Eat in kilkenny-environs, Kilkenny

Mountain View Markets ★ 4.2

Mountain View Markets at Ballyhale runs seasonal outdoor food-truck events with African street food, lobster rolls, and barbecue, reviewed by the Irish Times.

Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese Shop ★ 4.3

Knockdrinna Farm Shop in Stoneyford sells Helen Finnegan's award-winning farmhouse cheeses, Goatsbridge trout products, caviar, plus Highbank Orchard syrups.

Ryeland House Cookery School ★ 4.2

Ryeland House Cookery School at Cuffesgrange has been run by Anne Neary since 1991 from a 19th-century farmhouse that has been in the Neary family for four generations. Classes use eggs from Anne's own free-range hens and quality locally sourced ingredients, covering seasonal themes from salads and barbecue to traditional Irish baking, with day and evening courses available alongside private party and corporate bookings.

Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese Cafe ★ 4.3

Knockdrinna's farm cafe in Stoneyford, 12km out, serves lunch built on Helen Finnegan's Supreme Champion cheeses and Goatsbridge trout, worth every kilometre.

Why locals love it: Located 12km outside Kilkenny city in Stoneyford village, requiring a car; no presence on Kilkenny city maps or tourist leaflets.