Comfort & Convenience | My Review of the River Court Hotel in Kilkenny, Ireland

I planned a two-day trip to Kilkenny, a remarkable heritage town in South-East Ireland well-known for its rich history and impressive heritage. The brief for the hotel I was looking for was simple: comfortable, central, and with free off-street parking.

While browsing booking websites, I came across the River Court Hotel, a luxurious 4-star establishment situated in the heart of Kilkenny city. Overlooking the River Nore, the hotel had stunning views and its central location offered easy access to all the historic attractions on my to-do list, starting with Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral. I was won over by the comfort and convenience on offer.

To seal the deal, the River Court Hotel was offering a sweet 20% discount on a one-night stay in their classic room, including breakfast. With hotels being often pricey in central Kilkenny, this was just the little encouraging nudge I needed to book with them.

What is it like to stay at the River Court Hotel in Kilkenny? Let me tell you all about it in this review. I’ll cover the location of the hotel, my personal experience during my stay, and what I enjoyed the most liked about it.

Disclaimer
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link, I earn a little money at no extra cost to you.

Book a stay at the River Court Hotel.

Check rates on TripAdvisor.

The River Court Hotel’s Most Perfect Location

A good location is always my main priority when going on a short trip to a historically rich town around Ireland. In that aspect, The River Court Hotel undoubtedly delivered.

Its Central Location was Hard to Beat.

The River Court Hotel in Kilkenny couldn’t be more central, with Kilkenny Castle just around the corner and many historical sights just a few minutes’ walk away. The hotel’s location couldn’t have been more convenient for exploring the town and enjoying its many restaurants, cafés and pubs.

Kilkenny Historic Centre

Kilkenny’s Historic Gems Within Reach

Having planned to stay in Kilkenny for only two days, I wanted to be within walking distance from all the great heritage sites that the town had to offer so I could make the most of my time there.

The River Court Hotel allowed me to do exactly that. With its convenient location, I was able to experience all the best things to do in Kilkenny. I especially enjoyed the guided tour of the impressive Kilkenny Castle and my visit to the breathtaking St. Canice’s Cathedral. Climbing St. Canice’s Tower was another memorable moment. The Medieval Mile Museum, the Rothe House, and Smithwick’s Experience were also a stone’s throw away from the River Court Hotel.

Easy Access to The River Court Hotel

I was planning to drive to Kilkenny, so free car parking at the hotel was a must-have for me. As I researched the best hotel for my short stay, I quickly realised that not every hotel in central Kilkenny was able to offer free parking to their guests. In this historical part of town, where the street layout had not changed much since medieval times, parking spaces were in short supply.  

Fortunately, the River Court Hotel was one of the very few establishments in the area to offer complimentary car parking, making it the ideal stopover for those on a road trip across Ireland. Located on John Street Upper, one of Kilkenny’s main streets, it was very easy to find, as I arrived from Dublin via the motorway.

Access to the hotel’s car park was through an arched entrance on John Street Upper. The width and height of the arch only allowed for cars to enter. Oversized vehicles should not attempt to pass through and request help at the reception desk. The car park was secured by an automatic barrier that activated as I requested a ticket from the machine. Although the main car park in front of the hotel was full when I arrived, additional space was available at the back.

For those planning to travel to Kilkenny by public transport, the River Court Hotel was easily reachable on foot from the train station in just 10 to 15 minutes.

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My Stay at the River Court Hotel in Kilkenny, Ireland 

From the room to the food, I had a very satisfying experience.

A Comfortable Room with Contemporary Decor

The River Court Hotel had a range of room options on offer. Guests could choose from classic rooms, executive rooms, deluxe rooms with a castle view, and even family rooms.

Bedroom, River Court Hotel, Kilkenny

I stayed in one of the hotel’s “classic rooms”. The double room was elegantly appointed with mirrors and furnished with a comfortable king-size bed. The room also had a flat-screen TV (that I didn’t use) and free Wi-Fi, which came in handy for last-minute research on where to go for a treat! The en-suite bathroom was spotless and complimentary toiletries were provided.

Dining Options at the Hotel

The River Court Hotel’s award-winning Riverside restaurant delivered delectable food made with fresh local ingredients, including locally sourced Irish beef. The restaurant overlooked the River Nore with stunning views over Kilkenny Castle, a picturesque setting for a romantic meal. Booking had to be made at the reception desk. 

With dinner time approaching, I finally decided to eat at the hotel. In addition to the restaurant, the hotel had a bar area called the Riverview Bar where you could dine without booking or simply relax with a drink. The Riverview Bar’s menu included a selection of light bites including some very good pulled pork on ciabatta bread, but also some heartier options like fish and chips or burgers with fries. 

A Generous Breakfast Buffet to Start your Day

Breakfast was served in a ground floor function room with a view over the river. A generous buffet was laid for guests to choose from, while staff was getting busy serving tea and coffee. The buffet had a selection of continental options, including delicious mini pastries (I possibly had too many!), toasts and orange juice. Alternatively, guests could make their own Irish breakfast with eggs, sausages and more. 

Why I liked most about the River Court Hotel in Kilkenny

As mentioned earlier, the central location of the River Court Hotel was a huge plus. I was able to walk from my hotel room to every historical site I wanted to explore during my stay in Kilkenny. The free car parking was also a deal-maker as I could just park at the back of the hotel and not worry about it for the two days I was there.

However, what really set the River Court Hotel apart from other hotels in the area was the wonderful castle and river views. Although I didn’t get to enjoy the view from my room (you would need to book a deluxe room for that), I certainly did while having breakfast. The hotel also had a terrace with an uninterrupted view over the castle, where you can enjoy a cocktail or two during the warmer season.

To finish this review of the River Court Hotel in Kilkenny, I would say that my experience was very much satisfying. Its central location, convenient access, and free off-street parking made it an ideal choice for me. The classic room I stayed in was elegant, comfortable, and equipped with modern amenities. The Riverview Bar offered delicious food and drinks. Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral were just a short walk away, making it the perfect base to explore the historic gems of Kilkenny. I would highly recommend the River Court Hotel to anyone planning a trip to this remarkable heritage town in South-East Ireland.

Book a stay at the River Court Hotel.

Check rates on TripAdvisor.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link, I earn a little money at no extra cost to you.


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