THE 'RAFTER'S GASTROPUB, Kilkenny – A Smart Stay in the City
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Key details
About the Hotel
Friary Street,
Kilkenny,
Ireland,
Kilkenny County
-
Close to the city center
Very good
7.8
8.3
/10
3.5
4.0
/5
Loved by The 'Rafter'S Gastropub Hotel guests
Friendly staff
Delicious breakfast
Excellent location
Clean rooms
Great service
Tasty food
"Went to Rafters for lunch on the first day and returned for dinner every night."
Sandy M
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"Best breakfast I've had in a long time and cooked to order so much better than a buffet."
Martin
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"The location is right in the middle of Kilkenny and a short walk from almost everything."
Lee from Ireland
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Dining Excellence
Rafter's Gastro Pub offers an extensive menu serving food daily from 9:30 am to 10 pm. Known for its 'legendary' brunch, the establishment specializes in local and craft beers, providing an authentic taste of Kilkenny. Guests can enjoy meals in the inviting rooftop beer garden, which is heat controlled for comfort year-round.
Accommodation Options
The hotel provides 14 ensuite bedrooms, offering various configurations including spacious double, twin, triple, and family rooms. Each room is designed with attention to detail, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests. The rooms include modern conveniences such as televisions and complimentary tea or coffee upon request.
Prime Location
Rafter's Gastro Pub is situated just a 2-minute walk from Kilkenny Castle, placing guests in an excellent position to explore local attractions. The city center location ensures easy access to shops, cultural sites, and vibrant nightlife. This convenience makes it a favored choice for tourists looking to experience Kilkenny.
Entertainment and Events
Rafter's Gastro Pub is recognized as a leading sports venue, showcasing major sporting events across multiple screens with surround sound. The venue also caters to private parties, providing comprehensive planning from catering to entertainment options. Special packages are available for celebrations such as hen and stag parties, including on-site accommodations.
Outdoor Spaces
The rooftop beer garden at Rafter's Gastro Pub features a fully covered sunroof, allowing for an open-air experience during warmer months. This area is tailored to sporting enthusiasts, showcasing live games on big screens, including in the beer garden itself. Event spaces are available for larger gatherings, such as barbecues and office parties.
Highlights
Location: 2 minutes walk from Kilkenny Castle
Rooms: 14 Ensuite modern bedrooms
Dining: legendary brunch served daily
Entertainment: major sporting events on big screens
Outdoor: rooftop beer garden with open sunroof
Must-do experiences
Savor the Kilkenny Castle Park's beauty on a leisurely stroll.
Indulge in a pint of Smithwick's at the Smithwick's Experience.
Discover the hidden art at the 33 King Street Gallery.
Taste the famous Kilkenny apple tart at Kyteler's Inn.
Explore the rich history at the Medieval Mile Museum.
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Choose the Room
From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
Family Room
4 persons
175 sq. feet
3 Single beds
Shower
Heating
room details
Double Room
2 persons
1 Double bed
room details
Triple Room
2 persons
2 Single beds
room details
Double or Twin Room
2 persons
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
room details
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See what's available for your travel dates
Amenities
Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay
Facilities:
Very good
7.6/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Car park
Off-site car park
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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The 'Rafter'S Gastropub Hotel Location
Friary Street,
Kilkenny,
Ireland,
Kilkenny County
Map view
Friary Street,
Kilkenny,
Ireland,
Kilkenny County
City landmarks
Church
St Canices Cathedral and Round Tower
4200 ft
Church
Black Abbey
2200 ft
Church
St Marys Cathedral
2200 ft
Landmark
Nowlan Park
1.0
mi
Landmark
Maudlin Castle
2600 ft
Mall
MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre
1.0
mi
Nearby
Museum
Medieval Mile Museum
1000 ft
Museum
Rothe House and Garden
1000 ft
The Tholsel High Street
Town Hall
1000 ft
Church
Saint John's Priory
1500 ft
Gallery
Butler Gallery
1000 ft
31 Rose Inn St
Butter Slip
1000 ft
Public Building
Kilkenny Old Jail and Courthouse
1200 ft
cnr Ormonde Rd & New St
Talbot's Tower
1200 ft
Gallery
The Blackbird Gallery
1300 ft
Church
O'Loughlin Memorial Church of St John the Evangelist
1900 ft
Church
Capuchin Friary Catholic Church
300 ft
Church
St Francis Abbey
1800 ft
Library
Kilkenny City Library
1200 ft
29 Rose Inn St
The Kilkenny Way
700 ft
Collegepark
Kilkenny Castle Rose Garden
800 ft
Gallery
The Kilkenny Art Gallery
700 ft
Gallery
National Design & Craft Gallery
1000 ft
5 John Street Lower
Kilkenny Whiskey Guild
1000 ft
Event hall
The Parade Tower Wing
1100 ft
40 Parliament St
Riverboat Casino & Poker Club
1400 ft
The Black Abbey 12 Abbey Street Near Black Abbey
Black Freren Gate
1500 ft
Church
St. John's Church of Ireland
1500 ft
7-91 Maudlin St
Corner Tower
1700 ft
Public Building
County Council Grounds
1800 ft
Restaurants
Aroi
500 ft
Friary Street
Murphy's Ice Cream
600 ft
16 Rose Inn Street
Supermac's & Papa John's
500 ft
24 High Street
Ladi's Chimney Cakes
500 ft
Unit 34
Kafe Katz
600 ft
3 Ormonde Street
Kilkenny Cafe
500 ft
The Square Market Cross Kilkenny Post Office 73 High Street
Abrakebabra
800 ft
8 Rose Inn Street
The Playwright
1100 ft
Browne's 65 High Street
The House Of Pretzels
1300 ft
Level 2
Explore Kilkenny
Explore Kilkenny
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Black Abbey
8 minutes' walk
The 12th-century Black Abbey showcases stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.
