Favorite Places to Stay — Kilkenny

Photos: (Upper left) Horses graze at Mount Juliet Hotel, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, with hotel main house on hill among the trees in background; Kilkenny River Court, Kilkenny City; (lower right) Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny City; and Fanad House Guesthouse, Kilkenny City.

Kilkenny Hotels

Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel, 1 Ormonde St., Kilkenny; tel. 056-777-1888, fax 056-777-1877, e-mail: info@kilkennyhibernianhotel.com. How would you like to overnight in a bank? You can do it in Kilkenny, thanks to the rejuvenation of the Hibernian Bank in the heart of the medieval city. The former commercial building has been gracefully transformed into a city centre lodging. The original bank building has been retained, with its three-story façade of elaborate carved stonework and high-ceilinged public areas of rich Georgian décor and furnishings. The hotel offers a total of 40 guestrooms, including 9 in the original building and 31 in a newer 4-story wing. Guest facilities include two bars and a restaurant, plus access to garage car parking across the street. Best of all, the location is just a few steps from the Grand Parade or the shopping areas of High St. and Patrick St. Closed: 24-26 December. €€ to €€€  

Web Site: www.kilkennyhibernianhotel.com

Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, Ormonde St., Kilkenny, tel. 056-772-3900, fax 056-772-3977, e-mail: info@kilkennyormonde.com. Nestled on a quiet street in the heart of the city, this is a modern 5-story built-from-scratch property with a décor of light woods, bold colors, floor-to-ceiling windows, quilted fabrics, and locally crafted fixtures and art. The 118 contemporary-style guestrooms are touted as the largest in town including 6 penthouse suites. Facilities include a business centre, restaurant, two bars, and garden lounge, plus use of the Kilkenny Ormonde Leisure Club (opposite the hotel) with indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna, fitness centre and exercise studio, and access to the parking garage across the street. Closed 24-26 December. €€ to €€€€     Web Site:  www.kilkennyormonde.com

Kilkenny River Court Hotel, The Bridge, John St., Kilkenny City, tel. 056-772-3388; fax 056-772-3389; e-mail: reservations@kilrivercourt.com. Opened in 1999, this hotel is in the heart of Kilkenny, set in its own courtyard with ample parking, yet within easy walking distance to all attractions. Besides its ace location, no expense has been spared in the public areas — marble floors and columns, marble staircase, Waterford chandelier and wall sconces, Georgian-style furnishings, and even a medieval suit of armor. There is much emphasis on floor-to-ceiling windows, to show off marvelous views of the river and castle, and to add brightness to the soft pastel décor. The 96 guest rooms are spacious and similarly well-appointed with all modern comforts. Facilities include a riverfront restaurant and bar, plus a leisure centre with indoor pool, Jacuzzi, whirlpool, steam room, gym, and beauty salon. Closed: 24-26 December. € to €€€€    Web site: www.kilrivercourt.com

Lyrath Estate Hotel, Dublin Road, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny, tel. 056-776-0088, fax 056-776-0089, email: info@lyrath.com. A winding tree-lined drive leads to the entrance of this newly developed hotel, set amid 170 acres of gardens and woodlands about two miles from the city centre. The core of the hotel is a restored 17^th century house, with marble and polished wood floors, an indoor fountain and seven fireplaces on the ground floor alone.  The lobby, three stories high, is crowned with a glass ceiling which lets natural light shine in over the antique furnishings, a quartet of Roman-style statues, paintings, tree-size plants, and wrought iron street lamps. The 137 guest rooms, which are all in a purpose-built five-story contemporary wing, are everything you could hope for – including a three-part bathroom, with separate sections for toilet, stand-alone power shower and vanity area with double sinks, and a huge soaking tub. Standard equipment includes plasma TV, mini-refrigerator, air conditioning and more.  The room key is an innovative plastic card that you don’t even have to put in a slot on the door - just hold the key in front of the door lock and the lock reads the card electronically and flashes a green light which means you can then open the handle. They have thought of everything here, and consequently it is very popular with the curious and newly rich Irish clientele. Facilities include a contemporary Garden Restaurant, a Thai restaurant, Tupper’s Bar with conservatory seating, and a spa with indoor/outdoor hydro pool. 2- and 3-night midweek packages offer moderate rates. €€ to €€€€. Web site: www.lyrath.com

