Kyteler's Inn
Step into medieval Ireland at Kyteler's Inn, a historic pub famed for its witch legends and lively traditional music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music and lively atmosphere
Kyteler's Inn
Best Time
Live music and lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into medieval Ireland at Kyteler's Inn, a historic pub famed for its witch legends and lively traditional music.
"A must-see for its medieval charm, spooky tales, and fantastic live Irish music!"
🎯 Book the Cavern Tour
Don't miss the underground tour for a deep dive into Alice Kyteler's story and potential ghost sightings!
🎶 Enjoy the Live Music
Experience authentic Irish tunes nightly; it's a highlight for many visitors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Medieval Ambiance
Main Bar Area
Stone walls, beamed ceilings, and cozy nooks create an authentic medieval pub experience.
Alice Kyteler's Legend
Underground Cavern Tour
Uncover the chilling history of Ireland's first accused witch and the inn's spectral tales.
Live Irish Music
Main Stage/Bar
Experience the vibrant heart of Irish culture with nightly performances by talented musicians.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Medieval Atmosphere
Witchcraft and Whispers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book the Cavern Tour
Don't miss the underground tour for a deep dive into Alice Kyteler's story and potential ghost sightings!
🎶 Enjoy the Live Music
Experience authentic Irish tunes nightly; it's a highlight for many visitors. 
💰 Pay at the Bar
Remember to head to the side of the bar to settle your bill.
🍽️ Delicious Fish & Chips
Many rave about the fish and chips – a must-try for a comforting meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book the Cavern Tour
Don't miss the underground tour for a deep dive into Alice Kyteler's story and potential ghost sightings!
🎶 Enjoy the Live Music
Experience authentic Irish tunes nightly; it's a highlight for many visitors.
💰 Pay at the Bar
Remember to head to the side of the bar to settle your bill.
🍽️ Delicious Fish & Chips
Many rave about the fish and chips – a must-try for a comforting meal.
⏳ Arrive Early for Seats
Especially for live music nights, securing a good spot can be competitive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kyteler's Inn is celebrated for its authentic medieval atmosphere and the captivating legend of Alice Kyteler, offering a unique historical experience. Visitors often praise the delicious food, particularly the fish and chips, and the lively nightly Irish music. While the ambiance and historical tours are highlights, some guests have noted that service can be slow during busy periods.
"Loved this place and the food is good. We ordered the fish & chips and the breaded fillet of chicken (I asked for the gravy on the side). The food was warm/hot and it was comforting.
I think this the place you want to go if you want a tasty/quick meal and feel like you travelled through time. Loved the theme of the restaurant and the history.
All the servers were so nice and our food was quick. They had the restaurant full and we felt like everything went smoothly.
For the bill you have to get up and go to the side of the bar, that's where you'll pay."
Patrícia Matos
"A huge thank you to JD Flynn and Kytelers Inn for a fantastic Irish coffee making class today! Best Irish coffee we’ve ever had! JD is a great storyteller, and not only did we enjoy the Irish coffee making class, but we were also given an underground cavern tour, history and story of Dame Alice and Petronella which brought historic Kilkenny to life. We may have even seen a spirit or two 👻 🐈⬛. Don’t miss this amazing stop during your visit to Kilkenny. Book early, it’s sure to be a sellout."
Jennifer M
"We visited Kytelers Inn during our trip to Kilkenny. The food was genuinely good, flavorful and well prepared, and the historic atmosphere added a nice touch to the experience. However, the service really let the visit down. It was incredibly difficult to get our waiter’s attention for drink refills or even to ask for the check. I understand that service in Europe tends to be more hands off, but this was by far the worst we experienced during our two weeks in Ireland. Unfortunately, it left a sour note on what could have been a great meal."
Gee Zona
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kyteler's Inn is centrally located in Kilkenny city, making it easily accessible on foot if you're already in the city center. If arriving by car, look for public parking facilities nearby. For those traveling from further afield, Kilkenny is well-connected by bus and train services from major Irish cities like Dublin.
