Hotels

Where to Stay in Kilkenny: Hotels for Every Budget

Butler House, Kilkenny

Kilkenny is popular not just with tourists from overseas, but also with Irish people. Its castle, churches, medieval streets and nightlife bring visitors here year round. It's so central that it's not far from anywhere in Ireland, and its streets are full of pubs that we all enjoy.

My 24 Hours in Kilkenny guide will tell you what to do in Kilkenny and here I tell you where to stay.

Be sure to book early, especially if you are here on a weekend or peak season.

Most Popular Hotels in Kilkenny

Very central, highly rated & reasonably priced

Kilkenny River Court Hotel

The River Court overlooks both the river and the castle which makes it an easy choice for my top hotel in Kilkenny. Kilkenny Castle is why people come to Kilkenny and you can see it from the hotel, the restaurant and some rooms. This four star hotel has as central a location as you can. Parking is included which is a rarity in Kilkenny. Pay the extra for the castle view room. How often do you wake up to a castle?

"I've stayed here numerous times for many years now and I love the location, the comfort and staff...time spent together in the comfort of this room with a view of the castle by night was just magic."

👉Check availability at the River Court Hotel

Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel

I asked my walking tour guide in Kilkenny for his top hotel in town. He has lived here his whole life and without hesitation, he responded "the Ormonde". The 4* Ormonde hotel has a pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna in Kilkenny. I love this when I'm traveling, your body needs restoration after all the walking and sometimes, in cold Ireland, you need heat too.

"Love this hotel! Been coming here every month for the last four or more years for a one night break to chill out! Only live half an hour away but love it! Pool and spa treatments are great! Meals are lovely and the staff are super friendly and helpful!"

👉Check availability at the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel

Join small group travel in Ireland with G Adventures. 4.9/5 rated on Trust Pilot

Boutique Hotels in Kilkenny

Unique, small places with character

Butler House, Kilkenny

Butler House is a former dower house of Kilkenny Castle. When you are outside it, it does not look like a hotel, more a country manor. Afternoon tea is taken in Lady Eleanor Room overlooking the walled garden and castle. I'm picturing ladies in white gloves nibbling on tiny sandwiches here. If you want atmosphere, this is your place.

"We loved everything about Butler House. Their Cream Tea and Scones were mouthwatering. Breakfast was delicious and the staff were so professional and friendly. The garden was a perfect place to sit and relax."

👉Check availability at the Butler House, Kilkenny

Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel

The 4* Hibernian is boutique hotel around the corner from Kilkenny Castle. You cannot miss it. It's located in a beautiful 18th-century building that is a landmark in the city. You can have afternoon tea here or eat at their Ember restaurant, with its open fire cooking. The Hibernian Bar is worth visiting even if you are not staying here and they have live music too.

"Lovely building, great room, friendly staff and the central location would be hard to beat. Would go back in a heartbeat!"

👉Check availability at the Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel

Five-Star Luxury Hotels

For visitors who want the best of Kilkenny with five star luxury

Lyrath Estate - 💚My Top Luxury Pick💚

Just outside Kilkenny is the 5* Lyrath Estate. It's an ivy-covered 17th-century country manor on 170 acres. It has the classic feel, but it's got modern touches too with a glass roof in the lobby, spa, infinity pool and private cinema.

You might be tempted to not leave the estate at all because The Yew restaurant rivals anything in Kilkenny. But do leave, at least for a while, Kilkenny is worth it.

For a five star hotel, it is not as expensive as you might expect.

"The grounds were absolutely beautiful. I love the original estate rooms at the front of the hotel, and the lobby is beautiful. We enjoyed craft cocktails at the bar and live music in the lobby. Our room was huge!"

👉Check availability at Lyrath Estate

Mount Juliet Estate, A Marriott Autograph Collection

I am pushing the Kilkenny limits a little here. Mount Juliet is a 20 minute drive away but what's a short drive when your reward is Mount Juliet. It's on 500 acres, has its own Michelin star restaurant, Lady Helen, and has a championship 18-hole golf course which has hosted the Irish Open. It's a Marriott Autograph property for you Marriott loyalists.

"Our room in the Lady Helen's Manor was stunning, complete with a private walled garden overlooked by beautiful pink cherry blossoms, it's an idyllic and peaceful setting. The tasting menu on Saturday night was exceptional, some of the best food we've ever tasted."

👉Check availability at Mount Juliet

Affordable Kilkenny Hotels

Excellent Kilkenny hotels that won't empty your wallet

Because Kilkenny is so popular, finding good deals can be difficult. I recommend booking well in advance for the more affordable, budget-friendly hotels in Kilkenny.

Kilmore Guesthouse 💚My Top Affordable Pick💚

With a superb 9+ ranking on Booking.com, it's loved by visitors. It's amazing too that such an affordable hotel has air conditioning, something you don't find in many 4 star hotels. If you run on the warm side, or are coming in July & August, you may book here just for this reason alone!

"Everything! The room was all class, with attention paid to every detail. Without doubt, it was the best bnb room I've ever stayed in! I WILL be back and I'll stay longer."

👉Check availability at Kilmore Guesthouse

Sandbury Town House

Another small guest home that gets an unheard of 9.5 rating on Booking.com. That explains why it's rarely available. If you see it available for your dates, book immediately. It's down a narrow road from the town and it'll make you feel like you're living here rather than just visiting. The small sign on the door is the only indication that this is a guest house and not a local's house.