Mount Juliet, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, tel. 056-777-3000; fax 056-777-3019; e-mail: info@mountjuliet.ie. Originally a private home and estate, this 4-star resort hotel incorporates the Ballylinch Stud Farm and acres of grazing fields, home to some of Ireland's finest thoroughbreds and to the Iris Kellett equestrian centre. Even if you are not a horse buff, you'll find lots to do — from playing on an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus championship golf course and fishing for salmon and trout on a 1.5 mile-stretch of the River Nore, to tennis, archery, cycling, swimming in the indoor pool at the leisure centre, and walking around the 1,500-acre estate or the adjacent country town, 10 miles south of Kilkenny City. The 59 rooms are divided between the 18th century main house and a cluster of contemporary sporting lodges. €€€ to €€€€€      Web site:  www.mountjuliet.ie

Newpark Hotel, Castlecomer Rd., Kilkenny City; tel. 056-776-0500; fax 056-776-0555; e-mail: info@newparkhotel.com. Even though it sits about a mile out of the city, the 3-star Newpark has always been a favored place for locals and visitors because of its friendly ambiance and high standards. It has doubled in size in recent years, growing to 130 modern guest rooms, plus expanded dining/bar facilities and a huge leisure centre with 52-ft. pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, and gym. The 40 acres of grounds include ample parking and lovely gardens. €€ to €€€€    Web Site:  www.newparkhotel.com

The Pembroke Hotel, Patrick St., Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny, tel. 056-778-3500; e-mail: reception@pembrokehotel.com. Situated in the heart of Kilkenny, with views of the castle and gardens from some rooms, this brand new hotel opened in March of 2007, a sister property to the successful Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, less than one block away. It  offers 74 fully air conditioned guest  rooms (choice of double, twin and family rooms), each with flat screen TV, tea/coffee-maker, garment press, iron and ironing board, and internet access. Facilities include an in-house cafe/bar and wine bar, as well as complimentary use of the Ormonde’s car parking garage, and leisure centre with swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room and children’s pool. Rates on weekdays are less than weekends. Closed: 24-26 December.  € to €€€. Web site: www.pembrokekilkenny.com

Kilkenny Guesthouses & B&B Homes

Butler Court, Patrick St., Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny, tel. 056-776-1178; e-mail: info@butlercourt.com. For prime location at an affordable price, this guesthouse stands out. Appropriate to its name, it is found inside a gated courtyard, along one of Kilkenny’s main streets. The 10 guest rooms (6 on the ground floor), accessible by electronic key, are modern with king-size or twin beds, cherry wood floor, TV, hair dryer, mini-refrigerator and complimentary WiFi internet access. It’s quiet and cozy, almost like being at home with medieval charm. Hosts John & Yvonne Dalton (pictured right at entrance) are always on the scene and extend a warm welcome as well as a complimentary continental breakfast. €€ Web site:www.butlercourt.com

Butler House, Patrick St., Kilkenny City; tel. 056-776-5707; fax 056-776-5626; e-mail: res@butler.ie. Built as a dower house for Kilkenny Castle in 1770, this 4-star old-world guesthouse is a favorite place for honeymooners and travelers seeking a romantic setting. The front of the house faces Patrick St., with all of the convenience of being in the center of the city, while the back windows look out onto beautifully restored garden, walkways, and the Kilkenny Castle stables craft complex, backed by the castle. Fully restored and transformed into a guesthouse over 30 years ago, the house offers 13 rooms and suites with a mix of contemporary and period décor. Closed: 24-29 December.  €€ to €€€  Web site:  www.butler.ie

Fanad House, Castle Rd., Kilkenny City; tel. 056-776-4126; fax 056- 775-6001; e-mail: fanadhouse@hotmail.com. One of the newest guesthouses in Kilkenny, this purpose-built house sits on the edge of the city opposite the grounds of Kilkenny Castle. It is surrounded by residential homes so your room window is likely to look out on a neighboring back yard or front lawn. However, lack of scenic views is compensated for by an enclosed private parking area and being within walking distance to the center of the city and next to the local tennis club. The 8 guestrooms are of generous size and contemporary in décor. € to €€€   Web Site:  www.fanadhouse.com

Waterside, The Quay, Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny; tel. 059-972-4246; fax 059-972-4733; e-mail: info@watersideguesthouse,com. Housed in a 19th century granary with authentic dark wood beam ceilings, paned windows, and an imposing granite façade, this 3-star guesthouse sits beside the River Barrow, in the heart of a rural river town at the foot of Brandon Hill. You'll feel right at home as you step inside this brightly decorated and lovingly restored building, owned and operated by Brian Roberts and family. The 10 guest rooms, all of which have river views, blend classic ambiance with modern amenities. Facilities include a restaurant, named as one of Ireland's "Top 100" — an attraction in itself. Best of all, this guesthouse is located in Graiguenamanagh, one of the most appealing "undiscovered" river towns in Ireland. Once you check in, you may want to stay forever. Closed:  Month of January.  € to €€    Web site: www.watersideguesthouse.com

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