The 'Rafter' Dempsey's

The 'Rafter' Dempsey's descritpion

In the center of Kilkenny, Rafter Dempsey’s is a 5-minute walk from Kilkenny Church. It has rooms with free Wi-Fi, an award-winning bar, a rooftop terrace and a restaurant.
Rooms at Rafter Dempsey’s have shower rooms, TVs and ironing equipment. They also include hairdryers and tea/coffee making facilities.
The Rafter Dempsey’s serves traditional Irish breakfasts and has a lunchtime menu. In the evening there is a dining menu which uses the finest of local produce.
The bar has a traditional Irish welcome and a cozy log fires. It has an extensive range of drinks and has live music every Saturday.
Kilkenny has a fantastic selection of shops, restaurants and bars. Kilkenny Train Station is less than a 10-minute walk from Dempsey’s.

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Facilities of The 'Rafter' Dempsey's

Outdoors ：BBQ Facilities | Grounds | Terrace | Sun Deck

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and charges may apply.

General ：Newspapers | Family Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private) | Designated Smoking Area

Reviews for The 'Rafter' Dempsey's

Review 1：Room pretty basic and might be bit noisy from the pub downstairs if you are looking for peace and quiet!

Review 2：Good location and pub downstairs was very cosy and welcoming.

Review 3：Rooms a little outdated but clean and comfortable.

Review 4：Excellent location, right in the centre. Staff very friendly. Food is great. Our room was lovely, spacious and warm. We went for new years and they had entertainment, hats and horns for everyone , finger and champagne. Great pub.

Review 5：When the manager Jerry I think his name is took the platter off food that was given to us and asked someone else if they wanted it?! We were eating!

Review 6：Everything! The staff were the most welcoming people I've ever met! So so nice and cater to your every need'! Olive couldn't have done more for us. Lovely woman :) The steak on the stone was the best steak I've ever eaten! Yummy!!!!

Review 7：Staff were okay upon arrival. Room was arctic cold. Bedsheets had dried blood on them. Power plugs were hidden behind beds and underneath headboards which meant sleeping out from wall. Overpriced at 115 for two sharing. Friend's jumper was left in room and returned an hour after checkout to be told that his jumper was gone.

Review 8：The full irish breakfast was good.

Review 9：Jerry and the team were brilliant, we had a great laugh and the breakfast was great, we had a cruisey afternoon playing pool, and Jerry gave great recommendations for things to do including a fantastic evening of music at Matt the Millers.

Review 10：Very unwelcoming upon checking in. Bar food was not nice at all so we did not finish it. Overall 1 of the staff was just outright ignorant and to my knowledge this was the owner / manager. the rooms were very noisy, we had a fan unit come on outside our room at about 6:30 and this kept us awake for the rest of the morning. normally we would take our time upon checking out of accommodation however in this case we could not wait to leave. we will not be back at to this establishment again.

Review 11：Good location, breakfast was ok and they have nice coffee.

Review 12：The WiFi is not accessible in the rooms and only minimally accessible in the pub. The television did not work in the room.

Review 13：The pub was lovely and the staff were very friendly.

Review 14：The host wasn't very talkative and didn't make us feel wanted.

Review 15：Great location, had everything we needed. Nice breakfast. There's also a cheap parking available nearby

Review 16：The rooms were extremely small, hot, un- ventilated. The furniture was of poor quality, there were not sufficient plugs, tiny bathroom and the windows only opened about 2 inches. There was no wi-fi at all, even around the reception. There was no phone in the room to contact security, no staff on duty at night, therefore no where to report any problems. There was no parking at all which caused great difficulty in arrival and departure, a public car park which was two streets away was very expensive to use.

Review 17：The Location

Review 18：My girlfriend and I arrived carrying large backpacks and stood at the bar waiting for the manager to acknowledge us. He ignored us and continued to chat with two old locals at the bar. Things improved when Donal, the barkeep appeared and then looked after us. Our room was tiny and we had no window...only a skylight with a non functioning blind. Our first night there (Saturday) was hell. Drunks checking in after 2 am, and everyone was slamming doors. The walls are paper thin and we could hear other guests snoring, talking, passing gas etc. Some young local gal was talking outside with a guy until five am. This place is near the clock tower in town which rang every fifteen minutes!! We finally were able to sleep sometime after five......merely from exhaustion. We were ready to leave the next morning, but decided to tough it out, rather than talk to Mr. Personality about a refund. The next night was somewhat better as most of the drunks had left.

Review 19：Good location with excellent live music

Review 20：The staff were so friendly and they never stopped going all day. Even after a long busy day they still had a smile on their faces. The management should look after these staff members.

Review 21：The room that smells as the toilet didn't work and stains on the White bedding I will not take my child back there this place is for single people

Review 22：A bar man who was more than nice and very friendly wish I knew his name a very nice man he will make the place .but that would be the only thing to be honest .when your paying the price of a good hotel

Review 23：No wifi even if they say it's working.

