Overview
Nestled in the heart of Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile, Kyteler’s Inn is a living piece of Irish history. The stone‑walled building, whose lower story may date to the 13th‑14th century, houses four distinct bars across three floors. It is famed for its traditional Irish music, hearty home‑cooked fare, and the lingering legend of Dame Alice Kyteler – Ireland’s most notorious alleged witch. Whether you’re a history buff, a music lover, or simply after a pint of locally brewed Kilkenny draught, the inn offers a uniquely immersive Kilkenny experience.
History
The inn’s origins are tangled with the Kyteler family, who owned property on what is now St Kieran’s Street in the early 1300s. Dame Alice de Kyteler, a wealthy merchant‑woman, was accused of witchcraft, heresy and murder in 1324; her dramatic trial is one of the earliest European cases linking witchcraft to demonic pacts. While Alice never actually ran the inn, the medieval undercroft beneath the present building is believed to date from her era, and the site has been an inn since 1639.
A major restoration in the late 1960s uncovered original stone walls and medieval roof timbers, and the courtyard was blessed with water from St Kieran’s Well in 1967. In 1986 the inn was purchased by the Flynn family, who stripped away later plaster to reveal the historic stonework and revived the venue as a centre for traditional music. In 2012 it won the national award for Best Music Bar in Ireland.
What to See & Do
| Experience | Description | Duration | Price (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whiskey Tasting | Sample four 20 cl pours of Irish whiskey, hear the stories behind each dram, and learn about the inn’s own small‑batch Kyteler’s Irish Whiskey (Bourbon‑cask matured). | 45 min | €30 – €100 (tiered) |
| Irish Coffee Workshop | Learn the secret of a perfect Irish coffee, enjoy a tasting, and receive a small gift to take home. | 45 min | From €15 + booking fee |
| Group Lunches | Choose the historic Tavern or the Tudor‑style Medieval Hall for a 2‑ or 3‑course menu, ideal for parties of 15‑120. | 45 min – 1 hr | €29.50 – €35 |
| Musical Pub Dining | Set‑menu dinner with live traditional musicians and optional Irish dance performances. | 1.5 – 2 hr | From €40 |
| Pour‑Your‑Own‑Pint | Guided behind‑the‑bar session where you pour your own Guinness or Kilkenny draught. | 3 min (plus drinking time) | Free (group minimum applies) |
Food & Drink
Kyteler’s kitchen works closely with local producers. Highlights include:
- The “Banger” – a pork sausage infused with Guinness and leek, crafted by butcher Michael Mullins.
- Bacon & Cabbage, Irish Stew, and the ever‑popular Vol au Vent.
- Kyteler’s Irish Red “Witches Brew” – a creamy 3.8 % ABV ale brewed by O’Haras and named after Alice Kyteler.
- A rotating selection of Kilkenny‑brew beers, Smithwick’s, Harp lager, and Guinness.
Live Music & Atmosphere
During the high season (May‑September) the inn hosts nightly traditional sessions. The schedule is:
- Mon‑Thu – music starts at 8:00 pm.
- Fri‑Sun – two sets, 6:30 pm and 10:00 pm, each featuring a different local duo or band. The sessions are free, and the intimate stone‑vaulted undercroft provides an atmospheric backdrop that feels both historic and lively.
Ghostly Tales
Visitors often report cold spots, flickering lights, and the sensation of being watched. Some attribute these phenomena to the spirit of Petronilla de Meath, the maid who was burned at the stake in 1324, while others claim to feel the lingering presence of Alice herself. A rumored 2006 séance in the undercroft allegedly caused all candles to extinguish simultaneously – a story that adds an extra shiver to the night.
Nearby Attractions
Kyteler’s Inn sits within easy walking distance of several of Kilkenny’s top sights:
- Kilkenny Castle – a short 6‑minute stroll across the River Nore.
- Rothe House – a 5‑minute walk, offering medieval history and craft workshops.
- Black Abbey – a 7‑minute walk to the historic Dominican friary with stunning stained‑glass windows.
- The bustling Medieval Mile itself, where you can explore craft shops, street performers and other historic pubs.
Family Friendly & Visitor Tips
- Kids welcome – the ground‑floor bar is child‑friendly, and the lively music sessions are suitable for all ages.
- Booking – while entry is free, it’s advisable to book ahead for group lunches, whiskey tastings or the musical dinner experience, especially during peak season.
- Wi‑Fi – free Wi‑Fi is available in the ground‑floor bar area.
- Dress code – casual attire is appropriate; sturdy shoes are recommended for the stone steps.
Practical Information
- Address: St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny City, R95 RP40, Ireland – a 6‑minute walk from Kilkenny Castle and the centre of the Medieval Mile.
- Opening Hours:
- Bar food: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (daily)
- Live music (high season): see schedule above.
- Admission: Free entry; no cover charge for music sessions.
- Reservations: Recommended for group experiences (especially lunches, musical dining, and whiskey tastings) which can accommodate parties from 4 up to 120 guests. Book via the Experience page or the embedded FareHarbor links.
- Accessibility: Ground‑floor bar is wheelchair accessible; historic stone staircases to the upper bars and undercroft may be challenging for those with limited mobility.
- Parking: Limited on‑street parking is available on St Kieran’s Street; most visitors arrive on foot from the city centre or by public transport.
- Contact: Use the Contact Us form on the website for large groups or private events.
Getting There
Kyteler’s Inn sits on the pedestrian‑friendly Medieval Mile, easily reachable on foot from Kilkenny’s main attractions (Castle, St Canice’s Cathedral, Rothe House). If you’re travelling by car, the nearest car park is the Kilkenny City Car Park a few minutes’ walk away. Public transport options include the Kilkenny Bus Station (city centre) and MacDonagh Train Station, both within a 10‑minute walk.