County KilkennyEntertainment

Entertainment in County Kilkenny

  1. A

    O'Faolain's & Club 51

    Built on three levels around a 16th-century stone church that was brought over in crates from Wales and painstakingly rebuilt here, numbered stone by numbered stone, O'Faolain's is a lively night-time spot year-round. Between Easter and October, Club 51 (admission free to €10), in a strobe-lit space out back, sees dancers getting sweaty on Saturday nights.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Kyteler's Inn

    Dame Alice Kyteler's old house was built back in 1224 and has seen its share of history: the Dame had four husbands, all of whom died in suspicious circumstances, and she was charged with witchcraft in 1323. Today you can enjoy trad sessions in the basement and courtyard.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Grapevine wine

    If yet another pint in an atmospheric pub is just one too many, take refuge at this smart wine bar. There's also a stellar range of craft beers and a fine selection of tapas.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Morrisey's Club

    In a basement a few doors from the Kilkenny Tourist Hostel, this club usually doesn't really get cranking until around 22:00 (those who show up earlier get in free). DJs rule but there are also live acts many nights. Sunday nights get a barely-18 crowd.

    reviewed

  5. E

    O'Faolain's

    Kilkenny is the regional hub of clubbing. But here the club itself is an attraction: it's built on three levels around an old stone church that was brought over from Wales. There are live DJs most nights, starting around 22:30 and weekend club nights.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Tynan's Bridge House

    Looking like it might fall down at any moment, this wonky Georgian pub is the best trad bar in town. To be sure, the 300-year-old building has settled a bit over the years, but then so have many of the customers.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Watergate Theatre

    The top theatre venue hosts drama, comedy and musical performances. If you're wondering why intermission lasts 18 minutes, it's so patrons can nip into John Cleere's pub for a pint.

    reviewed

  8. H

    O'Riada

    The lowest-key bar in Kilkenny gets pretty lively when there's a hurling match screening. But most of the time you can ponder your pint and strike up a conversation with anyone – including yourself.

    reviewed

  9. I

    Morrison's Bar

    In the belle-époque cellar of the Hibernian Hotel, DJs spin an eclectic mix for an upmarket crowd that actually cares about getting spilled on.

    reviewed

  10. J

    John Cleere

    One of Kilkenny’s finest venues for live music, this long bar has blues, jazz and rock, as well as trad music sessions.

    reviewed

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  12. K

    Matt the Millers

    Rose-coloured medieval mill with four bars over four floors plus crowd-pleasing bands and DJs.

    reviewed

  13. L

    Langton Club

    A massive wave-design bar made from turquoise volcanic rock is the centrepiece of this local nightlife magnet.

    reviewed

  14. M

    Ana Conda

    Local favourite featuring regular céilidh sessions and rock shows.

    reviewed

  15. N

    Pumphouse

    Frequent live rock groups plus pool tables, big TVs and a rooftop terrace.

    reviewed

  16. O

    James Park

    You can go to the dogs (as it were) at James Park.

    reviewed

  17. P

    Kilkenny Cineplex

    Four screens blare the latest Hollywood releases.

    reviewed

  18. Q

    Pumphouse

    Frequent live rock groups plus pool tables, big TVs and a rooftop terrace.

    reviewed

  19. R

    Nowlan Park

    One of the unique pleasures of a trip to Ireland is catching a game of hurling at the Kilkenny Cats' hallowed home stadium.

    reviewed

  20. S

    John Cleere

    One of Kilkenny's finest venues for live music, this long bar has blues, jazz and rock, as well as trad music sessions.

    reviewed

  21. Bridie's General Store

    Top design talent was employed by the Langton's empire to create the fictional trad grocery-cum-pub. But the results are worth it. The baked goods and deli items for sale in front are top-notch. Through the swinging doors is a new/old pub with beautiful tiles. In back is a classy beer garden.

    reviewed

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  23. T

    67 Club

    The pubs at Langton's morph into a lively club three nights a week. There's live music, DJs and sometimes comedy.

    reviewed