Christmas is a time for shopping, giving gifts and overindulging in the things we love. It’s also a time to reconnect with family and friends, enjoying traditions and embracing the spirit of Christmas.

Christmas is really special in Kilkenny and it’s a great opportunity to create special festive memories with your favourite people. Enjoy a group gathering in the Hoban Hotel Kilkenny, ideally located on the skirt of the city so you can explore at your leisure and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep away from Christmas partiers. Contact us directly for group stay offers and our best available rates, guaranteed.

1. CELEBRATE YULE FEST 

Yulefest Kilkenny is an inclusive Christmas festival where visitors and locals can enjoy a wide range of free and affordable seasonal events. Yulefest Kilkenny 2023 will begin on November 25th, with Santa’s arrival to the city and the beginning of the Yulefest Christmas Market.

There are dozens of events happening around the city, everywhere from local community halls to the middle of the main square. It’s an ideal place for a group gathering as there is something for all tastes. You can look forward to festive treats, Christmas crafts, live music, and family entertainment every weekend over the festival and the beautiful Christmas lights that will illuminate the city.

2. VISIT A CHRISTMAS MARKET

As part of the Yule Fest, there is a fantastic Christmas Market in Kilkenny every weekend from 25th November until Christmas Eve and all Christmas week.

Christmas markets are a way to find the best local makers, independent shops, and small businesses in Kilkenny. Buying local means you get to take home something truly special and unique that has been made with love. With local artisans and craftspeople nestled within the beautiful wooden huts, family entertainment, live music, and lots of local delicacies to eat and drink, you can spend a whole day enjoying it.

We’d be surprised if any of the gifts you buy at the Kilkenny Christmas Market make it past your own home, they’re so special you’ll want to keep them for yourself!

3. BOOK A GROUP HOTEL BREAK

A group hotel break is an ideal way to spend quality time with the people you love this Christmas. Spending time in a hotel is the perfect escape, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoying the company of your loved ones over dinner and drinks, or just watching a Christmas movie from the comfort of your bed.

After a day of shopping at the Yule Fest Christmas market or on the fantastic Kilkenny High Street, spend an evening chatting over a couple of drinks, or order room service and enjoy a festive dinner in your room. Choose between spacious double, king, twin or triple rooms or for larger families, we have interconnecting rooms with space for everyone.

4. HAVE A FESTIVE CHRISTMAS DINNER AT 1801 RESTAURANT

Dining in Kilkenny is an experience. We have cuisines from all over the world with excellently prepared dishes from talented chefs. You’ll find everything from a late-night takeaway to Michelin Star, depending on your taste and budget.

In our Kilkenny Hotel, we have an in-house dining space called 1801 Restaurant. Our bright, contemporary open-plan space has recently been renovated and the menu has had an upgrade too. Around Christmas, our chefs create a very special festive menu, ideal for group dining.

Enjoy a variety of starter choices followed by a traditional Christmas dinner – with options for fussy eaters too. Everything is freshly made and cooked to order, and our bar menu perfectly complements our food offerings. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

5. EXPERIENCE KILKENNY NIGHTLIFE

If you’ve never experienced a night out in Kilkenny, you’re in for a treat.

The vibrancy of the nightlife and the characters that visit make us one of the most popular cities in Ireland for parties, stag & hen dos, and Christmas group gatherings. There are traditional pubs, modern and upscale cocktail bars, hole-in-the-wall sports bars and huge, beautiful events venues, all on the one street.

No matter what your Christmas visit looks like, you’ll find a lot of fun in Kilkenny at night. After an evening of pub hopping, return to the bar in Hoban Hotel Kilkenny for a nightcap on your way to bed.

Author Bio: Katie McGarr is a travel-savvy writer for The Hoban Hotel Kilkenny, a world-class hotel for business and leisure travel, offering exceptional accommodation and dining experiences in Ireland’s historic marble city. When she’s not taking vibrant street photos, you can find her writing articles about travel, food, and lifestyle.