
Kyteler's Inn
Step into Ireland's oldest inn, a medieval gem with a witch trial past, live music, and traditional Irish fare.

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Kyteler's Inn

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into Ireland's oldest inn, a medieval gem with a witch trial past, live music, and traditional Irish fare.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Enjoy a lively yet less crowded experience by visiting on Monday afternoons.
Try Unique Starters
Don't miss out on delicious starters like fried Brie wedges.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Irish Pub / Gastropub
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Step Back in Time
Experience the medieval aura of Ireland's oldest inn, complete with 14th-century stonework and cozy, beamed bars.

Live Traditional Music
Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere with nightly live Irish music performances.

Hearty Traditional Fare
Savor authentic Irish dishes, with some vegan options available, in a historic setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Enjoy a lively yet less crowded experience by visiting on Monday afternoons.
Try Unique Starters
Don't miss out on delicious starters like fried Brie wedges.
Check for Events
Visit their website for music nights and special events to enhance your visit.
Pay at the Bar
Customers need to go to the bar to pay their bill.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Enjoy a lively yet less crowded experience by visiting on Monday afternoons.
Try Unique Starters
Don't miss out on delicious starters like fried Brie wedges.
Check for Events
Visit their website for music nights and special events to enhance your visit.
Pay at the Bar
Customers need to go to the bar to pay their bill.
Beer Taps Need Maintenance
Some patrons noted acidic odors and flavors in draft beers, suggesting tap maintenance might be needed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kyteler's Inn offers a unique medieval atmosphere and lively traditional music that patrons adore. While many praise the flavorful food, particularly the fish and chips, and the great ambiance, some find the portions small for the price. Service can also be a mixed bag, with some experiencing attentive staff and others struggling to get attention.
"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
"Pretty good. Entered at opening time (opening was later than quite a few other pubs in the area). Wasn’t able to confirm they were opening as common information sources weren’t updated for the unusual hours of May holiday and phone was unavailable for the period we waited hopefully outside. Almost filled with customers within 15 minutes of opening. Given the location and history, the food is reasonably priced (mains around €19). Starters were very good but mains we had were average at best. Table service staff very efficient and friendly. Draft beer (Smithwicks pale ale and Kilkenny smooth ale) quality suggests the taps could use a little maintenace as beer had some acidic odours and flavours. Toilets were okay, not gleaming. Not an unusual experience for a well trodden famous pub. Overall reasonably good experience and would return but not extraordinary (apart from the historic location, which is special)."
Stephen Henihan
"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."
Gina Marie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Kyteler's Inn is famous for being one of Ireland's oldest inns, its medieval ambiance, its connection to Dame Alice Kyteler (accused of witchcraft), and its nightly live Irish music.
Yes, Kyteler's Inn features live Irish music performances nightly.
You can expect traditional Irish food, including dishes like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and beef stew, with vegan options also available.
Yes, it's a highly recommended spot for tourists due to its history, atmosphere, and traditional Irish experience.
Opening hours can be unusual, especially on holidays. It's advisable to check their website or try calling.
Yes, they have a kids' menu and the atmosphere can be enjoyable for families, especially during non-peak hours.
Service can vary; some reviewers found staff attentive and efficient, while others experienced difficulty getting attention for refills or the check.
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The oldest inn in town, Kyteler's is notorious as the place where Dame Alice Le Kyteler, a member of a wealthy banking family and an alleged witch and "brothel keeper," was accused in 1324 of poisoning her four husbands. So, at least, said the enemies of this apparently very merry widow. The restaurant retains its medieval aura, thanks to its 14th-century stonework and exposed beams down in the cellar, built up around Kieran's Well, which predates the house itself.
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Stop for a drink at Kyteler’s Inn, founded in 1324 and one of the oldest inns in Ireland. Enjoy live music and a jovial atmosphere and listen out for the stories of former resident Dame Alice Kyteler, the first recorded person condemned for witchcraft in Ireland in 1323.
