Immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere of Rafter'S Gastropub, where medieval Kilkenny Castle meets modern comfort. Enjoy a rooftop view, indulge in full breakfast at the on-site restaurant, and unwind with games or barbecue grills. The helpful staff has earned top marks from previous guests.
4 Friary Street, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny, R95 VY62
What's nearby
Kilkenny Castle - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Butler House - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
St. Canice's Cathedral - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
St. Lukes General Hospital - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
The Hub - 5 min drive - 3.8 km
Getting around
Dublin Airport (DUB) - 94 min drive
Kilkenny Station - 12 min walk
Bagenalstown Station - 20 min drive
Thomastown Station - 29 min drive
Restaurants
Left Bank - 2 min walk
Lanigan's Bar & Restaurant - 3 min walk
The Field Bar & Restaurant - 2 min walk
Zuni Restaurant & Townhouse - 3 min walk
Caffé500 - 2 min walk
About this property
Rafter'S Gastropub
Rafter'S Gastropub features a rooftop terrace and puts you within a 5-minute walk of Kilkenny Castle. You can unwind with a drink at the bar/lounge, and the restaurant is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat. Other features include a snack bar/deli, a terrace, and a garden. Fellow travelers say good things about the helpful staff and breakfast.
Languages
English
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
16 rooms
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 11:30 AM
Contactless check-out available
DONE
Special check-in instructions
There is no front desk at this property
The host will greet guests on arrival
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Pets
Pets not allowed
Service animals welcome
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
No onsite parking
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free full breakfast each morning 8:30 AM–10:30 AM
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Coffee/tea in a common area
Barbecue grills
Room service
Snack bar/deli
What to do
Pool table
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Services
Laundry facilities
Free newspapers in lobby
Luggage storage
Facilities
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Rooftop terrace
Garden
Television in common areas
Arcade/game room
Room amenities
Be entertained
Flat-screen television
Home comfort
Heating
Iron/ironing board (on request)
Sleep well
Blackout drapes/curtains
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower only
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Free WiFi
More
Daily housekeeping
Special features
Dining
Onsite venue - This pub specializes in Irish cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Fees & policies
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Cashless transactions are available.
Also known as
Rafter Dempsey's
Rafter Dempsey's Inn
Rafter Dempsey's Inn Kilkenny
Rafter Dempsey's Kilkenny
Rafter Dempsey's House Kilkenny
Rafter Dempsey's House
The Rafter Dempsey's Guesthouse
Rafter Dempsey's Guesthouse Kilkenny
Rafter Dempsey's Guesthouse
The Rafter Dempsey's
RAFTER'S GASTROPUB Kilkenny
RAFTER'S GASTROPUB Guesthouse
RAFTER'S GASTROPUB Guesthouse Kilkenny
Frequently asked questions
Does Rafter'S Gastropub offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Rafter'S Gastropub does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Rafter'S Gastropub?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at Rafter'S Gastropub?
Sorry, there's no onsite parking at Rafter'S Gastropub.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Rafter'S Gastropub?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:30 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Rafter'S Gastropub and nearby?
Have fun during the warmer months with activities nearby such as hiking. Enjoy amenities like an arcade and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Rafter'S Gastropub?
Yes, there's an onsite restaurant that offers Irish cuisine.
What's the area around Rafter'S Gastropub like?
Rafter'S Gastropub is a short 5-minute walk from Kilkenny Castle and 6 minutes' walk from Smithwick's Brewery Tour.
Have a question?
AI iconBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Rafter'S Gastropub Reviews
Reviews
7.8
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.2/10
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Staff & service
8.0/10
Amenities
7.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.2/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Room
Service staff
Breakfast
Location
Pub
Food
Family friendly
Bar
Ambience
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Feb 3, 2025
Great location and place to stay
Lovely homely place to stay. Room for three was large, warm and beds comfortable. Full tasty Irish breakfast included. Location right in the center of Killkenny.
Anna
Anna, 2-night trip
4/10 Poor
Aug 20, 2024
Staff were friendly, Breakfast was good,location was good
Peter
Peter, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Apr 26, 2024
Great place to stay central to the castle and friendly staff
Manuela
Manuela, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
May 5, 2025
We enjoyed our stay. It is a lively part of town, and we were there during the Music Festival. There was some maintenance to be done, and I have privately messaged the owner in hopes it is can be fixed so others do not have the same problem.
Sandra
Sandra, 2-night trip
8/10 Good
Jun 17, 2025
Cute convenient location above the pub. Had great entertainment that evening with live music. Food was delicious at the pub. No parking on site. The parking garage next door does not allow for parking over night. We parked .5 miles down the road at a parking lot. Beds we a little lumpy but the location was ideal
Beth
Beth, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 15, 2025
We stayed at Rafter's for our first night in Ireland, and it was a great start to the trip. The location was perfect, only about a five minute walk to Kilkenny Castle. Gerry was an awesome host, he made us feel so welcome and even invited my mother-in-law behind the bar to make an Irish coffee to compete with his. After dinner, we had a drink at the pub and there was live music; it only played until 9:30, so it didn't keep us from sleeping! The breakfast was included and there were many options, all amazing and made fresh. Would recommend to anyone looking for a more authentic Kilkenny experience.
Brian
Brian, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Jul 15, 2022
Great staff and nice breakfast.
James
James, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 31, 2024
We loved our stay here! Great dinner and breakfast, we got to enjoy live music, and the staff is so friendly. Comfy room upstairs too. Would definitely stay here again.
Sarah
Sarah, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Sep 11, 2024
Great location. Breakfast was good. Close to many tourist sites
Pierre
Pierre, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Apr 28, 2024
Great place to stay in the heart of Kilkenny! Jerry is a great host, food is as good as anywhere, breakfasts are top!
Anthony
Anthony, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
May 22, 2023
Really cool place to stay. Close to everything a very friendly staff
Charlie
Charlie, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Sep 15, 2024
Great location in the centre of the town, rooms basic but well kept and clean. Good breakfast in the morning.
Caroline
Caroline, 1-night trip
6/10 Okay
Jun 11, 2025
Wasn’t happy with rooms.
Ellen
Ellen, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 29, 2024
Fantastic place. Musiciannij the pub was excellent
Eamonn
Eamonn, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Sep 11, 2023
Staff was very friendly.
Nader
Nader, 2-night trip
8/10 Good
Aug 20, 2024
Great location! Easy to walk anywhere!
Teresa
Teresa, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
May 7, 2024
Thanks for being such a great staff. Wonderful breakfast as well.
sandy
sandy, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Oct 21, 2024
Close to shops
Deanna
Deanna, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Oct 9, 2023
This place is great! Jerry is a wonderful hosts and we’re glad we met him and stayed here…their fish and chips is as good as anywhere else in Ireland…loved it!
Anthony
Anthony, 1-night trip
6/10 Okay
Apr 23, 2025
We had one night here. The wifi was down which makes life tough when traveling. The room was big. It was mostly clean. Some stains on the carpet. The breakfast was good and staff were nice. Not too noisy but it was a week night. Good shower and hot water/pressure
Elizabeth
Elizabeth, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Oct 11, 2023
Friendly staff.
Nancy
Nancy, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 14, 2024
Fun spot in the middle of everything
Kristine
Kristine, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Sep 11, 2024
Pub stay
The food was delicious. Had lunch and included breakfast. Real pub with good atmosphere. Room very clean.
Timothy
Timothy, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Jul 27, 2024
Basic amenities. Friendly staff, fine to sleep in.