Dubbed the Marble City for its abundant medieval-era castles and historical landmarks, Kilkenny is the medieval heart of Ireland. This charming city is a popular destination for tourists seeking art, architecture, culture, history, the serenity of the countryside and sumptuous Irish delicacies.
Kilkenny delights travelers with its exciting cornucopia of cultural and historical attractions, lively pubs, award-winning restaurants, nature trails and a rip-roaring nightlife. Travelers must plan their itineraries in advance to attend some of Ireland’s most incredible annual and seasonal festivals.
Finding the right hotel in Kilkenny can prove daunting, for the city is home to a vibrant hospitality sector. We’ve compiled a roundup of the top 12 cool hotels in Kilkenny, Ireland, to give you a glimpse of the city’s finest accommodations, from family-run B&Bs and historic estates to boutique hotels and independently-owned apartments (in no particular order)...
1. Newpark Hotel – an elegant, trendy and Instagrammable hotel featuring spa and wellness facilities
Sprawling on over 25 acres of woodland, the Newpark Hotel features 132 luxurious accommodations, multiple dining venues, a 17m swimming pool, the Escape Health Club and Aveda Spa, a go-karting track, an animal petting farm and an enchanting fairy trail.
The Newpark Hotel is a fabulous site for a fun-packed, family-friendly vacation with plenty of exciting activities for children and adults. Guests can explore an extensive selection of guest rooms and suites and choose their accommodations depending on their desired view and amenities.
The onsite fine dining restaurant, Gulliver’s, is one of Kilkenny’s most celebrated eateries, and travelers seeking a more casual venue can dine at the onsite Scott’s Bar & Brasserie.
To book, check prices or availability for Newpark Hotel
2. The Hoban Hotel Kilkenny – a newly renovated, retro-chic and vibrant hotel perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
Formerly known as the Aspect Hotel, the Hoban pays homage to the world-renowned Kilkenny-born architect James Hoban, the mastermind behind America’s White House. This extensively renovated venue offers an exciting new spin on one of Kilkenny’s oldest hotels, featuring a new lobby, bar and restaurant, and 4 redecorated conference rooms.
The Hoban offers 80 guest rooms featuring SME TVs, marble-top tables, lounging chairs, bedside lockers and ensuite bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers. The central location and business-friendly amenities make Hoban a popular choice for corporate travelers and retreats.
The onsite 1801 Restaurant and Bar is a delightful dining and lounging space to devour scrumptious food with rare wines.
3. Butler House – a unique, charming and stylish hotel where guests can enjoy a beautiful garden, terrace and bar
Originally constructed in 1770 as the Dower House of Kilkenny Castle and residence to the Earls of Ormonde, Butler House guarantees an unforgettable Irish vacation with its comfortable accommodation and old-world charm.
This majestic 18th Century hotel delights onlookers with its marble-clad fireplaces, plastered ceilings, grand staircases and period-style décor. Butler House features 17 rooms and suites, furnished with contemporary comforts without overshadowing their historic features.
Guests enjoy spending their time in the world-renowned Butler House Walled Garden, a beautifully manicured Georgian-style garden with a private entrance to Kilkenny Castle. The onsite kitchen delights guests with a scrumptious breakfast, an afternoon tea spread, lunch and private dining arrangements.
To book, check prices or availability for Butler House
4. Lyrath Estate – a 5-star, upscale and unique hotel ideal for a couple’s romantic getaway
Boasting a magnificent estate sprawling over 170 acres of the lush Irish countryside, the Lyrath Estate is home to scenic lakes, emerald forests, gardens and 141 guestrooms. Staying at the Lyrath estate is all about connecting with Mother Nature in one of the many historical gardens, pampering sessions at the award-winning Oasis Spa, and feasting on gourmet cuisine paired with rare wines.
This five-star venue places travelers in the heart of medieval Ireland, surrounded by the historic charm and modern amenities. This 17th-century estate is also home to some of Kilkenny’s finest restaurants, including The Atrium, Yew Restaurant and Tupper’s Bar.
To book, check prices or availability for Lyrath Estate
5. Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel – a vibrant, boutique hotel with hip features located in the heart of the city
A medieval hotel with a modern ambience, the Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel beckons travelers to enjoy Georgian-era splendors without denying themselves contemporary comforts. The central location in the heart of the city center allows easy access to the city’s finest dining establishments, artisanal finds, Irish pubs and local attractions.
The Kilkenny Hibernian is home to 46 bedrooms, including Classic Rooms, Deluxe Rooms and Suites. The accommodations strike a harmonious balance between Georgian elegance and 21st-century innovations to maximize comfort and convenience.
The onsite restaurant, The Brasserie, serves traditional French cuisine prepared with locally sourced produce. Guests can enjoy Irish music and tall glasses of local beer at the Hibernian Bar.
6. Langtons Hotel Kilkenny – an award-winning, lively boutique hotel within walking distance of the castle, theatres and shopping
Ideally located in the center of Kilkenny, the Langtons is an award-winning 4-star hotel and one of the most splendid wedding venues in Ireland’s medieval heart. The Langtons Hotel features a restaurant, a music venue, a wedding venue, a bakery and ambient team rooms.
The hotel features 34 accommodations categorized as Executive Rooms, Penthouse Suites, Superior Garden Suites, and Triple Suites. The onsite Langton’s Restaurant and Longtons Pub are award-winning establishments with multiple accolades, including the prestigious National Bar Foods awards.
