Rafter'S Gastropub

3.0 star property
Guesthouse with free breakfast, a quick walk to Kilkenny Castle

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Rafter'S Gastropub

Rooftop terrace
Family Room | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Family Room | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Front of property
Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
4 Friary Street, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny, R95 VY62
  • Kilkenny Castle
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • St. Canice's Cathedral
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • The Hub
    ‪5 min drive‬

Book today, save on your next hotel stay

It's that easy when you're a member of Orbitz Rewards. It's free to join!

Room options

Triple Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Family Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 3 Twin Beds

Double Room

  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Double or Twin Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Kilkenny

Located in Kilkenny City Centre, Rafter'S Gastropub is within a 5-minute walk of Kilkenny Castle and within 15 minutes of other popular attractions like Butler House. This 16-room, 3-star guesthouse welcomes guests with free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and a rooftop terrace.

What's nearby

  • Kilkenny Castle - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Butler House - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • St. Canice's Cathedral - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Kilkenny Golf Club - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • The Hub - 5 min drive - 2.4 miles

Getting around

  • Kilkenny Station - 12 min walk
  • Dublin Airport (DUB) - 94 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Left Bank - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Lanigans Bar - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Field - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Paris Texas Bar & Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Fig Tree Restaurant - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Rafter'S Gastropub

Guesthouse with free breakfast, a quick walk to Kilkenny Castle
Guests of Rafter'S Gastropub enjoy a rooftop terrace, free WiFi in public areas, and coffee in a common area. Staff members are on hand to provide luggage storage and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Additional amenities include an arcade/game room, free newspapers, and a terrace.
Guests can expect free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite 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 elevator

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 available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

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

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

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property 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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-11:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:30 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

Is a free cancellation option available at Rafter'S Gastropub?

Rafter'S Gastropub provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, review the cancellation policy on our site.

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

As of May 24, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rafter'S Gastropub on Jun 2, 2025 start from $182.97, excluding 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.

What's there to see close to Rafter'S Gastropub?

This guesthouse is situated in Kilkenny City Centre, just steps from Kilkenny Castle and Kilkenny Methodist Church, and within a short walk of Smithwick's Brewery Tour. You'll also find Butler House and Black Abbey less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at Rafter'S Gastropub?

No, there isn't parking at this guesthouse.

Does Rafter'S Gastropub include a casino?

No, Rafter'S Gastropub doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Rafter'S Gastropub?

No, there is no indoor pool at this guesthouse.

What do couples enjoy most about Rafter'S Gastropub?

Couples staying at this guesthouse will appreciate amenities like a bar and a restaurant plus some accommodations include city views.

Are there hot tubs at Rafter'S Gastropub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this guesthouse.

Does Rafter'S Gastropub have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Rafter'S Gastropub serves free full breakfasts each morning from its restaurant.

Will Rafter'S Gastropub allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Rafter'S Gastropub though service animals are welcome.

Does Rafter'S Gastropub have connecting rooms?

No, this guesthouse doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Rafter'S Gastropub?

No, there aren't any accommodations with balconies at Rafter'S Gastropub.

Rafter'S Gastropub Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 75 out of 193 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 63 out of 193 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 26 out of 193 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 193 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 11 out of 193 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

8/10 Good

Sandra

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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 traveler

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

Bare necessities

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deanna, Daly City

Traveled 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 traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

Donna

Traveled 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

Traveled 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 traveler

Business traveler
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 traveler

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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

8/10 Good

Alison

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Steven

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent breakfast that came with the room. Good food at the restaurant. Very centrally located , 5 minutes from the Kilkenny Castle and the River Nore. Helpful staff. There is some noise due to music from the pub downstairs and the one next door. But we were happy with our stay overall.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristine, Waveland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Fun spot in the middle of everything
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Allison

Liked: Staff & service
There is no ac so your windows are open to the street.Noise. At 6:00 am the trucks come in and unload the kegs and you right over this noise. No sleep happening. Breakfast was nice.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024