Where to Stay

Historically, Kilkenny is well used to visitors, having experienced successive waves of invaders throughout the centuries. Celts, Vikings, Normans and Anglo-Saxons have all left their mark and ensured that the area has much of interest for contemporary tourists. The natural beauty of the fertile land around the Barrow and Nore rivers is complemented by attractive stone buildings and bridges left by the numerous settlers. Shopping has replaced looting and pillaging as the standard practice for new arrivals to Kilkenny, but Viking-like hedonism is positively encouraged, particularly in the lively city centre and outposts like Thomastown village. The attractions of an atmospheric market town with quality nightlife, surrounded by some of the most relaxing and scenic little towns in the country, ensure that there is always a steady demand for accommodation in the area. While local resources can be stretched, particularly during festival times, there is a wide selection of establishments offering board and lodging to suit a range of budgetary requirements. The following includes some of these.

Kilkenny City Centre Parliament Street is at the centre of the city's thriving pub scene and there are a host of B&Bs in the area for those who may not fancy a long walk home after a night on the town. Having said that, the compact nature of the city means that almost anywhere in the centre is within easy walking distance from anywhere else. Continuing on to the shopping mecca of High Street, the attractive façade of the Metropole Hotel fronts a good value hotel. Further along, Patrick Street boasts a selection of B&Bs, guest houses and hotel accommodation. These include the Berkley House guest house; Butler House, a smart Georgian-style townhouse; the Hibernian Guesthouse, and the centuries-old Club House Hotel. South of Patrick Street, heading out of town, is the Waterford Road, on which are a plethora of B&Bs, including the pleasant Beaupre House. The Springhill Court Hotel with new conference and leisure facilities can also be found in this direction.

Back towards the centre, discerning drinkers might like to stay in the Langton House Hotel on John Street, which has picked up the Pub of the Year award with almost monotonous regularity, as well as offering a quality restaurant and attractive rooms. Also on John Street is the plush, magnificently situated Kilkenny River Court Hotel, and the less expensive but comfortable Kilford Arms that incorporates a couple of pleasant bars, a good restaurant and a night club. One other place worthy of mention in Kilkenny city centre is the new Ormonde Hotel, beside Kilkenny Castle, which combines luxury with exciting facilities that are fast making it a lynchpin of the area's nightlife. Those seeking hostel accommodation could try the Ormonde Tourist Hostel on John's Green or the Kilkenny Tourist Hostel on Parliament Street.

North Co. Kilkenny There are a couple of fine places to stay on the Castlecomer Road, including Brannigan's Glendine Inn, just within walking distance from the city. Driving out one comes across the quaint Brog Maker Hotel/Guesthouse, and the executive-standard Newpark Hotel, which boasts an impressive leisure centre. The peaceful village of Castlecomer is well served by the ivy-draped Avalon Inn and the cosy Wandesforde House. Heading west from Castlecomer, even experienced hostelers should be impressed by the An Oige hostel in the restored Foulksrath Castle in Ballyragget. Literary types might seek out Swift's Heath not far from Ballyragget, where Jonathan Swift lived while studying in Kilkenny, and where there are B&B facilities. Visitors passing through Freshford might explore the reasonably priced Kilrush House, which is an eighteenth-century dwelling with a tennis court to help work off possible overindulgence.

South Co. Kilkenny Some of the prettiest towns in Ireland are located to the south-east of Kilkenny city. Golfers should be familiar with Thomastown, where Mount Juliet has hosted the Irish Open. For those who can afford it, the accommodation and general facilities here are excellent. Slightly more homely accommodation can be found in the Abbey House guesthouse, Burley Guesthouse on the surprisingly cheerful Maudlin Street, and the Saddleview Country Home.

Visitors to the village of Inistioge might experience a touch of deja-vu as the beauty of the area and a particularly impressive bridge have led to the area featuring in a number of movies including Maeve Binchy's Circle of Friends. Cullintra House and Berryhill Country House are equally worthy of the visitor's attention. Garranavabby House nearby in the Rower is a picturesque farmhouse, although it can sometimes be difficult to get a room. Family-size groups might care to investigate the availability of the Coachhouse, which has three bedrooms and offers self-catering facilities. Nearby, Mount Brandon cottages also have self-catering rooms for rent. In Graiguenamanagh village, the Waterside Guesthouse is a superbly restored stone cornstore on the banks of the Barrow.

Travelers with tents and camper vans are catered for at the compact Treegrove Caravan Camping Park, about two kilometres south of Kilkenny City Centre on the New Ross Road, and at the Nore Valley Camping and Caravan park situated on a farm near Bennetsbridge. An adjacent open working farm helps make the latter particularly child friendly.

If all else fails, it might be worth checking out Bedfinders on Rose Inn Street in Kilkenny City Centre, which for a small fee will help the weary traveler find a place to lay the head for the night.