Fantastic little bar that you would miss if you didn't know it was there. The owner was there…read moreserving pints and chatting with customers. The bar holds about ten people, cash only. There is a small garden area outback. We were lucky and got to sit in on a trad session upstairs one night. We came here several times during our week stay. Nice people and friendly atmosphere.

Our first visit was 2023 and we had a wonderful time chatting with the amazing owner. We are in…read moreKilkenny for 2 night and went back both nights. There is a lovely group of people from Canada, US, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland in attendance. There are various instruments in the pub for anyone to pick up and play which we witness which added to the charm. We will be back. If you are in Kilkenny at night seek this place out down the Alley.

Kind of sad to report, but happy to give Matt The Millers credit, for being the first pub we…read moreencountered with live Irish music before 9pm during a seven day trip around the island. We stayed in four different cities, and traveled to many more, had lunch or dinner in a variety of pubs, and most, if they had music, were playing 2000's American pop hit junk. Some of those other pubs did have live music schedules for later evening, but we were trying to get our pub experiences at lunch and then 6p-9p range each day so we could get to sleep for the next day's exploring. It's also really nice that this pub is along the water (the river through Kilkenny) and some of the seating overlooks it via window, including open windows if you like. The kitchen closes early here, even on Fridays; 8pm during our June 2026 visit, so plan around that if you are intending to get dinner. Food-wise: * Really enjoyed the beef stew; good price no complaints. * Margherita pizza is great * Caprese Salad is not expensive but pretty mediocre * Seafood Chowder was very good * Tortellini was fine for Ireland Take all the above in context with the overall Irish food scene, which is mostly average at best. These feelings are based on seven days of eating around the country, so when I'm saying the beef stew was really good, that's compared to the rest of Ireland where I had one I liked more and a few others that were not good at all. Drink pricing is on par with other tourist cities; not bad. As with most pubs, beer and liquor selection is limited outside of the extensive Irish Whiskey options. For example, two rums, one bourbon, beers were what we encountered everywhere and no deviation. Service was similar to the rest of Ireland; initial order taking and then you have to flag someone down for anything after that.

Located in downtown Kilkenny with parking near the library. My husband and I were the first ones in…read morethe pub around 4:30pm. Shortly after multiple people showed up. We got in and snagged a table in the perfect location. We started off with food. The fish and chips were amazing. The fish wasn't too breaded or oily. The piece of fish was huge! The fresh green onions and homemade tater sauce elevated the dish. We stayed at the pub until Irish music started, which was so good! Hearing the tin whistle, guitar, and beautiful Irish singing was such a treat. We enjoyed a handful of cocktails and Guinness! Very enjoyable night!

Favorite pub in Kilkenny- cozy vibes, real fireplace going, and friendly service with good food to…read morematch. We got the chicken caesar wrap, the lamb stew, and the toastie with the carrot ginger soup (special of the day)- food portions were large so I shared a little bit of everyones food. The chicken caesar wrap was very American style and tasted like home- a good sauce ratio as well. The lamb stew was nice, with the lamb being not too gamey. The sandwich was tasty along with their soup- some of my favorite pub food all trip. Great irish coffee and great Guinness near the fire.

Cleere's was recommended to us by a gentleman at the Smithwick's brewery for Monday night Irish…read moretraditional music. The Guinness beer was excellent but the coziness and traditional music just was awesome. Definitely a must on a Monday night!

This was our spot - space itself has about 3 other venues all tied in under one large room; smokers…read morearea, another pub and a wine and spirits shop but we fell in love with this spot, chatted up the bartenders and locals- caught an amazing father/son Trad Duo - they were AH-Mazing! Priced accordingly and the whisky flights and selection were out of this world Again, street parking if you find it or pay parking lots nearby.

What a delightful place! The gentleman working was knowledgeable and helpful. We popped in here…read morearound mid-day during the holidays, so we missed out on live music. Inside is warm and cozy, definitely inviting.

Popped in for a bite to eat. Live music was amazing. And staff was so attentive and quick. Food was…read morefresh and fair priced! Bruschetta was to die for. Worth the stop!

