Finding hotels in Kilkenny, Ireland, or anywhere can be a challenge. Thankfully though, there are some fantastic places to stay in Kilkenny. Whether you’re searching for a budget-friendly B&B in Kilkenny or a luxury 5-star hotel, there’s something for everyone. In this post, we look at some of the top hotels in Kilkenny and what they offer their guests.
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Where To Stay In Kilkenny
We fell in love with Kilkenny because it is just plain adorable. With a castle, a medieval city centre, with quaint and winding streets, all with a river running through it, it’s just a lovely Irish city.
Kilkenny has an attractive position across both banks of the River Nore. Rich in history and ringed by unspoiled countryside, Kilkenny is a must-visit for any traveler to Ireland. Its population of only 25,000 makes Kilkenny feel cozy and very welcoming. It’s certainly one of our favorite small towns in Ireland to visit.
The medieval heart of Kilkenny has its fair share of accommodations. Many top hotels are located around the town’s ancient castle and large public park.
Being centrally located offers many advantages to exploring Kilkenny. It allows great access to pubs and restaurants, as well as tourist sites. If you are looking for something outside the city center, fear not. There are plenty of Kilkenny hotels in the county within a short drive of the city center.
Whichever accommodations in Kilkenny you decide on, we would definitely recommend renting a car for the length of your Irish vacation. Parking can be an issue but driving provides greater freedom and flexibility.
Also, many of the top hotels are located outside of city centers. Reaching these properties can be difficult without your own transportation.
Top Hotels In Kilkenny
Kilkenny is one of our favorite cities in Ireland. We’ve put together our recommendations for hotels in Kilkenny City as well as County Kilkenny. Our goal is to include a variety of styles and budgets to showcase the different hotel options available.
Our Recommendations For The Top Kilkenny Hotels
Kilkenny Hotel | Best For | Rates From | Where To Book |
---|---|---|---|
🏨 Newpark Hotel Kilkenny | ⛳️ Best For Golfers | €140 | 💶 Check Rates |
🏨 Lyrath Estate Hotel | 💆♀️ Best For Spa Lovers | €210 | 💶 Check Rates |
🏨 Mount Juliet Estate | 🇮🇪 Best For A Historic Stay | €265 | 💶 Check Rates |
🏨 Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny | 👨👩👧👦 Best For Families | €135 | 💶 Check Rates |
🏨 Ormonde Hotel Kilkenny | 🏅Best For Location | €104 | 💶 Check Rates |
Newpark Hotel Kilkenny
Located on the outskirts of Kilkenny, Newpark Hotel Kilkenny is a 4-star hotel less than a mile from Kilkenny Castle. The hotel occupies a charming and inviting ivy-clad 19th-century mansion. For over 50 years, Newpark Hotel has welcomed guests from across Ireland and around the world to Kilkenny.
Golfers will love Newpark’s location beside Kilkenny Golf Club. Families also love Newpark. Known to be one of the great family hotels in Kilkenny, Newpark sits on 40 acres of manicured estate.
Children aren’t short of entertainment thanks to a petting zoo, fairy trail, playground, and go-kart track.
At the same time, adult guests won’t feel forgotten about with the presence of the Escape Spa. In addition to standard features such as a steam room and sauna, it also boasts a relaxation room and its very own outdoor infinity-edged pool.
Check out rates and availability here.
Lyrath Estate Hotel
Roughly three miles from Kilkenny Castle is Lyrath Estate Hotel. One of Kilkenny’s best hotels, Lyrath Estate Hotel marries its classic country exterior with elegant contemporary interior spaces.
Extending across 170 acres, its grounds contain stunning mature woodland, carefully laid out gardens, and lakes providing an important habitat for all manner of native species.
Listed among the top 5-star hotels in Kilkenny, the estate house in which it is based was constructed in the 17th century.
Its rooms provide a haven for guests from which it’s tempting to never reappear. The multi-award-winning Oasis Spa features dozens of treatments for ladies, men, and couples.
For the hungry traveler, Lyrath’s dining options are equally varied and best of all, delicious. Ranging between traditional afternoon teas served in Lady Charlotte’s Drawing Rooms, casual dining at The Grill & Bar, and the romantic ambiance of Yew restaurant there’s no risk of going hungry.
Check out rates and availability here.
Mount Juliet Estate
It’s difficult to decide the most striking features of the 5-star Mount Juliet Estate. Is it the sheer elegance of a structure built in 1757? Or is it the Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole championship golf course? Then again, maybe it’s the estate’s one Michelin Star restaurant, the Lady Helen. Regardless of which captures your attention, one thing is for certain at Mount Juliet Estate, an incredible stay.
