5 Hotels in Thomastown Kilkenny Perfect for a Quiet Country Escape
Thomastown is a charming town in the heart of Kilkenny, with rolling countryside, friendly locals, and a welcoming, village feel. You can enjoy quiet walks by the river, visit nearby castles, or explore the countryside.
To make your visit easier, we’ve picked the best hotels in Thomastown, Kilkenny that offer cozy rooms, friendly service, and a little local magic.
How we chose
1. Mount Juliet Estate

Location: Mount Juliet Estate, Autograph Collection, Hunters Yard at, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
Contact: +353 56 777 3000
Star Rating: 5-star
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.6/5 |
| Tripadvisor reviews score | 4.3/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 4.5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Great Location | 4.5/5 |
| Comfort and Extras | 5/5 |
| Friendly Service | 4.5/5 |
| Good Value | 4/5 |
For a hotel right in Thomastown, Mount Juliet Estate is hard to beat. Set on 500 acres of green countryside along the River Nore, Mount Juliet Estate is calm and beautiful but still close to sights like Kells Priory and Jerpoint Abbey.
You can stay in the grand Georgian Manor House or the newer Hunter’s Yard. Both have comfy beds, stylish rooms, and free Wi-Fi.
For more space, the cottages and lodges feel like home and are great for families or longer stays.
There’s also plenty to do here. You can play golf, enjoy Michelin-starred dining at Lady Helen, relax at the spa and pool, or try horse riding and falconry. The staff is friendly, though service can be inconsistent during peak seasons.
It’s not the cheapest place to stay, especially for dining, but the comfort, food, and gorgeous setting make it worth the price.
Pros
- Gorgeous riverside location
- Has walking trails
- Many activities: golf, spa, riding, fishing
- Stylish, comfortable rooms
- Excellent dining
- Has a Michelin-starred restaurant
- Warm, professional staff
Cons
- Expensive, especially for dining
- Service quality can vary
- Remote location without a car
Stunning location, excellent service
“A stunning location with unbelievable quality of service. Everyone we met in the staff were exceptional at their jobs. Special mention for Keith and his team in the Hunters Lodge Bar. They made us feel incredibly welcome and really made our stay special. Will 100% be back and would 100% recommend Mount Juliet to everyone.”
Ken Walsh | Google Review
Great blend of comfort, service, and scenery
“The estate provides the perfect blend of comfort, friendliness and amazing scenery. My husband and I are traveling around Ireland to learn about the ins and outs of the country. This was a great place to centralize our stay while we traveled around. It was a wonderful place to come back to in the evenings and high tea should not be missed!”
Rita Lewitt | Google Review
2. Lyrath Estate Hotel

Location: Paulstown Road, Lyrath, Kilkenny, R95 F685, Ireland
Contact: +353 56 776 0088
Star Rating: 5-star
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.5/5 |
| Tripadvisor reviews score | 4.3/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 4.5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Great Location | 4.5/5 |
| Comfort and Extras | 4.5/5 |
| Friendly Service | 4.5/5 |
| Good Value | 4/5 |
Lyrath Estate Hotel is a quiet and relaxing place to stay near Thomastown and Kilkenny. The hotel sits on a large property with lakes, gardens, and wooded areas. It’s only a short drive to Kilkenny’s shops and historic sites.
From Thomastown, it’s a 21-minute drive.
The rooms are big, clean, and comfortable. Some even have fireplaces and older-style features, which add a lot of charm. A few parts of the hotel feel a bit dated, but it’s not a dealbreaker.
There are many things to do on the estate. You can walk the trails, swim in the indoor pool, or book a spa treatment. The spa costs extra, but it can still fill up fast.
Service is usually kind and helpful, but it may slow down during busy times. There’s also some delays at check-in or when asking for help.
Since this is a luxury hotel, it’s more expensive, and extra services can add even more to the cost.
Pros
- Beautiful estate with lakes, gardens, and trails
- Spacious rooms with modern perks
- Close to Kilkenny’s top sights
- Several dining and bar options
- Nice indoor pool and spa
Cons
- A short drive from Thomastown
- Spa access costs extra and fills up fast
- Inconsistent service when busy
- Some areas feel a bit dated
- Food quality varies
- Higher prices
A wonderful 5-star hotel
“This is a truly wonderful 5-star Hotel. Beautiful location and building. We had an excellent stay. All the staff were friendly and helpful. The leisure facilities and estate grounds were lovely. And the food was to a high standard. We will return.”
Barry Stancombe | Google Review
Beautiful hotel with well-kept grounds
“Beautiful hotel with lovely staff. Grounds are well kept with paths around it to wander. Lots of attention to detail. You can tell that conservation is important even in the small things like the water in the room being sourced from organic lands. The owners’ dogs meandering around add a homely relaxed feel.”
Bernadette McN | Google Review
3. Hotel Kilkenny

