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.
Relish local and international craft brews at the Brewery Corner. Not only does the brewpub have a variety of local craft brews on tap, but Brewery Corner also hosts live music events by local artists. The nights where there are no performances scheduled, the energy level of this pub is still kept high by the in-house or visiting DJs. There is also a wide-ranging variety of food served throughout the day for patrons who begin to feel the hunger pangs after a while. If you are looking for a fun-filled night, head to Brewery Corner for a great time.
When it comes to a creative gastronomy, Rive Gauche brings an eclectic menu. All the ingredients are locally sourced and passionately cooked to serve the most flavourful dishes, with impeccable presentation. What's more, French and Irish kitchens combine to create delicious food-the Coquille St Jacques, Cote de Beouf, Poached Chicken Breast and Apricot Stuffed Half Duckling, to name a few. There's an elaborate wine menu to go with the food. The ambiance is classy and the service is recommendable.
Billy Byrnes brings an intimate, cozy ambience that was an essence of Irish pubs traditionally. The rustic but flamboyant decor is amazing to enjoy the local craft beers and some finger food. They also serve coffee, hot drinks and beers from around the world. There's also an innovative bus-turned-restaurant called the Bula Bus, that gets a street food vibe and serves fast food cuisines of the world. Billy Byrnes has got a beautiful beer garden seating where smoking is allowed and there's a fireplace.
Popular with locals, Tholsel Bar is great for tourists and travelers seeking a haven from the bustle of High Street. Unassuming from the outside, the cool wooden interior and stained-glass at the back of the pub make add to its small, cozy atmosphere. The pub has the relaxed air of a family business, where the staff seem to know all their customers. Naturally, the pints are good, and they serve a very reasonable toasted sandwich when the ingredients are on hand. An unpretentious, basic and thoroughly decent pub.