Mount Juliet Estate has lost none of its fineries since its construction two and a half centuries ago. With original stone fireplaces, richly-colored floorboards, and delicate plasterwork Mount Juliet is both a hotel and time capsule.
The sense of sophistication continues into the guest bedrooms, occupying both the Manor House and Hunters Yard.
Two bars provide a space to relax and enjoy a glass of Irish whiskey or local Irish craft beer. A state-of-the-art health club with a 15m indoor pool welcomes guests looking to keep fit. Mount Juliet Estate is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection of boutique hotels.
Check out rates and availability here.
Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny
Located in the heart of Kilkenny, Pembroke Hotel is a mere 5-minute walk from Kilkenny Castle. This central location gives guests quick and easy access to loads of sights, restaurants, and pubs in Kilkenny.
A 4-star property, Pembroke Hotel is regularly regarded as one of the best hotels in Kilkenny. Rooms have a subtle mid-century look, harking back to the originals of this part of Patrick Street, with comfortable beds and good-sized windows. Some rooms even have views of Kilkenny Castle.
Pembroke’s medispa, Mint, offers a variety of treatments for the body and the mind. If you are hungry, then head over to Statham’s restaurant. With a farm to fork ethos, Statham’s menu includes organic wines, locally sourced Kilkenny beef, and high-quality Irish seafood straight from the Irish Sea.
Check out rates and availability here.
Ormonde Hotel Kilkenny
Just one street away from the Pembroke in central Kilkenny you’ll also find the Ormonde Hotel, providing visitors with a second choice of centrally located hotels in Kilkenny.
What marks the Ormonde out from the Pembroke is the fact it’s the only hotel within the town itself with both a swimming pool and a spa.
As Kilkenny spa hotels go, it is very well fitted out, with several sumptuous treatment rooms and even a tanning room. Guests can take advantage of the 21m indoor pool, an aerobic studio, and a gym with free weights.
When it comes to dining, the Ormonde Hotel Kilkenny contains several stylish options. Hoban Bar and Brasserie is a popular lunch spot for casual dining. The hotel’s Savour restaurant serves up traditional Irish food, with a modern twist.
Check out rates and availability here.
Langtons Hotel Kilkenny
A stone’s throw from Kilkenny Castle, shopping, and pubs, Langtons Hotel is the ideal spot to explore Kilkenny. With 34 lovely appointed rooms, this family-run hotel treats all its guests like a member of the family.
When the sun is shining in Kilkenny, head back to enjoy Kington’s gardens. A rarity of any city center hotel, the gardens are an “oasis located in the heart of Kilkenny City”.
For the hungry traveler, Langtons Hotel has you covered. Its Edward Langtons Bar is a multi-award winner of the Black and White Pub of the Year award. The Garden Restaurant features a seasonal menu that uses locally sourced Irish ingredients. For a touch of elegance and tradition, head to the John Street Tearoom for a classic Irish Afternoon Tea.
Check out rates and availability here.
Kilkenny River Court Hotel
Situated on the bank of the River Nore the appropriately named Kilkenny River Court Hotel is a 4-star hotel in the heart of Kilkenny. The hotel features unmatched views of the River Nore and the 12th-century Kilkenny Castle. Making it, THE hotel to stay in Kilkenny town.
Kilkenny’s shopping, restaurants, and pubs area are just steps away from the Kilkenny River Court Hotel. After a day of sightseeing in Kilkenny, head back to the hotel to enjoy a cup of tea or a pint of Guinness with a castle view on the Terrace.
Each of the Kilkenny River Court Hotel’s rooms comes fully equipped with TVs, free Wifi, and tea/coffee makers. Rooms range from Executive King Rooms, to Family Rooms, and Suites. The Townhouse is the newest addition to Kilkenny River Court. It features 13 individual bedrooms of double and triple sizes.
When you get hungry, River Court has got you covered with a range of dining options. Their signature Riverside Restaurant and Riverview Bar offer al fresco dining and tasty cocktails.
Check out rates and availability here.
FAQs – Best Kilkenny Hotels
Kilkenny Castile is a must-visit during any trip to Kilkenny. Thankfully there are a few amazing hotels within minutes of the castle. Pembroke Kilkenny is our top pick for hotels near Kilkenny Castle. It has great rooms, food, and service.
If you are looking for a bit of luxury in Kilkenny then look no further than Mount Juliet Estate Hotel and Lyrath Estate Hotel. Both hotels offer travelers exceptional service, world-class dining, and stunning rooms.
Kilkenny features a wide range of hotel options to match nearly every budget. On average visitors to Kilkenny are looking at around $125-$155 per night. There are 4 and 5-star hotels in Kilkenny that will bring this average rate to over $200 per night.