Hotel cocktail barmedieval-mileDaily from 12:00
Zuni Bar on Patrick Street runs a better cocktail programme than its hotel-bar status suggests, a solid choice for a pre-dinner drink in the city centre.
Signature drink: Seasonal cocktails with Irish spirits
Food: Full hotel menu available
Traditional pub and live arts venuemedieval-mileMon-Sun from 11:30
Cleere's on Parliament Street has hosted Kilkenny's longest-running trad session every Monday since 1989 alongside a 100-seat theatre for national acts.
Signature drink: Pint of Guinness
Food: Snacks and pizzas
Medieval lane restaurant barbutterslipTue-Sat 12:00-21:30, Sun 12:00-16:30
Petronella Bar on Butterslip Lane is a medieval building with seasonal cocktails and natural wines, the most atmospheric bar in Kilkenny's hidden alleyways.
Signature drink: Natural wine by the glass
Food: Full modern Irish seasonal menu
Cocktail bar and whiskey specialistmedieval-mileMon-Thu 12:00-23:30, Fri-Sat 12:00-00:30
Paris Texas at 92 High Street pairs American whiskey and local spirits with a smokehouse food menu in one of Kilkenny's most awarded pub bars.
Signature drink: New Orleans-style cocktails
Food: Full BBQ smokehouse menu
Italian restaurant barmedieval-mileMon-Sun, opening at 12:30 for lunch
Rinuccini's bar at 1 The Parade draws on the family's 12,000-bottle Italian wine cellar, the best Italian wine by the glass in Kilkenny since 1989.
Signature drink: Italian Aperol Spritz or Negroni
Food: Full Italian dining
Community cafe barst-kierans-streetDaily 08:30-18:00
The Yard Cafe on St Kieran's Street serves organic coffee with plant milks, vegan lunch plates, and homemade cakes in a relaxed community-minded setting.
Signature drink: Organic coffee with almond or soy milk
Food: Vegan and vegetarian food