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Ireland
Province of Leinster
County Kilkenny
Kilkenny
Things to do in Kilkenny
The Hole in the Wall
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The Hole in the Wall

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See all things to do
The Hole in the Wall
4.5
430 reviews
#2 of 34 Nightlife in Kilkenny
Bars & Clubs
Read more
12:00 - 23:30
Monday
12:00 - 23:30
Tuesday
12:00 - 23:30
Wednesday
12:00 - 23:30
Thursday
12:00 - 23:30
Friday
12:00 - 23:30
Saturday
12:00 - 23:30
Sunday
12:00 - 23:30
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Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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What is Travellers’ Choice?
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Top ways to experience The Hole in the Wall and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
152 within 5 kms
Truffles Restaurant and Wine Bar
304
61 m€€ - €€€ • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Petronella Restaurant & Cafe
989
80 m€€ - €€€ • Irish • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Indique
509
0.1 km€€ - €€€ • Indian • Asian • Balti
Zuni Restaurant, Bar & Boutique Hotel
1,355
0.2 km€€ - €€€ • International • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Butcher Restaurant
478
0.1 km€€ - €€€ • Steakhouse • Irish • European
La Rivista
604
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Italian • Irish • European
Cafe La Coco
446
0.2 km€€ - €€€ • Dessert • Irish • Cafe
Aroi
504
66 m€ • Asian • Thai • Street Food
Royal Spice Kilkenny
692
0.5 km€€ - €€€ • Indian • Asian • Healthy
Ristorante Rinuccini
1,978
0.2 km€€ - €€€ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
See all
Attractions
48 within 10 kms
The Tholsel
37
53 mHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Kilkenny Way
250
0.1 kmSports Camps & Clinics
Tourist Information Office (Shee Alms House)
161
0.1 kmVisitor Centres
Butter Slip
276
0.1 kmHistoric Walking Areas
The Ice Cream Parlour
9
0.1 kmDeserts
Kilkenny Castle
6,587
0.3 kmHistoric Sites • Castles
Smithwick's Experience
2,109
0.3 kmBreweries
Kilkenny City Library
6
0.2 kmLibraries
Capuchin Friary
23
0.2 kmReligious Sites
St Marys Cathedral
241
0.3 kmChurches & Cathedrals
See all
See what other travellers are saying
  • Jonathon Brown
    2 contributions
    Craic. Beer. Local Monseigneurs. It's got it all !!
    Called in for a fast one and it didn't disappoint. Lovely little spot, plenty guitars, bongos, friendly faces etc. Seamie was telling us of the many musicians playing in the coming months and weeks so be sure to pop in. Met a sound local monseigneur and had a fine chat. Brilliant character. Will be back for more shortly
    Visited April 2022
    Travelled with friends
    Written 15 April 2022
  • Matt R
    Stow, Ohio7 contributions
    Great small pub
    This timey pub is intimate, only able to hold about ten or twelve people in the downstairs portion (there is an upstairs I didn't see). The size helps everyone to meet everyone, and the conversation flows easily. The owner Michael is friendly and welcoming. My wife and I spent about three hours here, talking and even doing a little singing. The group was made up of the two of us, a local couple, and four Swedish college students (along with the owner). It was a great evening.
    Visited March 2022
    Written 30 March 2022
  • SimonODwyer
    Kilkenny, Ireland28 contributions
    A warm and unique experience
    Our first night back since Covid and it didn’t disappoint. We ( 2 couples), spent an entertaining evening after dinner in Butcher Restaurant in the company of the owner, some locals and some tourists from Ireland and the US. Great craic with song and story, a real must do in Kilkenny.
    Visited March 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
430 reviews
Excellent
355
Very good
54
Average
13
Poor
2
Terrible
6
Michael G
49 contributions
more than a 'hole in the wall'
Sep 2023 • Couples
Great local pub with a clientele of locals to interact with. Feels exactly like a pub should feel. People interacting over a pint and chatting. It was our 50th anniversary and a local man bought us pints!!!!! what more do you want???
Written 4 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly
4 contributions
Authentic Kilkenny Pub Experience
Jul 2023 • Couples
This was the best local experience you can have with a historic pub. Meghan our bartender was amazing and such an incredible host! Live music every Friday and Saturday.
Written 11 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary R
2 contributions
Great find for pub & music in Killarney
May 2023 • Friends
Highlight of our trip to Kilkenny! Amazing find- go down alley- see sign - see Megan the bartender who was great & sit down in a townhouse that was built in the 1500s. Megan’s espresso martinis were amazing & you definitely can’t go wrong with a Guinness. Great place to make new friends, enjoy the music & take in the history! Highly recommend!
Written 20 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dj-the-traveler
2 contributions
A must do in Kilkenny! Great pub!
Apr 2023 • Family
Absolutely must make a stop here if you visit Kilkenny. Hidden gem of a pub and a great Guinness. Live music on the weekends. The door is on the right when you go down the ally, don’t let the closed double doors fool you into thinking it is closed. Cheers!
Written 8 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrsJeanieB
Wexford, Ireland16 contributions
A rare find in the heart of Kilkenny!
Feb 2023
Such a rare find in the heart of Kilkenny.......once you find it! A totally unexpected surprise & an entertaining evening lies behind the door. Great staff and the landlords tales were a pleasure to listen to. An impromptu music session by customers was concluded by great tunes from the bar man aka Johnny Cash! This is the cosiest & friendliest pub in Kilkenny. We will most definitely be back!
Written 21 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CoffinCorner
Orlando, FL122 contributions
A little piece of history
Nov 2022 • Couples
So much fun. A great little spot with so much history. The bartender was amazing and the owner was a best guy who told us every story about the place.
Written 23 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HPember
1 contribution
Hidden Gem
Oct 2022 • Couples
This hidden gem (and I really mean hidden) is not to be missed when visiting Kilkenny. Not only do you feel like you have been transported to a different time but the proprietor is a fountain of historic information not only about the origins of the bar but Kilkenny in general. Wish we had planned our visit better to stay longer and listen to this engaging storyteller with a surprising “second” career. Once again - not to b missed.
Written 31 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heidi B
Atlanta, GA80 contributions
Memorable experience!
Aug 2022 • Friends
Was told of this place by a local, found the gate open and sign out as we headed back to hotel after dinner, so very glad we stopped in! Tiny little place hosted by the owner, Michael. Great conversation, lots of laughs and a great memory from our Ireland adventure. Michael, we were the 2 cousins from Atlanta. Thanks for the great experience! Did your friend have luck finding a tractor? 😜
Written 17 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DSTtravels
Toronto, Canada65 contributions
Fun time
Jul 2022
Fun little bar to drop by, owner / bartender was very entertaining. Place bit hard to find, just look for the hand mad sign.
Written 29 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
medfordnjmom
Medford, NJ323 contributions
Great beer and ambiance
Jul 2022 • Couples
Excited to visit this tiny pub partially inside ruins! Super cool outdoor parts with old rocks walls. Very friendly staff and excellent Smithwicks Red-I swear it taste even better from the bottle. Met some other travelers from NJ that were so friendly and helpful. Made for a special afternoon.
Written 15 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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THE HOLE IN THE WALL: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Hole in the Wall
The Hole in the Wall is open:
  • Sun - Sat 12:00 - 23:30
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking The Hole in the Wall tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 The Hole in the Wall tours on Tripadvisor