Top 4 Bars & Entertainment Spots in Kilkenny City

Stunning aerial view of Kilkenny cityscape with Kilkenny Castle at dusk, showcasing residential areas and lush greenery. — Jay's Photography, Pexels

Kilkenny City's drinking scene is vibrant and diverse, primarily centered around traditional Irish pubs that offer live music and a warm, welcoming environment.

Entertainment and Music:

Kilkenny City's entertainment scene thrives within its traditional pubs, offering visitors a range of live music and authentic Irish experiences.

Evenings in Kilkenny City often feature live music within its historic pubs, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Iconic venues like Kyteler's Inn consistently host traditional Irish music sessions nightly during peak seasons, while Matt the Miller's provides a lively setting with a mix of traditional and contemporary acts.

1. Kyteler's Inn

Type: Historic Pub & Live Music Venue

Steeped in medieval history, Kyteler's Inn offers a truly authentic Irish pub experience with its restored medieval interior. Patrons can enjoy traditional Irish food and creamy pints of Guinness while soaking in tales of its past, including its notorious first owner. Live music sessions are a regular feature, contributing to its cosy and tourist-friendly atmosphere.

Getting There: Located on St. Kieran's Street, it is within walking distance from most central areas of Kilkenny City.

2. Matt the Miller's

Type: Lively Pub, Restaurant & Music Venue

Known for its vibrant ambiance, Matt the Miller's successfully blends contemporary elements with traditional Irish hospitality. It offers a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails, alongside locally-sourced food. The venue is popular for its live music performances, which range from traditional Irish tunes to contemporary acts and late-night DJ sets, making it a lively spot, especially on weekends.

Getting There: Situated on John Street, this venue is easily accessible on foot from the city centre.

3. The Dylan Whiskey Bar

Type: Specialty Whiskey Bar & Live Music Venue

This multi-award-winning Victorian bar is a haven for whiskey enthusiasts, boasting a collection of over 200 premium whiskeys. Beyond whiskey, it offers a good selection of beers and cocktails. The atmosphere is characterised by cosy snugs, an open turf fire, and walls adorned with Bob Dylan memorabilia, often featuring live Irish music, providing a high-quality and authentic experience.

Getting There: Located centrally, it is within easy walking distance from various points in Kilkenny City.

4. Cleere's Bar & Theatre

Type: Traditional Pub, Theatre & Live Venue

Cleere's Bar & Theatre stands out for its unique blend of a traditional Irish pub experience with a rich cultural programme. It is a hub for live music, theatre, and comedy, showcasing both national and international talent. The pub offers a great selection of local beers and is particularly noted for its authentic Irish pub vibe and friendly service.

Getting There: Found in the heart of Kilkenny City, it is conveniently reachable on foot.

Check out our other pages on Kilkenny City

Hotels

Our Mission

At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.

Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.