While the main bar area is generally accessible, the historic nature of the building, especially the underground cavern, may present challenges for wheelchair users. It's advisable to contact the inn directly to inquire about specific accessibility for tours and dining areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Kyteler's Inn for dining and enjoying the atmosphere is generally free. However, for special events like the 'over 30s club' or the Irish coffee making class, booking in advance is highly recommended as they can sell out.
Kyteler's Inn typically opens daily, with hours often extending late into the evening to accommodate live music and dining. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially around holidays.
The underground cavern tour, which delves into the history of Alice Kyteler, is often offered as part of an experience, such as the Irish coffee making class, or may have a separate small fee. It's a popular attraction, so booking ahead is advised.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Kyteler's Inn serves traditional Irish pub fare. Popular dishes include their highly-rated fish and chips, breaded chicken fillet, and comforting meals. They also offer a good selection of drinks, including local beers like Smithwick's and Kilkenny.
While the menu focuses on traditional Irish dishes, it's always a good idea to inquire about vegetarian or vegan options upon arrival or when booking. Pubs are increasingly offering plant-based choices.
Service can be a mixed bag. While many reviewers praise the friendly and efficient staff, some have noted difficulties in getting their waiter's attention, especially during busy periods. Paying the bill requires going to the side of the bar.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the medieval charm of the stone interiors, the lively atmosphere during live music, and any historical artifacts. The underground cavern also offers a unique, atmospheric backdrop for photos.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Kyteler's Inn for personal memories. However, always be respectful of other patrons and performers, and avoid flash photography during live music sets or if it might disturb others.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, evenings can become quite lively with live music, which might be overwhelming for very young children. The underground cavern tour could be a bit spooky for some kids, so gauge their comfort level. It's advisable to visit earlier in the day for a more family-oriented experience.
👻 Ghost Hunters & History Buffs
Many visitors report feeling a unique atmosphere and some even claim to have experienced spectral encounters. The inn's long history, dating back to 1324, means there are layers of stories to uncover, making it a prime destination for anyone interested in Ireland's darker folklore and medieval past.
🎶 Music Lovers
+2The lively atmosphere created by the music is infectious and provides a fantastic backdrop for enjoying a meal or a drink. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the vibrant spirit of Kilkenny. Check their schedule for specific acts or festivals like Kilkenny Tradfest.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Alice Kyteler
Despite being found guilty, Alice mysteriously vanished before her execution, leading to speculation that she escaped or perhaps even transformed into a cat. Her alleged accomplice, Bishop de Ledrede, played a significant role in her trial. This dark and intriguing history adds a layer of mystique to the inn, with many visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of her spectral presence.
The inn embraces this legend, offering an underground cavern tour that delves into the historical context and the supernatural tales surrounding Alice Kyteler. This experience is a major draw for those interested in history, folklore, and the paranormal, making Kyteler's Inn more than just a pub – it's a portal to a chilling past.
Experiencing Live Irish Music
+2The music typically starts in the evening and creates a warm, convivial environment. Whether you're enjoying a meal, a pint, or just soaking in the ambiance, the music adds an undeniable energy to the inn. It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local scene and witness the passion and skill of Irish performers.
+1For those looking to truly connect with the local music scene, events like the Kilkenny Tradfest often feature performances at Kyteler's Inn, showcasing both established and emerging artists. This ensures that even during non-festival times, the promise of authentic Irish music remains a constant draw.
Dining and Drinks at Kyteler's
Beyond the food, the inn is a great place to enjoy a pint of local brews, such as Smithwick's or Kilkenny beer, which perfectly complement the hearty meals. The historic setting enhances the dining experience, making it feel like a journey back in time.
While the food and atmosphere are generally well-received, some visitors have pointed out that service can be slow or inattentive during peak hours. It's also worth noting that payment is typically handled at the side of the bar rather than at the table.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit