As the leaves turn golden and begin to fall, and the crisp air carries fresh scent through Kilkenny’s medieval streets, a new season begins, one filled with quiet beauty, festive cheer, and rich cultural experiences. Autumn and winter in Kilkenny are more than just months on the calendar, they are an invitation to slow down, savour the moment, and reconnect with yourself and those you love.
Housed within the former dower house of Kilkenny Castle, Butler House & Garden offers an elegant setting for this seasonal escape. Behind the ivy-covered Georgian façade, you’ll find an atmosphere of soft elegance and quiet luxury, where modern comfort meets storied history. A stay at our boutique hotel places you steps from the city's most enchanting experiences and invites you to enjoy the season from the very heart of Kilkenny.
Seasonal Breaks Designed Around You
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a cosy retreat, or a cultural city break, Butler House has created a collection of experience packages designed with the season in mind:
- Bed, Breakfast & Bubbles – A little luxury with a bottle of chilled prosecco on arrival. Click to book here.
- Cosy Retreat – Your invitation to slow down, relax, and savour the season on this two night stay. Click to book here.
- Signature Retreats – For those who want a carefully curated experience with extras included. Click to book here.
- Kilkenny Castle Experience – Includes tickets to explore the iconic castle just steps away. Click to book here.
- Smithwick's Experience Break – Visit the famous brewery for a tasting and tour. Book here.
- Dog-Friendly Breaks – Bring your furry friend along for the adventure. Contact Us About Dog-Friendly Breaks
Each stay includes a fully served breakfast in the Lady Eleanor Restaurant, access to our beautiful Walled Garden, and the unique charm of staying in a property rooted in history.
Autumn & Winter Afternoon Teas
Indulge in seasonal flavours with our tradtional Afternoon Teas held on selected Saturdays, delicate bites and sweet treats served with grace in our elegant Lady Eleanor Garden Room. Especially for Savour Kilkenny Festival, this October Bank Holiday weekend, we offer Savour Afternoon Tea on both Saturday and Sunday with sittings from 1pm to 3pm. It’s the perfect pause from the festival bustle. Explore Menus & Afternoon Tea Dates.
Savour the Flavour: Butler House at Savour Kilkenny
24–27 October 2025
As the city prepares for Savour Kilkenny Festival, Butler House becomes more than a place to stay, it becomes part of the celebration. Just through our garden gate lies The Parade, transformed for the weekend into a vibrant open-air food village filled with Ireland’s top culinary voices.
Within our Georgian walls, we invite guests to slow down and savour in style.
Chef Ben Davis
Six Courses, Two Countries
This year, we're delighted to welcome Chef Ben Davis from New Zealand for a one-night-only tasting menu on Saturday, 26th October. Bringing his Māori roots to Irish soil, Chef Davis creates a culinary bridge between Kilkenny and the Southern Hemisphere with an elegant Irish–Kiwi fusion menu.
An arrival drink will be served at 7pm, followed by dinner at 7:30pm in the Lady Eleanor Restaurant at Butler House.
Booking is essential. Reserve your place by emailing events@butler.ie.
Kilkonomics | 6-9 November 2025
An inspired blend of economics and comedy, this one-of-a-kind festival brings big ideas to a historic city. Return to the calm and comfort of Butler House after each talk, where quiet corners, fine dining, and peaceful gardens await.
Yulefest Kilkenny | 29 November – 23 December 2025
Twinkling lights, festive markets, music, and mulled wine, Kilkenny at Christmas is a true delight. From our seasonally decorated interiors to our proximity to Yulefest events, Butler House adds elegance and warmth to your Christmas experience.
Pause, Dine & Unwind
Whether you're staying overnight or simply dropping in during the festival season, our Garden View Room and The Patio when weather permits, offer a relaxed and refined setting for seasonal dining:
- Cream Tea served from 11 am, all day and evening (€10.50)
- Lunch in the Garden View Room from 12 pm to 3 pm daily
- Evening Menu available until 9 pm, featuring Irish cheese plates, Beef & Guinness Hot Pot, and more
- Drinks & Nibbles served until 11 pm from our fully stocked bar
No need to book, simply call in and let us take care of the rest.
Dog-Friendly Breaks: A Warm Welcome for All Guests
At Butler House, we believe no member of the family should be left behind. Our dog-friendly room, available by direct booking only, comes complete with garden access and proximity to Kilkenny Castle Park, ideal for morning walks. Dogs are welcome in our Reception Lounge, where light bites and drinks can be enjoyed in comfort.
This exclusive offer is available only by phone or email. For availability, contact us on +353 56 7722828, or by emailing events@butler.ie
Plan Your Autumn–Winter Escape Today
As the season changes, Kilkenny becomes a place of wonder, and Butler House offers the perfect place to stay, dine, and reconnect.
Whether you're here for Savour Kilkenny, Kilkonomics, Yulefest, or simply to enjoy the charm of the season, your escape begins at Butler House, a boutique hotel where every detail is designed for comfort, every corner whispers history, and every stay feels quietly extraordinary.
Ready to Book our Autumn & Winter Escape?
Click Here to See Our Special Offers.
Contact us on +353 56 7722828 or email: events@butler.ie