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Kilkenny City is one of Ireland's most popular tourist destinations.
From its history to nature, there are several attractions that constantly draw in travellers.
As for where to stay in Kilkenny City, there is so much to choose from.
There are luxury hotels offering world-class services, comfy boutique hotels and basic budget hostels.
In short, Kilkenny city accommodation is well diversified to meet the needs of different travellers and their varied budgets.
One great advantage of this medieval city is that most of the hotels, hostels and guest houses are located near or within the city. They are therefore close to most of the historic sites which you’ll be touring.
Here’s a guide for our top 10 picks of accommodation in Kilkenny City. Read on. You’ll find something perfect for your tip.
We’ve used Booking.com for the longest time now. It’s incredibly useful for finding accommodation in Kilkenny City and other parts of Ireland. More to that, we’ve used it to make reservations in Asia, Central America, South America and everywhere else we’ve been!
I would say that one of the reasons we like Booking.com so much is because it offers such a varied selection of accommodation. You can choose either hotels, hostels, inns, guesthouses or resorts to stay in. And all these offer a great range of pricing so you can travel within your means.
This website also has a mobile app. Just install it on you phone and you can book your reservations anytime and anywhere. There are some perks and discounts offered by Booking.com for it’s Genius members. You can easily get into this loyalty program by completing at least two reservations on the site within two years.
Agoda is a tool that we are using more and more in recent years, especially when looking to spend a little more and stay in a nice hotel.
They have a massive selection of properties, just like Booking.com, with rates that are similarly competitive. They also have a really easy to use site and mobile app, and I’m a big fan of AgodaCash. This gives you cashback when booking certain properties, making them even cheaper!
For the best deal when making your booking, I find it’s best to check the rates on both Booking.com and Agoda. That’s why I’ve included links to both sites for all properties below.
Best luxury hotel in Kilkenny
Best mid-range Kilkenny hotel
Best budget accommodation in Kilkenny
Best luxury hotel in Kilkenny
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Lyrath Estate, like a number of 5-star hotels in Kilkenny, is known for the celebrity treatment and world-class service they provide for their guests. This luxury hotel offers all the peace and quiet you need to relax. Rooms here are soundproof and have blackout curtains. There’s WiFi available throughout the property.
Lyrath sits on a 170-acre estate with beautiful gardens where you can relax and have a picnic. For families with young ones, there’s a nice playground with outdoor play equipment for kids. There’s also an indoor play area and a kids’ pool.
The estate offers a stunning indoor infinity pool, gym, jacuzzi and steam room. You can treat yourself to a relaxation massage at the Oasis Spa & Wellness Centre. Other activities available include fishing, cycling and archery. And if you’re big on golfing, there’s a course within 2 miles.
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Located close to Kilkenny Castle, Butler House is one of the best 4-star hotels in Kilkenny. This guest house is situated in the midst of a beautifully manicured garden. It’s within short walking distance to several historical sights e.g The Tholsel, Rothe House and St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum.
If you’re aiming for luxurious rooms in Kilkenny, then Butler House has got you covered. The accommodation here features spacious, classy rooms with heating. Some of the rooms have a city view and others offer a garden view. You can choose your preference. Each room comes with a private bathroom and all the amenities for a comfortable stay.
Every morning there is a full English/Irish breakfast for every guest. You can have other meals at either of the two a la carte restaurants on sight. But if you want a change of environment, the staff here are kind enough to suggest amazing eating places downtown.
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More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews
One of the best things about Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel is its great location. Right in the heart of the city centre, this amazing hotel is one of the best places to stay in Kilkenny. It’s a walking distance to several attractions including Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny Design Centre, The Tholsel and many more. Guests can also access restaurants and shops within the city from here.
The property has large, luxurious rooms ideal for all types of travellers. Each comes with a private bathroom and a nice seating area where you can relax after a long day of touring the city. The private bathroom has all the amenities you’ll need.
Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel provides really tasty breakfast for all the guests. Other delicious a la carte meals are served at the restaurant on site including Irish and European cuisines. You can also head out and discover some great restaurants in the surrounding area.
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Best mid-range Kilkenny hotel
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Touring historic sites in Kilkenny is one of the activities travellers enjoy. So having accommodation close to these attractions is an added advantage. That’s why Pembroke Hotel is one of the best hotels to stay in Kilkenny. This 4-star boutique hotel is situated right behind Kilkenny Castle. It’s also quite close to The Tholsel and Rothe House.
If you aren’t out touring the magical historic attractions, you can make use of the hotel’s health & wellness facilities. Here you can get some beauty services, treat yourself to a nice massage or have a full spa experience. You’ll leave feeling brand new and so relaxed.