Location: College Rd, Sugarloafhill, Kilkenny, Ireland
Contact: +353 56 776 2000
Star Rating: 4-star
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.3/5 |
| Tripadvisor reviews score | 4.1/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 4.5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Great Location | 5/5 |
| Comfort and Extras | 4/5 |
| Friendly Service | 5/5 |
| Good Value | 4/5 |
Hotel Kilkenny is a 4-star hotel offering comfort, leisure, and easy access to Kilkenny city and nearby Thomastown.
It’s about a 10 to 15-minute walk from Kilkenny Castle, shops, and cafés, with free parking for guests who drive. It’s also a 21-minute drive from Thomastown.
Rooms are clean and comfortable, with soft beds and good showers. Upgraded rooms include extras like Nespresso machines and Italian-marble bathrooms. Some rooms feel a bit dated, but are still cozy.
The hotel also has a 20-meter indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, gym, kids’ club, live music in the bar, and a spa and salon for an extra fee. Free Wi-Fi is also included. Breakfast may be included, but it’s plated rather than buffet-style.
Service is friendly and helpful. Occasionally, big events may slow service or cause small issues, but these are rare.
Pros
- Close to city center (Kilkenny)
- Clean, spacious rooms
- Comfy beds
- Large pool, sauna, gym, and kids’ club
- Friendly staff
- Free parking
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Good bar, food, and live music
- Good for all types of travelers
Cons
- A 20-minute drive from Thomastown
- Some rooms feel dated
- Pool can be cold
- Breakfast choices limited
- Occasional service issues
- Prices increase during peak seasons
- EV chargers often unavailable
Comfortable room with soft beds
“Simple OUTSTANDING! I only spent an overnight there for a business trip, but the time I spent there was simply perfect. The room is very comfortable with incredibly soft beds. The bathroom was neat and clean and very luxurious. The breakfast was the highlight. Well made and delicious!”
Lucas Raiol | Google Review
Best hotel in Kilkenny
“The best hotel in Kilkenny by a mile and will definitely be back. The facilities were amazing from the free car parking to a gym and two swimming pools which were also included in the price of your stay. The room my uncle and I stayed in was so clean and the beds were really comfortable. The breakfast the next morning was first class, all in an amazing stay in Hotel Kilkenny.”
Terence Ward | Google Review
4. The Newpark Hotel

