The 'Rafter'S Gastropub Hotel Kilkenny Exterior photoThe 'Rafter'S Gastropub Hotel Kilkenny Exterior photoThe 'Rafter'S Gastropub Hotel Kilkenny Exterior photo

The 'Rafter'S Gastropub – A Favorite for Families in Kilkenny

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From$141 /night
Check-in
17Jun
Check-out
18Jun
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Friary Street, Kilkenny
-
Close to the city center
Very good
7.8
8.3
/10
3.5
4.0
/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.

“In my opinion, the 'Rafter'S Gastropub lands as a superb spot for those wanting to dive into Kilkenny's lively atmosphere. Its central location is great for exploring, but the real draw is the blend of traditional Irish pub vibes with a modern twist, especially the rooftop terrace. The pub's commitment to local produce and live music every Saturday, in my opinion, makes it a must-visit for an authentic experience.”
Hotel logo
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

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 sq. feet
    3 Single beds
    Heating
    Shower
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    1 Double bed
  • Triple Room
    2 persons
    2 Single beds
Show all rooms

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
June 2026 - June 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Very good
7.5/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • 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
Show more

The 'Rafter'S Gastropub Location

Friary Street, Kilkenny
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
2 minutes' walk
A vibrant eatery serving authentic Asian cuisine with fresh ingredients and a welcoming ambiance.
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
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
    Kilkenny 6 min  ·  1700 ft
  • Airports
    Waterford (WAT) 85 min  ·  34.9 mi
  • Train
    Kilkenny Railway Station 10 min  ·  2700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:00
Check-out
from 10:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible at a location nearby at .
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
14

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review score
Based on 439 verified reviews
7.9 /10
Very good
81 %
Recommend
Breakfast
8.0/10
Cleanliness
8.0/10
Comfort
8.0/10
Facilities
7.5/10
Free WiFi
8.3/10
Location
9.4/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.4/10
Staff
9.0/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Pros
Central location
Friendly staff
Excellent food
Plentiful breakfast
Rooftop courtyard
Cons
Small room
Poor water pressure
Dirty bathroom
Guest reviews
based on 949 reviews
7.8/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
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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Check-in
17Jun
Check-out
18Jun
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room