Review 24：Location : right in the center, easy to find and within walking distance of every touristic site. The rooms are very confortable, a little dark because the windows are small but very clean. The entrance/reception is in the pub downstairs and the gentelman at the pub is also the receptionist and manager. Very friendly staff and willing to help you in every way you might need. The pub downstairs is open untill 11 o'clock. Breakfast is very good.

Review 25：Please be aware that this property state they no longer use booking.com therefore you can imagine the inconvenience caused when we arrived to be told this

Review 26：There were a lot of stairs and one night there was a lot of noise.

Review 27：the best thing about it was the location. The breakfast was included and it was very good. The local area had the best music of our trip.

Review 28：Room was street side, very bright and loud on a weeknight, beds weren't the best and pillows were terrible, staff didn't seem too switched on

Review 29：Fantastic location, had one of the ladies let us put a load of washing on which saved us, breakfast was substantial.

Review 30：Nothing not to like

Review 31：Very friendly staff, very comfortable rooms, excellent food, reasonable rates, central location. A quirky B&B with the character of 100s of years of history. We spent 6 nights and loved every minute of it

Review 32：The owner of the permissis needs to retire, he should not be around the public, one of the most ignorant people I have ever met, you could not even ask a question without him answering it smart, a horrible man altogether and for that reason I would not stay there again or recommend it to anybody

Review 33：Liked the location

Review 34：there was no tea/coffee tray - no flat screen tv in the bedroom - only one seat/bar stool in the bed room - difficult to locate electric sockets - outside noise from 4.30 am

Review 35：the land lord/lady were very pleasant and accommodating and ensured we had free tea or coffee - the breakfast was very good - the location in the town centre was excellent

Review 36：I asked for twin room but got family room , literally all that's In room was three beds, a lamp with no bedside locker and a very old Telly The room and shower were clean The tea and coffee facilities are not in room but you can get as much as you like from bar No iron available either Now in saying all that I did really enjoy my stay I just wish the place had been honest and I would have brought a kettle and iron

Review 37：The staff were very friendly and the bar was very atmospheric

Review 38：wi-fi in the rooms was very weak, which made our planning the next leg of our trip difficult. Worked fine in the restaurant though. Only 2 outlets in the room, one in the bathroom and one by the TV mounted high.

Review 39：Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable , breakfast was great

Review 40：Loved Kilkenny, this beautiful town was the real deal after spending some days in Dublin. The hotel is located very central and has a nice restaurant / bar downstairs. Great value compared to what you pay in Dublin.

Review 41：The beds were extremely uncomfortable, but we learned they were pretty standard for Ireland beds. Parking was difficult and a bit confusing at first but we were able to quickly figure that out. Wish the bar stayed open a bit later.

Review 42：We really enjoyed the location and the atmosphere. All the staff were extremely friendly. We were even late for breakfast one morning (jet lag got us!) and the owner went ahead and cooked us a full meal. We had no issues with noise and had a wonderful stay!

Review 43：The room needed decoration and the carpet was disgustingly filthy.

Review 44：The location was brilliant for the city centre. The landlord was pleasant and helpful. Breakfast was good.

Review 45：should advise where the parking is would save a lot of driving around looking for it

Review 46：good location friendly bar staff good food no rushing for breakfast great steak cooked on the stone lovely

Review 47：Rooms are basic but comfortable. The only thing I would suggest is that they give more towels. One per person is not really enough especially for long haired ladies who need a towel for hair as well as body. Also maybe they should mention at time of booking that you have to use nearby hotel car park as there is no parking here.

Review 48：This accommodation is so central you don't need your car. You are in the middle of the city with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. The staff are excellent and the food in the bar at evening time is excellent. The steak on the hot stone is beautiful and I had a Caesar Salad which was lovely.

Review 49：Not a good value for the money. Hard to find. No parking. Wifi only downstairs in the bar (which closed at midnight when we were there). We stayed at MUCH nicer places for less money.

Review 50：Really nice bar downstairs and a great rooftop patio...both completely empty the night we stayed there (a bummer). Very helpful single staff-member, went out of his way to help us with directions. Good place to socialize with other travelers if there is anyone else staying there.

Review 51：Nice bar under the rooms and lovely music in it.

Review 52：Shower was very clogged needs to be repaired!!

Review 53：Location,comfort. Cleanliness and great breakfast

Review 54：Coudent get parking had to leave čar in. Cinema to far away

Review 55：Stafforda lovely food lovely clean

Review 56：Very very noisey accomodation right above bar.

Review 57：Good location

Review 58：INCREDIBLY NOISY. INTOXICATED GUESTS DISRUPTIVE BEYOND WHAT SHOULD BE TOLERATED.

