Rafter's Gastro Pub offers an extensive menu with options from breakfast to dinner, served daily from 9:30 AM to 10 PM. Specialties include local and craft beers, as well as an acclaimed legendary brunch that draws locals and visitors alike. The emphasis on great food coupled with a friendly atmosphere makes this pub a highlight of Kilkenny's dining scene.
Accommodation
The hotel features 14 ensuite bedrooms, each tailored with attention to detail to provide a relaxing atmosphere. Options include spacious doubles, twins, triples, and family rooms suitable for guests traveling with larger groups. Night porters are on duty ensuring guests receive assistance whenever needed.
Location
Rafter's Gastro Pub is situated just a 2-minute walk from Kilkenny Castle, placing it in a prime city-center location. This accessibility allows guests to explore local attractions, shops, and cultural landmarks with ease. The combination of convenience and charm enhances the experience for those visiting Kilkenny.
Entertainment
The pub provides a lively entertainment schedule with sports events displayed on multiple large screens, including those in the roofed beer garden. Guests can also enjoy private party planning services, complete with DJs or live bands tailored to the occasion. Other attractions include cocktail-training classes led by expert staff.
Event Spaces
Rafter's Gastro Pub accommodates gatherings of various sizes in its private lounge, which can host up to 100 people. The versatile function room is suitable for a range of events from birthday parties to corporate functions, ensuring that every celebration is honored. Outdoor activities such as BBQs can be arranged for special events.
Highlights
Dining: Legendary brunch available daily
Events: Private lounge for up to 100 guests
Location: 2 minutes walk from Kilkenny Castle
Accommodation: 14 Ensuite modern bedrooms
“The central Kilkenny location makes this gastropub a practical base for exploring the city's historical attractions. I appreciate the blend of a traditional Irish pub atmosphere with modern amenities, particularly the rooftop terrace. Its interactive dining options and lively Saturday night music seem ideal for social gatherings.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
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Select your room type
The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
Family Room
4 persons
16 m²
3 Single beds
Shower
Heating
room details
Double Room
2 persons
1 Double bed
Triple Room
2 persons
2 Single beds
Double or Twin Room
2 persons
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
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Amenities & services
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General
No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
No pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Cycling
Golf course
Billiard tables
Services
Room service
Housekeeping
Welcome drink
Dining
In-room breakfast
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus
Business
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Children's menu
Game room
Spa & Leisure
Entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Room features
Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Location
Friary Street,
Kilkenny,
Ireland,
Kilkenny County
Map view
Friary Street,
Kilkenny,
Ireland,
Kilkenny County
City landmarks
Church
St Canices Cathedral and Round Tower
1.3
km
Church
Black Abbey
650 m
Church
St Marys Cathedral
650 m
Landmark
Nowlan Park
1.6
km
Landmark
Maudlin Castle
770 m
Mall
MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre
1.6
km
Nearby
Museum
Medieval Mile Museum
290 m
Museum
Rothe House and Garden
290 m
The Tholsel High Street
Town Hall
290 m
Church
Saint John's Priory
450 m
Gallery
Butler Gallery
300 m
31 Rose Inn St
Butter Slip
290 m
Public Building
Kilkenny Old Jail and Courthouse
350 m
cnr Ormonde Rd & New St
Talbot's Tower
340 m
Gallery
The Blackbird Gallery
380 m
Church
O'Loughlin Memorial Church of St John the Evangelist
570 m
Church
Capuchin Friary Catholic Church
80 m
Church
St Francis Abbey
540 m
Library
Kilkenny City Library
350 m
29 Rose Inn St
The Kilkenny Way
210 m
Collegepark
Kilkenny Castle Rose Garden
220 m
Gallery
The Kilkenny Art Gallery
210 m
Gallery
National Design & Craft Gallery
300 m
5 John Street Lower
Kilkenny Whiskey Guild
300 m
Event hall
The Parade Tower Wing
320 m
40 Parliament St
Riverboat Casino & Poker Club
410 m
The Black Abbey 12 Abbey Street Near Black Abbey
Black Freren Gate
430 m
Church
St. John's Church of Ireland
450 m
7-91 Maudlin St
Corner Tower
510 m
Public Building
County Council Grounds
540 m
Restaurants
Aroi
140 m
Friary Street
Murphy's Ice Cream
170 m
16 Rose Inn Street
Supermac's & Papa John's
150 m
24 High Street
Ladi's Chimney Cakes
150 m
Unit 34
Kafe Katz
180 m
3 Ormonde Street
Kilkenny Cafe
140 m
The Square Market Cross Kilkenny Post Office 73 High Street
Abrakebabra
240 m
8 Rose Inn Street
The Playwright
310 m
Browne's 65 High Street
The House Of Pretzels
370 m
Level 2
Explore Kilkenny
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Black Abbey
8 minutes' walk
13th-century Dominican abbey known for stunning stained glass. Ideal for history lovers and photography enthusiasts.
