Matt The Millers is a traditional irish restaurant in John Street, Kilkenny.
Matt The Millers on John Street combines live music every night with good pub food, the Kilkenny Red Ale beef pie a fitting local signature for the city.
Signature dishes: Kilkenny Red Ale beef pie, Traditional Irish stew
Must order: Kilkenny Red Ale beef pie; traditional Irish stew with brown bread.
Tip: Food served noon to 20:30 daily. Live music every night. The bar stays open until 02:30 Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Address: 1 John Street, Kilkenny
Billy Byrnes on John Street Upper is a Kilkenny social institution serving locals since the 1980s, a gastro bar with food, pints, live music, plus sport.
Signature: Fish and chips, Seasonal Irish plates
Order: Fresh fish and chips; the seasonal daily specials built from local suppliers are consistently strong.
Tip: Arts Festival dining spot from 7-17 August 2025; book ahead during festival weeks when the city fills rapidly.
Lyla's on William Street pairs a 46-seat dining room with a cocktail bar, the third venue from the family behind Petronella and Mountain View Estate.
Signature: Crispy duck salad, Miso black cod, Shepherd's pie
Order: Crispy duck salad to start, miso black cod or signature shepherd's pie for mains, Sicilian lemon tart to close.
Tip: Reserve the six-seat Table Six counter for the chef-led tasting; standard dining runs Wednesday through Saturday evenings only.
Kyteler's Inn on St Kieran's Street connects to Kilkenny's 1324 distillation records. Food served noon to 21:00 daily alongside 90 curated Irish whiskeys.
Signature: Irish stew, Traditional pub fare
Order: Traditional Irish stew or beef and Guinness pie; the Kyteler's own-brand Irish whiskey is worth a glass.
Tip: Traditional music from 20:00 Monday through Thursday, 18:30 and 22:00 on Fridays and weekends. Groups should book ahead.
Stathams at the Pembroke Hotel serves seasonal modern Irish sharing plates in a smart room with a heated outdoor courtyard in the heart of the city.
Signature: Seasonal sharing plates
Order: Seasonal sharing plates sourced from local Co. Kilkenny producers; the wine list is short and well-chosen.
Tip: The heated outdoor courtyard is the place to be on a clear evening in the city. Book ahead for weekend dinner.
Arán on Barrack Street is the most-awarded brunch address in Kilkenny, winner of Ireland's Best Brunch at the Georgina Campbell Irish Breakfast Awards.
Signature: Stone-baked sourdough, Seasonal brunch plates
Order: Stone-baked sourdough; the seasonal brunch plates that change with what the farm provides.
Tip: Closed Tuesday. Last brunch orders at 15:15. Private evening dining available with advance notice.
Billy Byrnes on John Street Upper is a Kilkenny social institution serving locals since the 1980s, a gastro bar with food, pints, live music, plus sport.
Signature: Fish and chips, Seasonal Irish plates
Order: Fresh fish and chips; the seasonal daily specials built from local suppliers are consistently strong.
Tip: Arts Festival dining spot from 7-17 August 2025; book ahead during festival weeks when the city fills rapidly.
The Gourmet Store on High Street has been Kilkenny's best deli since 1997, with farmhouse cheese, locally sourced meats, and sandwiches on artisan bread.
Signature: Artisan sandwiches, Farmhouse cheese selections
Order: Freshly made sandwich on sourdough baguette with the local farmhouse cheese of the day.
Tip: Opens at 08:00 daily, closes around 16:00. The cheese counter rivals anything in the city at a fraction of restaurant prices.