Review 59：Location

Review 60：Room up 3 flights of stairs! Get up early if you want a hot shower

Review 61：The location, staff and room were excellent

Review 62：Shower was very poor

Review 63：Very happy

Review 64：Staff very good and location perfect, definiatly will return thanks guys for lovely time

Review 65：Tiny room

Review 66：Location was great,great atmosphere in the pub, would definitely stay again

Review 67：Lack of WIFI coverage in rooms

Review 68：The location and staff

Review 69：Everything

Review 70：Lots of stairs which made it difficult with elderly family members.

Review 71：Fun in the evening with family playing darts and pool.

Review 72：Staff amazing , very child friendly , had a fantastic few days.will defiantly be returning again .

Review 73：The excellent breakfast was made to order.

Review 74：Location was great , parking just 2 minutes away at a reduced rate with them, overall the place was great

Review 75：Very friendly staff. Really helpful and pleasant .

Review 76：Bar man downstairs was very friendly great location

Review 77：Above a pub and can be noisy into late night.

Review 78：Staff are wonderful.

Review 79：Nothing

Review 80：The location the ambience the bar is lovely and homely and the staff are fab

Review 81：The rooms were very basic BUT very clean

Review 82：The food was second to none :-)

Review 83：Impossible to sleep with music full blast from pub next door

Review 84：Central location

Review 85：Beds Decor needs updating

Review 86：Noisy morning traffic had to close the windows. Dodgy toilet seat on loo in ensuite!

Review 87：Great location

Review 88：No wifi in the rooms. Lack of wall sockets and TV was tiny.

Review 89：Very close to everything. Staff were very friendly.

Review 90：Convenient, friendly staff, lovely bar

Review 91：you have to park at nearby multi storey carpark. tv and wifi not great

Review 92：location . in town centre

Review 93：Not sure if there's wifi?

Review 94：Great place in the heart of town

Review 95：The entrance when the bar was closed was a little sketchy.

Review 96：Room was clean and simple. Shower was very good!

Review 97：the price

Review 98：the staff were very freindly and helpfull,our room was warm and cosy,but our telly was rubbish.

Review 99：Room was very hot couldn't turn heating off

Review 100：Staff were great, room was perfect

Review 101：Staff and smell in the room was terrible.

Review 102：leaving

Review 103：everything great location clean hotel friendly staff great value bumper breakfast reasonable prices

Review 104：radiator on timer and rude staff , also had to bang on door and say my name to re enter instead of having front door key

Review 105：Staff not over friendly , room very basic ,

Review 106：Location, breakfast

Review 107：No Tea & Coffee in room Street noise

Review 108：Location Very friendly and helpful staff

Review 109：Room was very basic , no window only a skylight which made the room very warm breakfast was average

Review 110：The location is great , the room was clean ,

Review 111：A smile or two at breakfast would,nt go astray

Review 112：Nice bar and very friendly lady there on arrival ,rooms need upgrading for that price

Review 113：staff and food

Review 114：NO TEASMAKER IN ROOM.ALSO ONLY ONE PLUG IN ROOM.

Review 115：NICE STAFF LOCATION EXCELLENT .NICE BREAKFAST ONLY GRIPE NO FRUIT OR MEUSLI ON BUFFET.

Review 116：Our room didn't have a window - only a skylight.

Review 117：Excellent location, good food (steaks on hot stone are very delicious).

Review 118：Noisey guests in early hours of morning and didn't seem to be any members of staff available to ask them to quiten down Very loud live music in a very small bar area

Review 119：Central location,Bar staff very helpful and made a very cheerful, welcomning atmosphere

Review 120：The Flat pillows on the bed need to be replaced.

Review 121：The extremely helpful staff and the fabulous Irish breakfast made our one night stay an excellent experience.

Review 122：lack of clarification re entrance and exit. was told we could enter bar door when we got back. No admittance. Tried key . Didnt work. Was told fog was for entrance to upstairs landing but didnt realise it was also for side exterior door. Ended up outside all night. No sleep and no access to bedroom. When I arrived I was given key and had to work out where exactly room was. Recepionist spent time on phone as I was registering. Bad customer care

Review 123：location

Review 124：For the money, the rooms need refurbishment. The carpet is definitely ready for replacement.

Review 125：We have stayed here before and love the atmosphere. The employees are always pleasant and ready to help! Breakfast was very tasty.

Review 126：Our room was next to the outdoor roof patio/smoking area so the room reeked of smoke.

Review 127：The hospitality was fantastic and the food was amazing! It was right around the corner from Kilkenny castle and had a live band the night we stayed. It was a great experience!

Review 128：Just nothing bad to say. A great location and a great rate!

Review 129：Absolutely superb accommodation. We particularly enjoyed the wonderful staff. They were engaging and a pleasure to spend time with! I recommend this hotel to everyone visiting the area!