St Marys Cathedral
8 minutes' walk
Beautiful medieval cathedral with remarkable architecture. Notable for its tranquil atmosphere and lovely gardens.
Medieval Mile Museum
4 minutes' walk
Museum showcasing Kilkenny's rich heritage. Features fascinating exhibits on the town's medieval history and culture.
Butler Gallery
5 minutes' walk
Contemporary art gallery featuring local and international artists. Regular exhibitions and events promote creative expression.
Nowlan Park
20 minutes' walk
Home to local sports teams, this park offers spacious grounds. Great for a stroll or picnic, and often hosts events.
Dunmore Cave
10 minutes' drive
Stunning natural cave systems that include fascinating rock formations. Guided tours provide insights into its history and geology.
Aroi
2 minutes' walk
Authentic Thai cuisine in a cozy setting. Signature dishes include Pad Thai and green curry, catering to various dietary needs.
Murphy's Ice Cream
3 minutes' walk
Local favorite for artisanal ice cream made from organic ingredients. Unique flavors include Irish Brown Bread and Dingle Sea Salt.
Supermac's & Papa John's
2 minutes' walk
Casual dining spot known for burgers and pizza. Quick service makes it ideal for families seeking a meal on the go.
Kilkenny Arts Office
4 minutes' walk
Cultural hub featuring art exhibitions and workshops. Hosts various events, perfect for art lovers and families.
Triskell Arts Centre
10 minutes' walk
Live music venue showcasing local talent. Atmosphere is relaxed, with regular events from jazz to traditional Irish music.
Getting around town
City Centre
Kilkenny6 min
·
500 m
Airports
Waterford Airport (WAT)85 min
·
56.2
km
Train
Kilkenny Railway Station10 min
·
800 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:00
Check-out
from 10:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Paid Public parking is possible at a location nearby.
Internet
is available in for free.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
14
FAQs
About The 'Rafter'S Gastropub
What are the check-in and check-out times at The 'Rafter'S Gastropub?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:30.
What is the distance from The 'Rafter'S Gastropub to Kilkenny Castle?
The hotel is located just 0.5 km from Kilkenny Castle.
Is there parking available at The 'Rafter'S Gastropub?
Public parking is available nearby at no additional charge, and reservation is not needed.
What dining options are available at The 'Rafter'S Gastropub?
The property features a restaurant serving traditional Irish breakfasts and an a la carte menu using local produce.
Are there any nearby restaurants to The 'Rafter'S Gastropub?
Nearby restaurants include Aroi, Truffle Fairy, Rafter Dempsey's, Zuni Restaurant & Bar, and Petronella Restaurant & Cafe, all within 0.5 km.
What are the amenities provided in the rooms at The 'Rafter'S Gastropub?
Rooms include en suite shower rooms, TVs, ironing equipment, hairdryers, and tea/coffee making facilities.
Does The 'Rafter'S Gastropub have entertainment options?
The hotel features live music every Saturday with local bands, as well as billiards and dartboard for guest recreation.