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Dame Alice Kyteler's old house was built back in 1224 and has seen its share of history: she was charged with witchcraft in 1323. Today the rambling bar incorporates the original building, vaulted ceiling and...
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But that said, I had a few hours free after a nice lunch with friends, and some poking around the various museums and historic sites, so I had to at least make a stop in at Kyteler’s Inn, which leans all the way in to its association with Dame Alice Kyteler, the subject of one of Ireland’s very few witchcraft trials in 1324. Not coincidentally, this is the date given for the foundation of the pub, and while that seems a bit too good to be true, we do have good documentation for Dame Alice owning the property (among many others, in her varied marriage-and-land-acquisition career), and it does seem genuinely ‘old’ – though I would guess more of the rambling pub is more of 15th century-and-onward date, but I would happily believe bits, at least, are older and have been reused. We have, naturally, covered Dame Alice and her unfortunate servant, Petronella, who was the one who ended up in the flames after Dame Alice fled abroad (Petronella now has a restaurant named after her, so, um, yay?) in a previous (AWARD-NOMINATED) Beer Ladies Podcast episode or two, which always gives us an excuse to re-bust the alewives/witches myth, but this was my first visit back to Kyteler’s Inn since a quick lunch there during some version of Covid protocols.
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Butterslip opened in 2005, full of colourful ideas and wild notions, the result of much day dreaming, notebook scribling, scrapbook filling and finally one great flight of madness. The scribbler, day dreamer and committed pritt sticker here is me, Anne, still often to be found doodling and daydreaming – these days I just try and make it look more productive. The name is taken from Butterslip Lane in Kilkenny, one of the city’s many curious and charming side streets, and where we first opened the eponymous shop (there was a very nice party, complete with a clown, cakes, lots of balloons and liquorice allsorts).
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It has a unique story, great food, artisanal beers, live music and of course a ghost and today is a unique Kilkenny pub you can enjoy the craic in. Dame Alice de Kyteler was accused of witchcraft by her husband’s children who believed she had poisoned him to get to his money. This was the first known Witchcraft Trial in Ireland, and through torture, the church obtained confessions and Dame Alice was sentenced to be burnt at the stake, but the night before her burning in 1325 Dame Alice escaped.
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Discover historic buildings down secret laneways, a Dominican Abbey with some of the most beautiful stained glass and stop for a pint & a story in the traditional home of witches, Kyteler’s Inn, which has been a part of the town since the 14th century. Walk in the footsteps of the people who made Kilkenny what is it today and learn more about the events that shaped them. It’s a must-do for history buffs and curious travellers, and should definitely be on your Kilkenny bucket list.
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Live your best medieval fantasy at this cosy two-storey bar with original stonework and rafters – it’s the kind of place you’d imagine as the setting for Gaston’s song in Beauty and the Beast, where he’s reducing all the maidens to tears with a clink of his beer tankard. First established by the notorious Dame Alice de Kyteler back in the 13th century, Kytelers is steeped in history and is now a great spot for live music and hearty pub grub.
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Our private walking tour with Liam began at the storied Kytelers Inn, famously known as The Witches Pub. Alice Kyteler, the infamous resident, was accused of murdering her four (British) husbands, difficult to prove in that day so accused of witchcraft, but she cunningly escaped before her trial. The inn's dark past adds an eerie charm, especially with the upcoming 700th anniversary of the witch trials in October—a perfect excuse to return.
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As Kilkenny’s oldest pub, Kyteler’s Inn has already established its name in the city not only because of its drinks and food, but also because of its intriguing history. All of this combined makes the pub one of the locals’ and tourists’ favourites!. According to locals, most tourists or visitors from other cities go to Kyteler’s to hear about Alice de Ketyler—the first owner accused of witchcraft—while enjoying a good pint of Guinness.