Our group of 6 had a terrific evening at Lanigan's Bar. The…read moreIrish dishes we ordered (Cottage Pie, Beef Stew) were tasty. The live band played high quality traditional Irish Music that made us feel like singing along. And the service was friendly. Recommended!

We got to Kilkenny early afternoon and needed to eat. The shopkeeper at Smithwick's was super…read morehelpful in recommending a place to eat. Kyteler's was one of them. So glad we chose this place. Immediately got a table, perused the menu, for me, I found the bangers & mashed potatoes. It was awesome, and plentiful. Almost too much. The others picked the signature dish of Vol Au Vents (open faced chicken pot pie). They loved them, cleaned their plates. All meals were hot and freshly prepared. Quite good! Again, the service was awesome, many people covering all the tables. NO waiting. The beer selection was really good. I enjoyed a Kilkenny ale, others had the O'hara's witches brew. Very Good as well. The restaurant was busy, but not noisy. Good atmosphere for eating and having a conversation. Thank you!

The ambiance was very neat as the architecture and history within the building is like nothing I…read morehave ever seen. From the moment you walk in the doors, you have to walk up steps and are greeted right at the bar. The atmosphere is cozy and the waiters are all pretty fun with the typical Irish sarcasm we have learned to smile at and join in with. The food was just okay. We had the burger and the lasagne. It was nothing epic, was edible, but nothing wowed us. I would have loved to try the Kytler's whisky and beers, but they were interestingly not offered so we stuck with the Guiness.

The Left Bank pub restaurant was highly recommended. So of…read morecourse, we had to check it out. We were not disappointed. We were promptly seated at a table near the bar. The menu has so many delicious choices. The live music adds to the ambience. You can't go wrong at this restaurant for food and drink!

Stopped by this pub which was once an old bank (hence the name) on a day trip & just had to have a…read moreSmithwicks which apparently is from this small town! Didn't order any food, just popped in for a beer but the vibes were so cool!

Food was so yummy! Nice atmosphere. Service was friendly…read more Best fish and chips I had while visiting Ireland hands down! Sooo good!

The Playwright / Cave Café in Kilkenny was a standout experience. The space itself has great…read moreambiance and a warm, inviting feel, and the service was friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The real star, though, was the shepherd's pie. It was hands down the best I had during our entire trip across Kilkenny, Dublin, and Belfast. Rich, perfectly seasoned, and incredibly comforting, it was the kind of dish you keep thinking about long after the meal ends. I loved it so much that I immediately wanted to try recreating it at home, which says everything. I only wish I had the recipe. Seriously, if you want to share it, I am all in. If you are in Kilkenny, this place is an easy recommendation. Great food, great atmosphere, and excellent service all around.

A warm and welcoming pub in central Kilkenny, catty corner to the castle. Local pub vibe. Ordered 2…read moreGuinness pints, a ham & cheese toastie with a cup of their seafood chowder, hubby ordered goat cheese crostini and seafood chowder. Amazing chowder, chunky fish bites, creamy deliciousness! Felt like a warm hug on this cold day.

Such a fun pub! Great atmosphere friendly and welcoming locals and the live music was great. Highly…read morerecommended!

People - 10 Service - 10…read moreValue - 5 Atmosphere - 10 I wish I had more stars to give: The Harp Bar has to be one of those hidden gems in Kilkenny... The people in Kilkenny are so nice and welcoming, it really doesn't matter where you end up. The Harp bar made me felt that I was part of the local residents and I got a feel of what's it like to live briefly in Kilkenny. I'm looking forward to coming back again and again! Thank you Harp Bar!

What a great place! We were on a bus tour and stopped in Kilkenny. The bus guide was suppose to be…read moreour tour guide through the village but somehow we lost him. So we venture out on our own and decided on a pint or 3 of Guinness. We walked into this pub and just fell in love with it. There were 3 local customers there that shared some great stories with us. The bartender was also fun and very informative. There are 2 sides to the pub one is a "pub" and the other is a "lounge" so small and lovely! I hope we come back soon and stay in this village for a few days!