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Rafter'S Gastropub

3.0 star property
Guesthouse with free breakfast, 5-minute walk to Kilkenny Castle

Photo gallery for Rafter'S Gastropub

Rooftop terrace
Family Room
Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner
Front of property
Reception hall

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
The current price is NZ$181
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov

Explore the area

View map
4 Friary Street, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny, R95 VY62
  • Place, Kilkenny Castle
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, St. Canice's Cathedral
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, The Hub
    ‪6 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Double or Twin Room

Double or Twin Room

Double or Twin Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Daily housekeeping
Wardrobe
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Flat-panel TV
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Daily housekeeping
Wardrobe
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Flat-panel TV
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 3 Twin Beds

View all photos for Triple Room

Triple Room

Triple Room

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Daily housekeeping
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Flat-panel TV
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double Room

Blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Daily housekeeping
Heating
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Flat-panel TV
Daily housekeeping
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Twin Room

Twin Room

Twin Room

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Daily housekeeping
Heating
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Flat-panel TV
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

About the area

Kilkenny

At Rafter'S Gastropub you'll be within just a 10-minute stroll of Kilkenny Castle and Butler House. Highlights at this guest house include free daily breakfast, a restaurant and a bar/lounge. .This smoke-free guest house offers free WiFi in public areas, a rooftop terrace and a games room. Additionally, you'll find a snack bar/deli, coffee/tea in a common area and laundry facilities. Each morning free full breakfast is offered between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM. .Sights within a 20-minute walk of this 3-property class Kilkenny City Centre guest house include St. Canice's Cathedral and Kilkenny Golf Club.
View more Guest houses in KilkennyOpens in a new window

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 - 4 min drive - 2.1 km
  • The Hub - 6 min drive - 3.8 km

Getting around

  • Kilkenny Station - 12 min walk
  • Dublin Airport (DUB) - 94 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
  • ‪Paris Texas Bar & Smokehouse - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Rafter'S Gastropub

Guesthouse with free breakfast, 5-minute walk to Kilkenny Castle
Along with a restaurant, there's a snack bar/deli on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. WiFi is free in public spaces.

A rooftop terrace, barbecue grills, and an arcade/games room are also featured at Rafter'S Gastropub.

This 3-star Kilkenny guest house is smoke free.

  • 16 guestrooms or units
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • Deli
  • Terrace on the roof
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Games room or arcade
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Rafter'S Gastropub offers 16 accommodations with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms.

Bathrooms include a shower. This Kilkenny guest house provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and an iron/ironing board can be requested.

Similar properties

Reception
Kilford Arms Hotel
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Game room
  • Breakfast available
4.2 out of 5, Very good, 765 reviews
The price is NZ$217
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Kilford Arms Hotel

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Rooftop terrace

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Food and drink

  • Room service

More

  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:30 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
The host will greet guests on arrival

Access methods

Host will greet you

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. No on-site parking is available. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

National rating

This property does not have a Ireland Tourist Board rating. For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our ratings system.

Property is 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

What is the cancellation policy at Rafter'S Gastropub?

Rafter'S Gastropub offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Rafter'S Gastropub?

As of 7 Nov 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rafter'S Gastropub on 9 Nov 2025 start from NZ$180.88, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Rafter'S Gastropub serve breakfast?

Yeah, our guests quite like the free full breakfast here! Served daily between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM, this is the place to fuel up for a day full of adventure.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Rafter'S Gastropub?

No, Rafter'S Gastropub does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Rafter'S Gastropub?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves Irish cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Rafter'S Gastropub?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:30 AM.

Are pets allowed at Rafter'S Gastropub?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Is there a golf course on site at Rafter'S Gastropub?

There isn't one on site, but Kilkenny Golf Club is a short 15-minute walk away.

Rafter'S Gastropub Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 84 out of 212 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 70 out of 212 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 28 out of 212 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 212 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 12 out of 212 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

sandra

Travelled with family
Disliked: Staff & service

Don't stay here!

The room had two bathrooms but the toilet in one didn't work and they did't fix it. There is no on-site laundry as stated in the Hotels.com description. The internet doesn't work except for local providers. Also our roaming didn't work there only outside on the street. I needed the internet so we had to leave and book another hotel. The owner is horrible and kept our $400!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Beth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Ellen

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Wasn’t happy with rooms.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Sandra

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Elizabeth

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony, Oakdale

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
3rd time guests…we really enjoy Rafters!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Bare necessities

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deanna, Daly City

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to shops
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Cynthia

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donna

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Caroline

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location in the centre of the town, rooms basic but well kept and clean. Good breakfast in the morning.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Comfortable enough room, I stayed in no 3 - didn’t hear much noise during the night but it was mid week . no bottles of water in the room- bathroom bin wasn’t emptied of tissues from the previous guest, shower had a poor out flow - ages to get hot - never got really hot either - light coming from an upstairs restaurant outside my window and people could walk past my window in an alley from a side door- curtains seemed thin - I did need 2 nights but I was glad after I only booked one night there - good breakfast in the morning though - friendly staff at check in and at breakfast next morning. Breakfast was good.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Timothy

Pub stay

The food was delicious. Had lunch and included breakfast. Real pub with good atmosphere. Room very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pierre

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location. Breakfast was good. Close to many tourist sites
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Arrived at 11pm and the place was closed and lights off. My confirmation said check in closed at 11.30pm. Tried knocking and ringing but no answer. Luckily hotels.com were helpful in relocating us else I’d have had no where to stay overnight.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Peter

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were friendly, Breakfast was good,location was good
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Teresa, Richardson

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location! Easy to walk anywhere!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

judith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eamonn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic place. Musiciannij the pub was excellent
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Laura

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Basic amenities. Friendly staff, fine to sleep in.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eliot

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great spot above a pub!

Parking was a frustrating challenge, but once that was completed getting checked in was a breeze. Be prepared for carrying bags and ascending stairs to, what are comfortable and very functional rooms. As we are in a pub district there’s a bit of the associated sounds, which was not objectionable but rather nice. This would definitely be a spot to return back too, though I pick or ask for a lower floor next time. Looking forward to some Irish breakfast in a few minutes.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024