Gastro bar and live venuejohn-streetDaily from 12:00
Billy Byrnes on John Street Upper is a Kilkenny social institution, a no-frills gastro bar with Smithwick's on tap that feels more local than tourist.
Signature drink: Guinness and local craft ales
Food: Fresh local food daily
Brewery heritage barmedieval-mileDaily 10:30-18:30 (last tour 17:00), Nov-Feb Thu-Mon only
The bar at the Smithwick's Experience pours a complimentary Smithwick's Red Ale at the end of every tour on the city's 13th-century brewing site.
Signature drink: Smithwick's Original Red Ale on draft
Food: No food; complimentary pint with tour
French-inspired wine bar and restaurantmedieval-mileMon-Fri 17:00 onwards, Sat-Sun 12:00 onwards
Rive Gauche on The Parade is Kilkenny's closest dedicated wine bar, a handsome room of exposed brick with seasonal Irish plates and a natural wine list.
Signature drink: Natural wine by the glass
Food: Seasonal Irish sharing plates
Parisian-style cafe barmedieval-mileMon-Wed 09:00-17:00, Thu-Fri 09:00-23:30, Sat 10:00-23:30, Sun 10:00-22:00
Louie's on Patrick Street is a Parisian-inspired cafe bar with natural wines, small plates from Thursday to Saturday, and leather banquettes from noon.
Signature drink: Natural wine by the glass
Food: Small plates Thursday through Saturday evenings
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