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Kilkenny boasts some of the finest restaurants in Ireland, whether it’s the Michelin-starred Campagne or the Italian-inspired Rinuccini, From traditional Irish fare at Kyteler’s Inn to modern fusion dishes at Anocht, there is something here to suit all tastes and budgets. Enjoy a romantic dinner savouring local tastes and produce while enjoying a bottle of wine for two. A romantic dinner in Kilkenny is the perfect way to end your day.
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Since then, it’s seen quite a bit of interesting history, including Kyteler herself being charged with witchcraft in 1323 after four of her husbands all met an untimely death. Today, the house is a popular bar that includes the original structure, complete with vaulted ceiling and arches. It hosts a beer garden, a courtyard and a large room upstairs where live bands are frequently featured – every night from March through October.
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Kyteler’s Inn is one of the oldest inns in all of Ireland, dating all the way back to 1324. This medieval inn is clearly extremely historical and you can stop by for the entertainment, the food, or to say hi to some of the old spirits who’ve decided to stick around after their time expired. For those into ghost stories & paranormal tours, Kytler’s Inn should definitely be on your list of things to see in Kilkenny.
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Next on our Kilkenny bar-hopping adventure is Kyteler’s Inn, a historic gem dating back to the 14th century. It’s rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Dame Alice Kyteler, accused of witchcraft – perfect for those who love a dash of spookiness with their pint. This music pub house, with a beautifully decorated dimly lit interior, complete with exposed beams and stone walls, sets the mood for a spooky tale or two.
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Local distiller Morgan Ging of Ballykeeffe Distillery will speak on the growth of their whiskey and gin business and host tastings of their product in the medieval surroundings of Kyteler’s Inn on Kieran Street while the nearby Paris Texas Bar and Restaurant on High Street will host another tasting menu event with matching wines, presented by guest sommelier, Mark Redmond of Bibendum Wines.
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Kytelers Inn – a pub serving authentic traditional Irish food with a fascinating history dating back to 1263. (Read about the history and see the full pub menu here.). Regarding the actual food, as you can tell from the above pictured plates of fish and chips and steak and chips, the portions are generous and perfect to fuel the rest of the day’s exploring around Kilkenny.
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First established by Dame Alice de Kyteler in the 13th century, Kyteler’s Inn is one of Ireland’s oldest inns. Alice, daughter of a Norman Banker, married four times amassing a fortune, while each husband died supposedly under suspicious circumstances. Alice was accused of witchcraft in what’s understood to be Europe’s first witchcraft trial and was sentenced to be burned.
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Kyteler’s Inn is one of the most historic places in the city of Kilkenny, and a popular pub as well. On top of serving great food, pints, and offering live music, Kyteler’s Inn comes with a bit of a mystery. It is said that the original owner of Kyteler’s was a witch and that her spirit remains on the property, haunting the pub and those who dare visit it.
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Location/Reviews on Google MapsNo exploration of Kilkenny’s bars is complete without a visit to Kyteler’s Inn, an iconic establishment with a history dating back to the 13th century. This medieval gem exudes character and charm, offering patrons a unique experience. The pub boasts a diverse menu of craft beers, cocktails, and traditional Irish fare.
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Don’t judge, but Kyteler’s Inn was my favorite stop while in Kilkenny. It didn’t hurt that they had my favorite cider on tap, but what I enjoyed most was the venue’s history and lively atmosphere. The Inn is actually a pub and restaurant that dates back to the 13th century, but is now known as a lively gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
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You can’t leave Kilkenny without dining at its famed Kyteler’s Inn which was established by Dame Alice de Kyteler in the 13th century. In 1324, she was accused of witchcraft and was destined to be burned at the stake. But she escaped to England while her maid Petronella, who was left behind, was tortured, dragged through the streets, and burned.
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More than likely you’ll hear its festivity before you experience it at Kyteler’s Inn, one of the oldest pubs in Ireland. It’s been around since 1324 and still serves a hearty beef stew with a pint of brown ale to wash it down. As tasty as the stew will be, it’s the live music that will rejuvenate the body after a day of trekking about the town.
