But savvy beer fans know Sullivan’s Taproom is where to find the best local brews, and you can get grub in its beer garden, too. Family-run Rinuccini cooks up classic Italian cuisine with Irish ingredients, and Michelin-starred Campagne takes a French-inspired approach. Besides these classic Kilkenny restaurants, there’s a clutch of new kids on the block.

After more pleasant strolling and some actual relaxation in my hotel, I ventured back out for dinner, this time, to Sullivan’s Taproom (‘established 1702’). They have considerably expanded their covered outdoor seating since our previous visit, and it’s a thoroughly pleasant spot, with a variety of nooks and crannies in the Craftonia style, and I saw A Thing I don’t think I’ve ever seen in this country – Young People being asked for ID before being served drinks. You can order via QR code or go to the bar, and while I know some are not fans of the QR code approach, as a solo diner/drinker, it’s very handy – no worry that your table will disappear if you need a refill.

Join Food Designer Clare Anne O’Keefe at the Butler Gallery for a unique demonstration and tasting. Discover how she creates cocktails inspired by celebrated works from the collection, then sip the results in this special event linking Irish art with flavour. You will see how she translates the colours, styles and stories of pieces by celebrated Irish artists, such as Tony O’Malley, Paul Henry and Mainie Jellett, into creative beverages.

Location/Reviews on Google MapsSullivans Taproom is a modern and spacious pub in Kilkenny city, offering a range of craft beers and food. It is part of Sullivans Brewing Company, a revival of the oldest independent family brewery in Ireland. Sullivans tap room has a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with live music, tasting talks, and a new on-site brewery.

Sullivan’s Taproom gets to shift from the takeaway pizzas and burgers and return to the their pods and picnic tables for outdoor dining this summer. Lunch, afternoon and evening slots are available for outdoor dining with bookings made on SullivansTaproom.com. All bookings are subject to Covid-19 time restrictions in place at the date of reservation.

It’s an award-winning beer which has also found some success in the export market, having made its way to the USA. The original Sullivan’s began brewing in Kilkenny in the early 1700s. During the potato famine in 1845, Sullivan’s Brewery became one of Ireland’s largest soup kitchens.

Well, this is how one TripAdvisor visitor described our next stop, the Taproom!. Try pairing the Red Ale with the pepperoni or meaty or vegetarian pizzas. Make no mistake, this place has a 300 year old history of brewing its own beer, so take full advantage of this great eatery.

This fantastic eatery takes pizza and beer to a whole other level. They have an enormous wood fire oven to cook their tasty creations to perfection and a selection of craft beers, not to mention Sullivan’s own Ale. This perfect combination makes the Taproom our number one.

And, if the sun shines on Kilkenny, Sullivan’s Taproom has an impressive outdoor area. It’s no secret, but with a good line-up of their own craft beer and pizza from a wood-burning oven, it is the ideal place to soak up the atmosphere.

08/06/2025: We are in Ireland for a pub tour and ended up today at Sullivan's. Alex did a FANTASTIC job of given us the history of Sullivan's. I can no longer drink beer ..gluten allergy...but my cider was delicious.

For a truly authentic Irish experience, head to Sullivan’s Tap Room. With traditional Irish music and dancing, this club offers a lively atmosphere complete with local brews and an extensive whiskey selection.

Sullivan’s is thought to be the oldest known brewery in Kilkenny. Founded in 1706, Sullivan’s even predates Smithwicks’s. Stop for a nightcap at Sullivan's Taproom for a pint of craft beer.

Sullivans Taproom, Cleere’s, The Front Room, Lenehan’s and Tynan’s are just a small handful of our favourite spots to whet the whistle in case you can’t make a visit to the brewery itself.

Soak up the atmosphere and savour the ancient craft of independent, artisan brewing at Sullivan’s Taproom, located at 15 John Street Kilkenny.