St. Marys Cathedral
8 minutes' walk
St. Mary's Cathedral features impressive Gothic architecture and intricate stonework, housing lovely gardens.
Medieval Mile Museum
4 minutes' walk
The Medieval Mile Museum offers fascinating exhibits on Kilkenny's history and heritage within a restored church.
Rothe House and Garden
4 minutes' walk
Rothe House combines a 17th-century townhouse with stunning gardens, providing insights into the history of Kilkenny.
Kayaking on the River Nore
10 minutes' drive
Kayaking offers a thrilling adventure on the River Nore with rental services available for all experience levels.
Yoga Sessions at Kafe Katz
3 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga classes are offered at Kafe Katz, focusing on mindfulness and well-being for all abilities.
Aroi
2 minutes' walk
Aroi serves delicious Thai cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere, featuring fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Murphy's Ice Cream
3 minutes' walk
Murphy's offers handcrafted ice cream with unique flavors, perfect for a sweet treat after exploring the town.
Kafe Katz
3 minutes' walk
Kafe Katz provides a cozy ambiance and serves hearty breakfasts and freshly brewed coffee to start your day.
The Set Theatre
10 minutes' walk
The Set Theatre hosts a variety of live performances, including music, comedy, and drama, in an intimate setting.
Kilkenny Castle Park
10 minutes' walk
Kilkenny Castle Park offers lovely walking trails, gardens, and open spaces, great for all ages and leisurely picnics.
Getting around
City Centre
Kilkenny6 min
·
1700 ft
Airports
Waterford (WAT)85 min
·
34.9
mi
Train
Kilkenny Railway Station10 min
·
2700 ft
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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
Wireless 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
Guest Ratings & Reviews
Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Review score
Based on 441 verified reviews
7.9/10
Very good
80%
Recommend
Breakfast
8.0/10
Cleanliness
8.1/10
Comfort
8.0/10
Facilities
7.6/10
Free Wi-Fi
6.9/10
Location
9.4/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.4/10
Staff
9.0/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Pros
Clean room
Friendly staff
Great breakfast
Perfect location
Early check-in
Cons
Hard mattress
Noisy pub
Guest reviews
based on 1022 reviews
7.8/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About The 'Rafter'S Gastropub
Are there designated smoking areas available for guests?
12 April 2024
Absolutely no smoking is allowed in the rooms. However, there is a designated smoking area that remains open all night for residents.
Is there complimentary parking available for guests at the property?
15 May 2024
Unfortunately, there is no free parking for guests. Being located in the city center, there are various paid parking facilities nearby.
Are there any extra charges for sheets and towels during my stay?
20 June 2024
There are no additional fees for sheets or towels; everything is included in the price.
Can guests enjoy outdoor seating while having drinks?
25 July 2024
Yes, there is outdoor seating available in the newly designed beer garden.
Is it possible to request a travel cot for a small child?
30 August 2024
Cots are available upon request for guests traveling with little ones.
Is there a place to store luggage before check-in?
05 September 2024
Luggage can be stored early for guests arriving before check-in.
What are the opening hours of the bar, and is live music featured?
10 October 2024
The bar is open until 23:30 on weekdays and until 00:30 on weekends, with live music available on Saturdays until 02:00.
Are stag parties allowed at the venue?
15 November 2024
Stag parties are permitted but must be organized under strict supervision.
Can residents access the bar at all times?
20 December 2024
Currently, the bar is open for residents and offers a vibrant atmosphere downstairs.
Is there a lift available to access the rooms?
25 January 2025
Unfortunately, there are no lifts; all rooms are located upstairs.
What time does breakfast service begin and end?
30 February 2025
Breakfast is served from 08:30 to 10:30, and room service is not available.
Where is the nearest car park, and what are the typical overnight charges?
10 March 2025
The nearest car park is Ormonde Street Car Park, just a minute's walk away. Overnight charges vary but usually start from €5.00.
Are tea and coffee making facilities provided in the rooms?
15 April 2025
Tea and coffee making facilities can be arranged at the bar upon request, but there is no free tea and coffee area provided.
How can I verify my reservation if I haven't received a confirmation?
20 May 2025
If no booking is found under your name, it's best to call directly to confirm availability and make arrangements.