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 - 5 min walk
Butler House - 6 min walk
St. Canice's Cathedral - 10 min walk
Kilkenny Golf Club - 15 min walk
The Hub - 5 min drive
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
Lanigans Bar - 3 min walk
The Field - 2 min walk
Paris Texas Bar & Restaurant - 1 min walk
The Fig Tree Restaurant - 1 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
Hotel size
16 rooms
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
Special check-in instructions
There is no front desk at this property
The host will greet guests on arrival
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
Pets
Pets not allowed
Service animals welcome
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
No onsite parking
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.
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.
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Rafter'S Gastropub Reviews
Reviews
8.0
Very 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
7.8/10
Amenities
7.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.4/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
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 Fair
Aug 20, 2024
Staff were friendly, Breakfast was good,location was good
Peter
Peter, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
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 Exceptional
Sep 11, 2024
Great location. Breakfast was good. Close to many tourist sites
Pierre
Pierre, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
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
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 26, 2024
Great place to stay central to the castle and friendly staff
Manuela
Manuela, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 21, 2024
Close to shops
Deanna
Deanna, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 29, 2024
Fantastic place. Musiciannij the pub was excellent
Eamonn
Eamonn, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Aug 20, 2024
Great location! Easy to walk anywhere!
Teresa
Teresa, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
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
8/10 Very 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 Very good
Jul 15, 2022
Great staff and nice breakfast.
James
James, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 7, 2024
Thanks for being such a great staff. Wonderful breakfast as well.
sandy
sandy, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jul 27, 2024
Basic amenities. Friendly staff, fine to sleep in.
Laura
Laura, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 22, 2023
Really cool place to stay. Close to everything a very friendly staff
Charlie
Charlie, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 1, 2024
Owner was so friendly, kind, funny and met all our needs and expectations. Food was awesome!!! Room was clean, quiet, and comfortable. Would highly recommend staying and eating here!
Michael
Michael, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 14, 2024
Fun spot in the middle of everything
Kristine
Kristine, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 11, 2023
Staff was very friendly.
Nader
Nader, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 6, 2023
Great location & great food
Convenient location, great food--and breakfast! Easy walking distance to the Medieval Mile.
Tracy
Tracy, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
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
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 17, 2024
Wonderful Stay
Rafters was so easy to check in and the young lady checking us in was so sweet and friendly. The accommodations were so cute and comfortable. Gerry and his wife were wonderful. He allowed us to hold our luggage downstairs and was delightful to visit with. The bar was beautiful
and the lunch and breakfast was delicious. Saying again the rooms were precious and I didn’t hear any road noise with the window open.
Clean rooms and comfortable beds. The location was perfect for walking to castle and pubs. I would definitely recommend staying here.
Donna
Donna, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 25, 2024
I loved the old style of accommodation above a pub. Super charming and the staff was top notch!
Michael
Michael, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 11, 2023
Friendly staff.
Nancy
Nancy, 2-night trip
6/10 Good
Apr 17, 2024
Kilkenny stay
Extremely small bathroom and room only made to crash not very comftorable. The breakfast was outstanding.
MICHAEL
MICHAEL, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 9, 2023
We were treated like family. Our hosts were wonderful. Excellent food and atmosphere. Highly recommend!