Shopping In Kilkenny City - Hotels in Kilkenny City, Kilkenny Hotels

Cosy hotel shop with colourful wool blankets, scented candles, and local artisanal goods on display.

Vibrant market scene with colourful stalls and friendly visitors near charming hotel in scenic city square.

craft, charm, and character

Shopping in Kilkenny offers a mix of modern retail and traditional charm, set within a compact and walkable medieval city. The main shopping streets, such as High Street and Patrick Street, feature well-known Irish and international brands alongside independent boutiques, craft shops, and artisan galleries. Visitors can find locally made pottery, knitwear, jewellery, and food products that reflect the region’s heritage. The city also has shopping centres and markets that provide everyday essentials and seasonal goods, making Kilkenny a convenient and enjoyable destination for both casual browsing and more focused shopping.

discover kilkenny

Locally produced artisan food and drink

Kilkenny has a strong reputation for locally produced artisan food and drink, with a growing network of small producers, distilleries, and food artisans rooted in the surrounding countryside. A standout example is Ballykeefe Distillery, which produces gin, vodka, and whiskey using grain grown on its own family farm, highlighting a true farm-to-bottle approach. Another well-known producer is Highbank Orchards, which creates organic apple juices, ciders, and apple-based spirits from heritage orchards in the region. In the city itself, the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny showcases the heritage of Ireland’s oldest ale tradition, connecting visitors to centuries of brewing history. Together, these producers reflect Kilkenny’s wider artisan food culture, where local ingredients, traditional methods, and small-scale craftsmanship come together to produce distinctive, high-quality food and drink.

Luxurious dessert spread featuring cakes, mousses, and tarts at a hotel restaurant, perfect for indulgence.

Charming pottery display room with rustic wooden shelves and handcrafted ceramics, offering a cosy, artistic hotel experience.

locally produced crafts

Kilkenny is widely recognised as one of Ireland’s most important centres for traditional and contemporary artisan crafts, with a strong heritage of makers working in ceramics, glass, textiles, and design. Visitors and locals alike can explore high quality handmade goods at venues such as the Kilkenny Design Centre, which showcases Irish crafts ranging from jewellery and knitwear to pottery and homeware, all produced by skilled artisans. Nearby, studios like Nicholas Mosse Pottery are known for distinctive hand-printed ceramics that reflect traditional Irish countryside motifs, while Jerpoint Glass offers hand-blown glassware created using time honoured techniques that attract visitors to its working studio. The craft tradition is closely tied to the region’s cultural identity where heritage and creativity continue to thrive side by side.

Kilkenny Concerts and Events

From lively concerts to vibrant festivals, Kilkenny offers unforgettable events that our guests can enjoy…

Kilkenny Arts Festival

Kilkenny Autumn Breaks

Families enjoying vibrant hotel lobby with friendly mascot and kids' activities. Welcoming atmosphere with engaging staff.

Kilkenny Summer Breaks

Check out our Summer Escapes