Pembroke Hotel offers great accommodation in Kilkenny. The rooms are huge, include air-conditioning and a modern private bathroom. And if you thought that’s all, you’ll be pleased to know that every room features a king-size bed. Food served at the restaurant is delicious and includes traditional and international cuisines.
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This Kilkenny boutique hotel is located about a 20-minute walk from the city centre. It offers free parking and has free WiFi available throughout the property. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and exceptionally clean. There is a laptop safe and facilities for making tea/coffee in the rooms. Each room also includes a private bathroom equipped with a power shower, hairdryer and free toiletries.
The food at 1801 Restaurant and Bar is delicious. Guests get a full Irish breakfast. Other meals offered include different menus to choose from. There are international menus and a family-friendly kid’s menu. Guests who are travelling as a family with children are therefore well catered for here. They can even get babysitting services at a fee.
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When looking for the best area to stay in Kilkenny, we suggest that you consider Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel as one of your top options. This 4-star hotel is right in the heart of Kilkenny City. It’s a walking distance to restaurants, shops and Kilkenny Castle. There’s parking just across the street from the hotel at a discounted rate.
The rooms here are modern and clean. Each has a TV, comfy seating area and a spacious bathroom. Free WiFi is available and 24-hour room service. The leisure club and spa in the hotel provides a variety of activities for guests. There’s a huge indoor swimming pool that’s heated so you can swim or splash around comfortably. A state-of-art gym, sauna and steam room are also available for guests to use. And for relaxation, you can enjoy a nice spa treatment.
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Langton House Hotel is a family-run hotel located within the city. This Kilkenny hotel offers great accommodation featuring large beautiful rooms with a seating area and a private bathroom. There is free WiFi throughout the property and free public parking on site. You will notice some stunning decor in the common areas of the hotel that really complement the interior.
The Langton Room serves delicious buffet and a la carte meals. You can have a taste of traditional Irish cuisine or choose international cuisine. The hotel’s award-winning bar is a nice place to hang out and have drinks. There is live evening entertainment and dancing. A great way to end your day at the hotel.
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Best budget accommodation in Kilkenny
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MacGabhainns Backpackers Hostel is a nice comfy hostel offering cheap accommodation in Kilkenny. Right within the city centre, this hostel is a walking distance to most attractions. From here you can easily get to Smithwicks Brewery, St. Canices Cathedral, Kilkenny Castle among others.
The accommodation features dorms with bunk beds and a private bathroom. The beds are comfortable and there’s daily housekeeping so the place is clean. Free breakfast is provided for every guest. For other meals, guests can prepare their own food in the shared kitchen or go out and eat in the restaurants nearby.
Free WiFi is available throughout the property. There are common areas where guests can hang out and socialise. But you can also have your own space if you don’t feel like mingling. The staff here are all so helpful and can give you suggestions of the best places to tour, hang out or eat within the city.
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More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews
If searching for Kilkenny budget hotels, this adults-only hostel offers great, comfy accommodation at a bargain price. Lanigan’s Hostel is located right within the city centre and is close to most sites, shops and restaurants. The staff here are very friendly and welcoming and will make you feel right at home.
Guests sleep on bunk beds in dormitories. Though small, the beds are quite comfy and the rooms are clean. There’s a private bathroom for each dorm. Free WiFi is available throughout the hostel. There is luggage storage also provided for guests.
Lanigan’s Bar and Restaurant next door serve delicious food and drinks. Guests can have their breakfast and other meals of the day. The bar is quite popular as both locals and travellers come here for live music and dancing.
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JBs offers great accommodation for travellers on a tight budget. The rooms come with a flat-screen TV, seating area (in some rooms) and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and hot shower. The rooms are quite spacious, clean and comfortable.
This Kilkenny guest house is ideally located. Many attraction sites are within walking distance from the property including Kilkenny Castle and Rothe House. Guests can easily explore these places during the day. There’s free WiFi available within the guest house and you can use the public parking nearby at a fee.
There are several restaurants near JBs where guests can have their breakfast and other meals. The staff at the guest house are very kind and helpful and will give you great suggestions on the best places to eat within the city. JBs Bar serves drinks and provides a great hang out spot for guests and locals with music and live events.
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While Kilkenny is the smallest city (in terms of population) in Ireland, it does not fall short in terms of places to visit. This city holds a wealth of history for the Irish people which can be learned and experienced by travellers in the many historic buildings and sites.
For more inspiration on places to visit in Kilkenny City and further afield, check out our post on the best things to do in Ireland.
When it comes to where to stay in Kilkenny City, you have many options with a good number of them strategically located near most of the city’s attractions. Whichever hotel, resort or hostel you get, you’ll experience a wonderful touch of the Irish community in this amazing city. And hopefully this guide of our top 10 accommodations give you what you’re looking for.