Location: Castlecomer Rd, Newpark Lower, Kilkenny, R95 KP63, Ireland
Contact: +353 56 776 0500
Star Rating: 4-star
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.4/5 |
| Tripadvisor reviews score | 4.5/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Great Location | 5/5 |
| Comfort and Extras | 5/5 |
| Friendly Service | 4.5/5 |
| Good Value | 4/5 |
The Newpark Hotel is a popular choice near Thomastown and Kilkenny city. It sits on 40 acres of parkland and offers comfort, nature, and fun activities for families. It’s good for families and couples.
The hotel is close to Kilkenny city center, shops, cafés, and sights like St Canice’s Cathedral. From Thomastown, it’s a 22-minute drive.
Rooms are clean and roomy. They come with tea and coffee, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have walk-in showers, hot tubs, or balconies. Suites have terraces, kitchens, and living areas.
You can use the indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, a spa, a sauna, and a petting zoo. Kids will enjoy the on-site dinosaur park.
The hotel has restaurants with casual meals and fine dining. Some older rooms can feel warm, and a few showers can be tricky, but the rooms are still comfortable.
The staff are usually friendly and helpful, especially in the restaurants, spa, and during events like weddings. Check-in can be slow at the front desk, but the total experience and amenities make up for it.
Pros
- Great location near city and attractions
- Clean, spacious rooms with upgrades
- Family-friendly activities
- Pools, spa, and fitness center
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Great for weddings
Cons
- 22-minute drive to Thomastown
- Front desk can be slow
- Older rooms may be stuffy
- Inconsistent food quality
- Pricey food
- Spa and pools can get crowded
Great for families with small kids
“Had a lovely stay last night with our 2 year old. We had dinner and breakfast. It was delicious and the staff really friendly. The Dino experience was amazing and I would recommend the hotel and park to anyone you couldn’t fault it. The leisure centre and outdoor infinity pool is also an added element for grown ups.”
Stephen McGrath | Google Review
Amazing service, excellent food
“We stayed in the Newpark Hotel recently and I have to say it was one of the best staycations that we ever had. The staff were amazing and so friendly and welcoming and the food was excellent too. My boys had an unforgettable experience and the Jurassic Newpark was incredible. We’ll definitely be back up again soon.”
John Horgan | Google Review
5. Kilkenny House Boutique Hotel

Location: Freshford Road, Kilkenny, R95 EC89, Ireland
Contact: +353 56 777 0711
Star Rating: 3-star
Consumer Rating: B
| Google reviews score | 4.0/5 |
| Tripadvisor reviews score | 3.4/5 |
| Total reviews | 4.5/5 |
| Score consistency | 4/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Great Location | 4./5 |
| Comfort and Extras | 4.5/5 |
| Friendly Service | 4.5/5 |
| Good Value | 4.5/5 |
If you’re planning a trip to Thomastown or Kilkenny and want a hotel that’s easy to reach, close to local sights, and comfortable enough for a relaxing stay, Kilkenny House Boutique Hotel may already be on your list.
This family-run hotel sits just outside Kilkenny city. It’s a 25-minute drive from Thomastown.
The hotel’s convenient location makes it easy to explore the area. It’s a short walk or quick drive to the city centre, and the bus stop across the street helps you reach shops, cafés, and popular sights easily.
Rooms are clean and recently renovated, with soft beds, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, and smart TVs. However, room quality can vary, and some have worn furnishings or warm rooms.
Breakfast has both hot and cold options, including gluten-free choices, and the free weekend Irish breakfast is a highlight.
The staff are friendly and helpful, especially at reception, but the service can be inconsistent at times.
When it comes to value, the hotel is a more affordable stay than nearby competitors. The free parking and its quiet and convenient location make it a good mid-range pick.
Pros
- Clean, comfortable rooms
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Convenient location near Kilkenny centre and attractions
- Breakfast included, with gluten-free options
- Free parking
- Quiet surroundings
Cons
- Some rooms need maintenance
- Occasional noise from compressors, doors, or construction
- No lift for pupper floors
- Slow bar service and limited menu
Spotless and well-maintained room
“Had an absolutely wonderful stay at this cozy hotel. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, always ready to assist with a smile. My room was spotless and well-maintained, making for a comfortable and relaxing experience. I will definitely be returning on my next visit!”
Thu Thao Tran | Google Review
Spacious, spotless, and beautiful rooms
“We loved our stay at the Kilkenny House Boutique Hotel. We only stayed one night and wished we had more time. Our room was spacious, spotless, and beautiful. We had a wonderful breakfast at Ted’s Coffee House which is located within the hotel. We peeked in the bar, too, and it looked very nice. The staff was very friendly and accommodating- thanks Linda!”
Rebecca Clayton | Google Review