The Book & Coffee Shop
A charming bookshop cafe in Kilkenny, offering a serene escape with excellent coffee, delicious treats, and a vast collection of books.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
The Book & Coffee Shop
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming bookshop cafe in Kilkenny, offering a serene escape with excellent coffee, delicious treats, and a vast collection of books.
Visit on Weekdays
Opt for weekdays for a more tranquil experience, as weekends tend to be busier.
Explore the Books
Take your time browsing the book selection; you might discover hidden treasures at great prices.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cafe
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+353 87 410 5278
Address
3 William St, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 XE36, Ireland
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
A Haven for Book Lovers
Lose yourself in a vast collection of books while enjoying coffee and treats in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Perfect for quiet browsing.
Exceptional Coffee and Sweet Treats
Savor expertly prepared coffee, delicious cakes, and other sweet delights in a warm and welcoming environment.
Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere
Experience a delightful vibe with friendly staff, pleasant music, and a comfortable setting perfect for relaxation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit on Weekdays
Opt for weekdays for a more tranquil experience, as weekends tend to be busier.
Explore the Books
Take your time browsing the book selection; you might discover hidden treasures at great prices.
Seek Staff Recommendations
Engage with staff like Marian for personalized book recommendations tailored to your interests.
Dog-Friendly Environment
Bring your furry friends along, as the shop is welcoming to dogs.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit on Weekdays
Opt for weekdays for a more tranquil experience, as weekends tend to be busier.
Explore the Books
Take your time browsing the book selection; you might discover hidden treasures at great prices.
Seek Staff Recommendations
Engage with staff like Marian for personalized book recommendations tailored to your interests.
Dog-Friendly Environment
Bring your furry friends along, as the shop is welcoming to dogs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Book & Coffee Shop is widely praised as a delightful gem in Kilkenny, offering an exceptional blend of high-quality coffee and a unique book-filled atmosphere. Visitors frequently commend the warm and friendly service, particularly from the owner, Marian, and often rave about the delicious cakes and cozy ambiance. While the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, one minor point mentioned is that the menu might not be the most child-friendly.
"Our absolute favourite coffee and bookshop!
I just adore this place. Marian is always so warm and welcoming, it's the perfect atmosphere to enjoy your tea or coffee, a slice of cake, all while being surrounded by books and the music playing in the background is always fabulous too
It’s truly my dream spot made even better by the fact that our dogs are always welcome too.
This store really is a hidden gem, and we try to visit as often as possible (though it’s never enough!). If you're looking for a cozy, inviting place to relax, unwind, and enjoy great books, coffee, and cakes, this is the place to go!"
Rachael
"Astonishing experience with our infant, in a place for books and coffee.
Warm, kind, and lovely readers there.
We enjoyed the hot chocolate, the delicious caroot cake and and the hospitality of the owner and the people with in.
Highly recommend."
Sawsan Shattel
"Had beautiful coffee and cake here. Lovely wee book shop/cafe. Lovely vibe. Will deffs be back when next in Kilkenny."
Ciara Lynch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a unique combination of a book store and a cozy cafe, offering a vast collection of books alongside excellent coffee and homemade treats.
Yes, the cafe is dog-friendly, making it a great spot to relax with your pet.
They offer specialty coffees, teas, hot chocolate, cakes, scones, and some alcoholic beverages like prosecco and local craft beer.
Visiting during weekdays is recommended for a quieter experience.
Absolutely! The staff, particularly Marian, are very helpful and can provide personalized book recommendations.
Besides books and coffee, they offer items like Romanian wine and local craft beer, and homemade sweets.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
10 Best Hotels near The Book & Coffee Shop, Kilkenny 2022 | Trip.com
In Kilkenny city centre, the award-winning Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel offers luxury accommodation, the new City Bar & Grill Restaurant and 2 leading bars.In the shadow of Kilkenny Castle, the Hibernian Hotel is in the heart of Kilkenny city. Originally the Hibernian Bank, this building overlooks the Parade, popular because it's close to Kilkenny Castle and the Kilkenny Design Centre.Just under 2 hours from Dublin, the Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel offers you traditional charm in this vibrant city. Guest parking is available in a multi-story car park opposite the Hibernian Hotel, free of charge between 18:00 and 12:00 the next day.
Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Kilkenny
Enjoy Muse’s Garden Lunch Menu + Weekend Brunch, it’s a truly unique al fresco experience in the heart of Kilkenny city and the opportunity to take in the spectacular serene courtyard garden and medieval surrounds of Butler Gallery. From Tuesday to Friday, Muse serve their Garden Lunch Menu with lots of locals’ favourite lunch dishes and some additions, as well as Cloudpicker coffee, desserts and their signature hot chocolates. At weekends, kick back in a sun-soaked glass pod with a glass of prosecco in hand and choose from their new family-friendly Weekend Brunch menu.
The best places to eat and drink on a weekend break in Kilkenny
At the charming Book & Coffee Shop, run by Marian O’Neill and Stephen Buck on the quiet stretch of William Street, you can buy second-hand books (from bargain to rare) as well as enjoy home-made cakes with your cup of Joe. At John Street Tea Rooms in Langton’s Hotel there is an Alice in Wonderland sense to the afternoon tea. And in The House of Pretzels in the Market Cross Shopping Centre, Stefan Cadar brings a taste of home from Romania with his hot pretzels which are sweet as well as savoury.
Eating Out In Kilkenny | Food Places In Kilkenny
The Book & Coffee shop offers a cosy retreat where you can get stuck into a good book while sipping on a coffee and enjoying some homemade cakes. Located just a brief 3-minute stroll from the Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel. Whether you’re seeking a moment of relaxation or a place to unwind after a day of exploring the city, this charming establishment provides the perfect setting to escape into a literary world while treating your taste buds to delightful treats.
A-Z List of Best Kilkenny Cafes
Cosy and quiet, while being surrounded by hundreds of secondhand books. Lose yourself in the scents of freshly brewed coffee and homemade treats at The Book & Coffee Shop on William St. Bring the kids and have some quiet time with their selection of classic children’s books. Learn more about The Book & Coffee Shop
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit