serving authentic Asian cuisine with fresh ingredients and a welcoming ambiance.
Murphy's Ice Cream
Murphy's Ice Cream
3 minutes' walk
Locally sourced ice cream in unique flavors, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after a day of exploring.
Kafe Katz
Kafe Katz
3 minutes' walk
A cozy cafe known for its hearty breakfasts and great coffee, ideal for casual dining with friends or family.
The Watergate Theatre
10 minutes' walk
A vibrant venue hosting diverse performances including theater, music, and dance, offering entertainment for all ages.
Kyteler's Inn
10 minutes' walk
A historic pub with live music nights and traditional Irish culture, perfect for a lively evening out.
Tips on navigating the city
City Centre
Kilkenny6 min  ·  500 m
Airports
Waterford (WAT)85 min  ·  56.2 km
Train
Kilkenny Railway Station10 min  ·  800 m

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 5 reviews
7.8
7.8/10 based on 1082 reviews
Edward
United States, October  2024
10.0/10

A fantastic stay! The daily changing menu, Gerry's personal touch, and the lively atmosphere made this trip to Kilkenny lovely. Breakfast was a treat, and the location was perfect for exploring the city.

Rooms
9.0
Warm room ambiance; comfortable and clean.
Service
10.0
Gerry's personal touch and friendly staff created a cute atmosphere.
Location
10.0
Prime central location, close to everything in Kilkenny.
Dining
10.0
Daily changing menu with delicious options; gorgeous breakfast.
Facilities
9.0
Live music and a vibrant pub atmosphere; good value parking close by.
Robert
United States, June  2024
9.0/10

The staff were amazing - so friendly and helpful. The location was fantastic for exploring Kilkenny, and the rooms, while small, were comfortable and clean. Breakfast was a good start to the day!

Rooms
7.0
Comfortable and clean, though a bit small. Had a double bed though.
Service
10.0
The staff were just lovely; check-in was easy and pleasant.
Location
10.0
Perfect location for walking to the castle and other attractions; in the center of Kilkenny
Dining
9.0
Delicious lunch and breakfast.
Facilities
8.0
The bar was beautiful and added to the charm of the place.
Ron
United States, May  2024
8.0/10

My daughter and I had a lovely one-night stay. The room was perfect, clean, and bright. Breakfast was a treat - traditional Irish fare! The staff were incredibly helpful and cute, and the pub downstairs really captured Kilkenny's charm. We'll definitely be back!

Rooms
9.0
Clean, bright, and met our needs perfectly. Like in pictures!
Service
10.0
Staff were fantastic, so helpful and cute.
Location
10.0
Ideal location in the heart of Kilkenny.
Dining
9.0
Delicious traditional Irish breakfast; a real bonus!
Facilities
8.0
Pub downstairs had a great atmosphere.
Richard
United States, February  2024
7.0/10

Great location for a stag do! The rooms were basic but fine for our needs; the staff were friendly, and the breakfast was tasty. A bit pricey though.

Rooms
6.0
Basic but clean; perfect for a group of lads.
Service
8.0
Friendly and accommodating staff.
Location
10.0
Right in the center of Kilkenny; couldn't ask for a better location.
Dining
7.0
Breakfast was tasty; included in the price.
Facilities
5.0
Some basic amenities were available.
D
United States, November  2023
10.0/10

This place is centrally located, so close to everything! The staff were wonderful and the breakfast was great. It was clean and quiet - we slept soundly despite the lively pub atmosphere downstairs.

Rooms
9.0
Clean and comfortable; quiet even with the pub below.
Service
10.0
Gerry and the staff were all wonderful; very friendly and helpful.
Location
10.0
So central to everything in Kilkenny; close to paid parking.
Dining
9.0
Wonderful pub and lovely breakfast.
Facilities
9.0
Excellent security with a night porter.
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:00
Check-out
from 10:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Paid Public parking is possible at a location nearby.
Internet
is available in for free.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
14
FAQs
About The 'Rafter'S Gastropub
What are the check-in and check-out times at The 'Rafter'S Gastropub?
Check-in time is at 15:00 and check-out time is at 11:30.
How far is The 'Rafter'S Gastropub from Kilkenny Castle?
The hotel is located just a 1-minute walk from Kilkenny Castle.
What nearby restaurants can guests find close to The 'Rafter'S Gastropub?
Nearby restaurants include Aroi, Truffle Fairy, Rafter Dempsey's, Zuni Restaurant & Bar, and Petronella Restaurant & Cafe, all within 0.5 km.
Does The 'Rafter'S Gastropub offer free breakfast?
Guests can enjoy a complimentary full traditional Irish breakfast each morning.
What amenities are available in the rooms at The 'Rafter'S Gastropub?
Rooms feature en suite shower rooms, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Is Wi-Fi available at The 'Rafter'S Gastropub?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
What on-site dining options does The 'Rafter'S Gastropub provide?
The hotel has an on-site restaurant serving an a la carte menu using the finest local produce.
What recreational activities are offered at The 'Rafter'S Gastropub?
Guests can enjoy billiards, darts, and access to a games room.
Which landmarks are within walking distance from The 'Rafter'S Gastropub?
The hotel is within walking distance of the National Design & Craft Gallery and Butler Gallery, both less than 1 km away.
What time does live music take place at The 'Rafter'S Gastropub?
Live music featuring local bands occurs every Saturday evening.
Does The 'Rafter'S Gastropub have any special facilities for events?
A private lounge is available for hosting events and gatherings.
What languages are spoken by staff at The 'Rafter'S Gastropub?
Staff at the hotel primarily speak English.

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