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When you visit Kyteler’s Inn, not only are you visiting one of the oldest pubs in Ireland, but you are also visiting an establishment with a fascinating story. The pub’s founder and namesake, Alice de Kyteler, was born in Kyteler’s House in 1263. During her life, she acquired four husbands, all of whom were of considerable wealth.
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As the daughter of a Norman banker and the owner of a popular Kilkenny inn, she became very well-to-do and very well-connected to the local gentry. Unfortunately, she also had the misfortune of being a widow four times. Jealousy over her success led Alice to be eventually accused of having used witchcraft to kill her husbands.
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Similar to our previous entry, the Kytelers Inn can also make the proud boast of being one of the oldest inns in Ireland, as it was first established in 1324. Its history as a building dates back even further to 1263. At this time, it became known for the witch hunt against its first owner and founder Alice Kyteler.
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Located a very short walk from Kilkenny Castle on a main tourist thoroughfare, the Kytelers Inn building dates back to the 1300s and is associated with alleged “witch” Alice Kyteler. There are lots of stories surrounding Alice Kyteler, including that she poisoned husbands. You can learn all about it by stopping in.
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Next try Kyteler’s Inn, where during high season there’s a trad session on every night in this medieval pub. Before you know it, your toes will be tapping, and you’ll be clapping along to the upbeat melodies being performed. If you’re feeling peckish, stick around and try some of the delicious food that’s on offer.
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This is one of Ireland’s oldest inns having been established by Dame Alice de Kyteler in the 13th century. Over the centuries the fortunes of Kyteler’s Inn were up and down and it lay derelict at various times. It was refurbished in the 1960s and now the decor includes some of the stripped bare medieval walls.
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Dating back to 1324, Kyteler’s Inn is one of the oldest still-operating inns in Ireland. What sets this one apart is its intriguing history of witchcraft and stories of poisoned husbands. This three-floor inn is also a vibrant pub and restaurant, always filled with locals and tourists enjoying a pint of beer.
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Kyteler’s Inn, located in Kilkenny City, Ireland, is one of the country’s oldest inns, dating back to the 13th century. Famous for its intriguing history, charming ambiance, and lively atmosphere, Kyteler’s Inn is a popular pub and a significant historical site that attracts visitors from around the world.
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Insider Tip: For a truly unique Kilkenny experience, head to Kyteler’s Inn, a historic pub that dates back to the 13th century and is said to be haunted by its namesake, notorious witch Alice Kyteler. Enjoy a pint of Smithwick’s and some delicious pub grub while taking in the venue’s historic ambiance.
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Established in 1323, Kyteler’s Inn is certainly one of Ireland's oldest pubs. But it also has one of the most fascinating backstories. The pub’s founder and namesake, Alice de Kyteler, lived a vibrant life—marrying four times and building a fortune that elicited jealousy throughout Kilkenny.
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With Ireland’s Medieval Mile cityscape as your canvas, together we lift the veil of Kilkenny City and discover the hidden secrets and stories that Kilkenny Castle, Rothe House & Gardens, St Canice’s Cathedral & Round tower, Kyteler’s Inn (home of the famous Kilkenny Witch) and so much more.
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Visit Mimi’s boutique, Peaches, Lady Lorna, and Belle (along with a host of others) all within a couple of minutes of each other, before dropping into the famed Kyteler’s Inn dating back to 1324 and the birthplace of one of Kilkenny’s more famous residents, rumoured witch Alice de Kyteler.
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Our intention was to eat at the Kyteler’s Inn, which gives visitors the opportunity to bridge a reputation for good food with a historical pub. Serving since 1263, they have had time to get it right. It is named after Alice Kyteler who opened it, a local woman suspected of being a witch.
