Where To Stay In Kilkenny (The Best Areas With Map)

Choosing where to stay in Kilkenny usually comes down to one key decision – do you want the buzz and convenience of Kilkenny City, or a quieter, more scenic base elsewhere in the county?

Like many who grew up in Ireland, I’ve spent my fair share of time in Kilkenny, usually on weekends away with friends or as part of a wider road trip.

In my opinion, the best places to stay in Kilkenny are:

• Kilkenny City: There’s plenty to do, loads of great pubs and restaurants and endless accommodation options
• Graiguenamanagh: A wonderfully scenic base that’s still a short (35 minutes) drive to the city

Where to stay in Kilkenny

The map above will give you a sense of where to stay in Kilkenny, depending on how close/far from the city you’d like to be.

I’ve included pros and cons for each of the different areas, based on my own experiences of staying in each of the towns, villages and, of course, the city.

1. Kilkenny City

The city is the liveliest place to stay in Kilkenny and, for many visiting Ireland, it’s the Kilkenny they picture before they arrive – narrow medieval lanes, packed pubs, old stone buildings and the towering Kilkenny Castle.

Known as the ‘Marble City’, Kilkenny grew from an early ecclesiastical settlement into one of Ireland’s most important medieval centres.

Today, traces of that history are everywhere, from Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral to the old city walls, narrow slips and centuries-old pubs tucked along winding streets.

One of the handiest things about staying here is how walkable it is. Many of the best things to do in Kilkenny sit within a short ramble of one another, and you’re never too far from a good coffee shop, traditional pub or restaurant.

The pros and cons to staying here

• The pros: Lots of accommodation across all budgets along with excellent restaurants, lively pubs and countless historical attractions. Very walkable, with most of the city’s main sights a short stroll from one another. Also well-positioned for day trips to places like Jerpoint Abbey and Dunmore Cave
• The cons: The city tends to be messy during weekend evenings, thanks to its popularity with hen and stag groups

Recommended accommodation

• Budget: Glendine Inn
• Mid-range: Kilmore Guesthouse, JBs Bar & Guest Accommodation and Kilkenny House Boutique Hotel 
• Upper-end: The Ormonde, Butler House, the Pembroke and the Hibernian

2. Graiguenamanagh

If you’re wondering where to stay in Kilkenny that’ll show you a side of Ireland many visitors never experience, base yourself in Graignamanagh.

This small town sits along the River Barrow at the foot of Brandon Hill, right on the Kilkenny-Carlow border. It grew around the magnificent Duiske Abbey – one of the largest and finest medieval Cistercian abbeys in Ireland – and the abbey still dominates the town centre today.

There’s a lovely stillness to the place. You’ve got riverside walks, the Barrow towpath, kayaking, hill walks and narrow streets lined with traditional pubs, all wrapped beneath rolling green hills and thick patches of woodland.

It’s also one of the best places to stay in Kilkenny for anyone looking to slow the pace down a little. You won’t find crowds or packed tourist streets here – just a genuinely scenic rural town with a strong sense of place.

The pros and cons to staying here

• The pros: Beautiful rural setting with mountain, river and valley views. A side of Ireland many tourists miss entirely. Excellent for walking, cycling and kayaking
• The cons: Accommodation is limited and the town becomes very quiet during the off-season

Recommended accommodation

• Budget: None
• Mid-range: Waterside Guesthouse
• Upper-end: None

3. Thomastown

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Kilkenny but want to avoid the traffic, noise and weekend crowds that come with the city, Thomastown is one of the best alternatives.

Set along the River Nore around 20 minutes from Kilkenny City, this old market town is surrounded by some of the county’s best-known attractions, including Jerpoint Abbey, Kilfane Glen, Mount Juliet Estate and Jerpoint Glass.

There’s a creative streak running through the town thanks to places like Grennan Mill Craft School, while nearby Malzards pair pints with hurling experiences that visitors tend to rave about.

Unlike some of the smaller villages in Kilkenny, Thomastown has a nice balance to it. You’ve got heritage, food, pubs, walks and attractions nearby, but without the constant buzz of Kilkenny City itself.

The pros and cons to staying here

• The pros: Excellent location close to many of the best things to do in Kilkenny. Good mix of pubs, cafes, attractions and accommodation. Easier pace than Kilkenny City
• The cons: Accommodation can book out well in advance when weddings or events are taking place at nearby Mount Juliet Estate

Recommended accommodation

• Budget: The Green Door Cottage
• Mid-range: The Tower House B&B
• Upper-end: Mount Juliet Estate

4. Inistioge

If someone asked you to picture the postcard version of rural Ireland that films and TV shows lean on time and time again, there’s a good chance it’d look a lot like Inistioge.

Set along the River Nore in south Kilkenny, the village is entered via a striking 10-arch stone bridge before the road climbs gently towards a tidy tree-lined square framed by old stone buildings and colourful facades.

The village itself has a long history stretching back to Viking times, and parts of the old medieval settlement still survive today. There’s a nice balance to Inistioge.

It feels peaceful and rural, but there’s enough happening between the pubs, cafes and nearby attractions (Woodstock Gardens nearby, Jerpoint Abbey and more) to keep you busy for a couple of days.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Kilkenny that’ll treat you to a side of Ireland that many miss, look no further than Inistioge.

The pros and cons to staying here

• The pros: One of the prettiest villages in Kilkenny. Beautiful riverside setting and close to several major attractions
• The cons: Very limited accommodation and dining options due to the village’s size

Recommended accommodation

• Budget: None
• Mid-range: Woodstock Arms
• Upper-end: None

Now you know the best places to stay in Kilkenny, here’s what to do

The map above comes from my Kilkenny itinerary guide – in a nutshell, it’s a very handy way to spend a weekend in and around the city.

It packs in all of the city’s main attractions in a very easy-going manner that’s never too rushed. Enjoy!