You won't have to be a drinker to be tempted to enter the Marble City, and the magnificent exterior might well be familiar from the plethora of Irish pub front posters that have appeared of late. Once lured inside you won't be disappointed, as the interior décor is of a like standard. Bar food is available, but the emphasis is on quality liquor and lively discourse. A charming and marvelous pub!
As simple, unpretentious and unmistakably Irish as a pint of stout, Andrew Ryan's is always a pleasure to visit. Forget the theme pubs, here's the genuine article: traditional music sessions reverberate through the pleasant wooden interior on weekend nights. What's more, its situation on Friary Street makes it an ideal place to start or finish a day's drinking. In a city spoiled for choice with pubs, Ryan's can proudly hold its own.
This is a rough-and-ready local and is obviously a popular spot for viewing sport on the television. There are no frills, not even to the extent of sandwiches being available. The main visual focus inside is on a number of impressive oil paintings. And yes, of course, they are on a sporting theme. "Homage" depicts a young hurler, barely out of short pants, receiving instruction at the knee of an old veteran. The picture is a pretty exact rendition of what tradition means in Kilkenny. O'Gormans also features traditional music occasionally at weekends from "the Two Paddies".
This two-room establishment caters in the main to a fairly regular local crowd, but visitors should certainly feel welcome. Both rooms are quite long with little difference between them, except there's a good pool table in one of them. The pictures of hurling teams on the walls show where the regulars' interests lie and provide a good conversational starting point. The quality of the beer is beyond reproach, and could be tested during a shopping expedition on the busy High Street.
Phelan's is a cool dark pub much favored by an older, local crowd. It is well-located for a quiet pint before or after theatre performances in the Watergate. Its perfection as a spot for an afternoon pint and chat is added to by the soft red light coming through the stained-glass front windows. The barman often lines up some quiet jazz to add to the relaxed ambiance.
Syd's pub, as it is locally known, is a pleasant little haven from the bustle of Kilkenny Castle and Rose Inn Street. It was established in 1833 and retains a certain old-world atmosphere thanks in part to the wooden interior and the half-door. When you enter on a sunny day, it can take a minute or two to adjust to the sudden darkness. There is a small pool room, a television and central heating, and free newspapers are provided, which is always a good sign. There are a couple of rooms available, and some good soup and sandwiches on offer.
As simple, unpretentious and unmistakably Irish as a pint of stout, Andrew Ryan's is always a pleasure to visit. Forget the theme pubs, here's the genuine article: traditional music sessions reverberate through the pleasant wooden interior on weekend nights. What's more, its situation on Friary Street makes it an ideal place to start or finish a day's drinking. In a city spoiled for choice with pubs, Ryan's can proudly hold its own.
This is a rough-and-ready local and is obviously a popular spot for viewing sport on the television. There are no frills, not even to the extent of sandwiches being available. The main visual focus inside is on a number of impressive oil paintings. And yes, of course, they are on a sporting theme. "Homage" depicts a young hurler, barely out of short pants, receiving instruction at the knee of an old veteran. The picture is a pretty exact rendition of what tradition means in Kilkenny. O'Gormans also features traditional music occasionally at weekends from "the Two Paddies".
This two-room establishment caters in the main to a fairly regular local crowd, but visitors should certainly feel welcome. Both rooms are quite long with little difference between them, except there's a good pool table in one of them. The pictures of hurling teams on the walls show where the regulars' interests lie and provide a good conversational starting point. The quality of the beer is beyond reproach, and could be tested during a shopping expedition on the busy High Street.
Phelan's is a cool dark pub much favored by an older, local crowd. It is well-located for a quiet pint before or after theatre performances in the Watergate. Its perfection as a spot for an afternoon pint and chat is added to by the soft red light coming through the stained-glass front windows. The barman often lines up some quiet jazz to add to the relaxed ambiance.
Syd's pub, as it is locally known, is a pleasant little haven from the bustle of Kilkenny Castle and Rose Inn Street. It was established in 1833 and retains a certain old-world atmosphere thanks in part to the wooden interior and the half-door. When you enter on a sunny day, it can take a minute or two to adjust to the sudden darkness. There is a small pool room, a television and central heating, and free newspapers are provided, which is always a good sign. There are a couple of rooms available, and some good soup and sandwiches on offer.
Located across the road from the Kilkenny Cineplex, Brennan's is an ideal for a drink before or after a movie. It runs over two floors, and has a cosy slightly warren-like atmosphere. There is a nice pool room, regular live music and a fireplace to sit near on winter evenings. In the summer, visitors can enjoy the sun on tables out the back. There's no food served here, but Brennan's is a quality, unpretentious family pub nonetheless.