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Inside a building dating back hundreds of years, Kytelers Inn is one of the oldest Inns in Ireland and keeps a lot of that character to this day. It boasts a great catalogue of cocktails, pints and does food. They’ll have live music most weekends too so it’s good for a lively evening.
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The original owner of Kytelers Inn was Dame Alice le Kyteler. In her time she gained notoriety not least because she had four husbands and a considerable fortune. Her enemies conspired to accuse her of witchcraft but she was never burnt at the stake having escaped to England.
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In business for over 6 centuries, this vintage inn serves decent pub food—sandwiches, Irish stew, burgers, fish and chips—but it’s the atmosphere you really come for. With all the exposed flagstones and cozy nooks, it’s hard to think of a more satisfyingly Irish-looking pub.
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It’s not every day you get to sip an exquisite Irish coffee in a 700-year-old pub, where each brick tells a tale. As I settled into the historic ambience of Kyteler’s Inn, the magic began. The process of creating the perfect Irish coffee was nothing short of spellbinding.
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It’s one of the oldest inns in all of Ireland with a rich history. The Inn was originally owned by Dame Alice de Kyteler, a merchant’s daughter who amassed a great amount of wealth and was accused of witchcraft. She was sentenced to burn but managed to escape to England.
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If walls could talk, I’m sure Kyteler’s Inn would have tales aplenty!. The aged stone walls, dark wooden beams, and roaring fireplace created a cosy and inviting ambiance. Legend has it that the inn’s original owner, Dame Alice Kyteler, was Ireland’s first accused witch.
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Kytelers Inn is located in the heart of Kilkenny City, the medieval home of Dame Alice Kyteler, a suspected Witch!. This original stone building was established in 1324 and pre-dates the USA as a country. Join the locals and tourists with a whiskey in this slice of...
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Established in 1324, this place has been welcoming visitors for seven centuries. Imagine the stories that have been shared inside these walls, including those about its first owner, a woman accused of witchcraft!. This pub is filled with atmosphere, history and charm.
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This public house is located in the center of medieval Kilkenny and is bursting with history. The building dates back to 1324, and the walls whisper stories of witches and poisoned husbands!. Immerse yourself in history at this captivating establishment.
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A little-known fact – Kilkenny was the site of Ireland’s only, and Europe’s first, witchcraft trials. Kyteler’s Inn is one of Ireland’s oldest inns, dating back to the 13th Century. The owner and innkeeper, Dame Alice de Kyteler, was married four times.
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Ambiance in spades across multiple levels, including a basement, bricked grotto bar. The proprietor, Alice Kyteler, was notable as the first person charged with witchcraft in Europe. She escaped burning at the stake, but her servant wasn’t as fortunate.
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Kytler’s Inn Kilkenny is known as that pub that was once owned by the first condemned witch in Irish history. Yes, that’s right – a witch. This quirky bit of trivia doesn’t diminish the fact that it is one of the best pubs in Ireland.
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Probably Kilkenny's most famous pub and restaurant, this place is steeped in history and is the centre of Kilkenny's ancient witchcraft scene. The food is wholesome Irish food and with a pint of Guinness is an experience in itself.
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Situated 6-minute walk from Kilkenny Castle along the Medieval Mile, Kytelers Inn is an absolute must stop for visitors to Kilkenny. Kytelers Inn is the most authentic interactive experience in the medieval city.
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The most popular watering hole in Kilkenny is Kyteler’s Inn, with parts of the building dating to the 13th or 14th centuries. It will forever be associated with Dame Alice Kyteler, who was accused of witchcraft.
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* Kyteler’s Inn – St. Kieran Street, the oldest pub in Kilkenny dating to 1324 and the home of Dame Alice Kyteler the famous witch of Kilkenny. Be mindful of the spirits of Dame Alice!
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Kyteler’s is serving a takeout menu option daily with the revamped picnic table seating out still in place from Kilkenny County Council (Market Yard car park).
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Established in 1320, it was originally owned by Ireland’s first convicted witch and is said to be haunted. They also have great music at night.
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