Guests speak highly of the onsite bar, a pulsating hub of traditional Irish music and flavorful local and foreign brews.
7. Zuni Hotel – a spacious, classic and iconic hotel where guests can experience fine dining and local cuisine
One of the most iconic buildings in Kilkenny, the Zuni Hotel originally served as the Empire Theatre in 1902, and then it became The Kilkenny Theatre. Today, the box office serves as a lively bar, while the guest rooms and restaurant have undergone extensive renovations.
The Zuni Experience is brimming with ancient splendors, from touring the medieval Rothe House to visiting St. Canice’s Round Tower and innumerable historic landmarks situated within walking distance.
The hotel offers 13 beautifully adorned accommodations with minimalist furniture, flat-screen TVs and ensuite bathrooms, while the suites offer soaking tubs and additional furniture. The onsite Zuni Restaurant is a popular spot to feast on traditional Irish fares prepared with locally farmed ingredients.
To book, check prices or availability for Zuni Hotel
8. Club House Hotel Kilkenny – a historic, quiet and elegant hotel that blends traditional décor with modern day amenities
A family-run establishment with a fascinating 210-year-old historical legacy, the Club House Hotel welcomes weary travelers to relax in a tranquil setting on Patrick Street, a stone’s throw away from Kilkenny Castle and local attractions.
This magnificent Georgian-era building has been thoughtfully restored to preserve its period-style architecture and modernize the accommodations with state-of-the-art amenities. The recently refurbished 37 guest rooms are adorned with luxurious bedding, in-room appliances, and vintage décor.
The onsite Victors Bar & Restaurant is an impressively designed dining space specializing in local cuisine, quite famous for its traditional Sunday roast and an extensive collection of wines.
9. Kilkenny Inn – a modern, spacious and newly renovated accommodation offering guests the best cooked breakfast in the city
Nestled in the heart of medieval Kilkenny, the charming Kilkenny Inn attracts culture and history enthusiasts with its rich legacy and a convenient location surrounded by popular attractions. Situated a stone’s throw away from St. Canice’s Cathedral, this quaint inn positions travelers on the Medieval Mile – an address brimming with artisanal shops, restaurants, bars and landmarks.
The inn offers 30 lovingly curated guest rooms, categorized as Double, Twin, Tripple, and Family Interconnecting Rooms. Each accommodation offers complimentary tea/coffee-making equipment, flat plasma screen TVs, power showers, fine linens, safety deposit boxes and VOYA organic seaweed toiletries.
Guests have access to free parking space, high-speed WiFi and housekeeping services.
To book, check prices or availability for Kilkenny Inn
10. Kilmore Guesthouse – a contemporary, chic and stylish accommodation perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs
The Kilmore Guesthouse is an idyllic abode for vacationers seeking home-like cosiness and warmth with a simplistic setting. This boutique guest house delivers the luxury of an upscale resort with the affordability of a homely B&B.
The guest house features an array of queen-size rooms and a luxury apartment, equipped with tasteful furniture, fine linens and smart appliances. The luxury apartment is ideally suited for large groups and families seeking intimacy and independence, with a full kitchen, modern appliances, and a sprawling garden.
The Kilmore Guest House boasts a central location to enjoy easy access to local hangout spots and popular attractions, including the vibrant city center, Kilkenny Castle and the Mount Juliet Golf Club.
11. McClure Yurt at Carrigeen Glamping – an upscale, cool and unusual accommodation ideal for those who love the outdoors
McClure Yurt at Carrigeen Glamping promises a magical experience in the Irish countryside, offering a central location to enjoy hiking trails and nature walks without distancing oneself from popular attractions like Kilkenny Castle and the action-packed city center.
This luxurious tent is ideally suited to accommodate three guests, featuring a king-sized bed, fine bedding and multiple appliances to maximize comfort in the wilderness. Guests staying at the McClure Yurt enjoy free private parking and a complimentary breakfast spread with continental treats.
This location offers access to multiple tourist attractions, including St Canices Cathedral and Round Tower, the Kilkieran Church, Mountnugent Motte and Cantwell’s Castle.
12. Carrigeen Glamping – an idyllic, cozy and tranquil accommodation providing guests with picturesque Instagrammable surroundings
Nature lovers eager to immerse in the scenic glory of the Irish countryside flock to Carrigeen Glamping to enjoy the great outdoors without denying themselves the comfort of a plush bed and smart appliances.
Carrigeen Glamping offers comfortable pods and yurts to revel in the countryside and wake up to the magical sound of chirping birds. Solo travelers and couples can find their match in the Quinn and Direen Pods, while families might prefer the more spacious McClure Yurt featuring a king-size bed and access to the communal kitchen.
Carrigeen Glamping provides free private parking, a breakfast spread with continental and vegan options, and a lovely garden to relax and enjoy the rural landscape.
Scott started his travelling life back in 1999, when he headed off on a solo jaunt to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia with just a backpack, a camera and a spirit for adventure. After that, the travel bug bit hard and now he is always seeking to head off somewhere new. Over the years he has lived in Italy, Qatar, Ireland, UK and the US but his spiritual home will always be Rome as this is the city which most satisfies his unrelenting craving for culture, good food and great football. Scott loves nothing better than to be behind the camera and also runs his own blog and Instagram page. He also counts Melbourne, Cape Town and Tel Aviv among his favourite places. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @scottbalaam
