There’s something truly special about Christmas in Kilkenny. As the days grow shorter and the lights begin to glow along The Parade, Butler House & Garden feels like the heart of it all. The scent of mulled wine drifts through the air, the fires are lit, and our elegant Georgian townhouse fills with that unmistakable festive warmth.
Just beside Kilkenny Castle, Butler House is the perfect place to stay, dine, or simply take a moment to enjoy the season. Whether you’re meeting friends for lunch, joining us for Afternoon Tea, or escaping for a night away, this is where festive memories are made. Quietly, beautifully, and with a touch of old-world charm.
Festive Experiences to Warm the Heart
At Butler House, Christmas is not about rushing but about slowing down, getting together, and savouring the small things. We have a few lovely ways to do just that this December.
Festive Cream Tea
Daily from 1st – 21st December | 11am – 4pm
A simple pleasure that feels wonderfully indulgent. Enjoy a freshly baked Christmas scone, a rich mini plum pudding with brandy cream, and your choice of barista coffee or tea, all for €10.50 per person. The perfect pick-me-up after a morning of shopping or a stroll through the Yulefest Kilkenny markets.
No booking needed unless you’re a group of four or more.
Festive Afternoon Tea
€42 per person | Booking Required
Our Afternoon Tea takes on a festive glow each December, served in the beautifully dressed reception rooms overlooking the gardens. Expect delicate sandwiches, sweet treats, and a sprinkling of Christmas sparkle. It’s one of our most-loved traditions, and it books up quickly each year.
Dates: Saturdays 6th, 13th & 20th December | Sundays 7th & 14th December
Nollaig na mBan: Saturday 3rd January
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Breakfast with Santa – In Aid of Temple Children’s Hospital
Saturday 6th December | 10.30am | €20 per adult | €10 per child
Join us for a delightful morning filled with holiday cheer! Gather your family for a festive breakfast featuring everything from delicious waffles topped with berries to a hearty Full Irish. And guess what? You’ll even get to meet Santa before he heads back to the North Pole!
Plus, you'll be doing something wonderful this Christmas, as half of all proceeds will be donated to Temple Street Children’s Hospital.
Limited availability. Booking required!
We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you!
Carol Service with Cairdeas Kilkenny Parkinson’s Choir
Thursday 11th December | 5.30pm
Few things capture the spirit of Christmas like carols by candlelight. On Thursday 11th December at 5.30pm, we’re delighted to welcome back the Cairdeas Choir for an evening of music, laughter and community.
Guests can enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and mince pies. Everyone is welcome, no booking required.
Dining in the Glow of the Season
All through December, the Garden View Bar is a cosy retreat from the winter chill. Settle in for comforting seasonal favourites, Roast Turkey & Ham, Beef & Guinness Hot Pot, or Irish cheese plates by the fire. There’s always something delicious on the menu, whether you’re after a light lunch or an evening bite with a glass of mulled wine.
And if you’re meeting friends, our Bubbles & Nibbles offer is just the thing, a bottle of prosecco with cocktail bites for €45, perfect for a festive toast.
Garden View Bar Opening Hours:
• Festive Cream Tea: 11am – 4pm
• Lunch Menu: 12 noon – 3pm
• Full Bar Service: until 11pm
Christmas Sunday Lunch
Sunday 21st December | 1pm or 2.45pm | €49 per person
Our traditional Christmas Sunday Lunch is one of the highlights of the season. Gather around the table for a three-course meal featuring all the festive favourites, Turkey & Ham, Roast Beef, and those all-important desserts like Apple Crumble and Plum Pudding. Served in the warmth of our Garden View Room, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season.
Please note: not suitable for children under 12
Gather in Historic Elegance
Butler House has a special atmosphere at Christmas. Fires flickering, laughter spilling from the reception rooms, and that wonderful atmosphere of friends meeting again. Whether you’re planning a festive drink, a long-overdue catch-up, or a private party, we can tailor the perfect celebration with drinks, canapés, finger food or a sit-down meal.
Make Memories This Christmas
From carols and candlelight to Cream Tea by the fire, Christmas at Butler House is all about warmth, connection and simple joys. Drop in for lunch, join us for a festive event, or treat yourself to a winter stay in one of our elegant rooms. However you spend it, we’d love to make your Christmas in Kilkenny a little more special.
Butler House Gift Vouchers
This Christmas, give a Butler House Gift Voucher for a memorable experience. You can use it for a luxurious overnight stay, a seasonal Afternoon Tea, or dining in the Lady Eleanor Restaurant. Our vouchers are thoughtful, flexible, and beautifully presented. The perfect gift for someone special.
For events enquiries, contact Tess Kavanagh at 086 145 2928 or email events@butler.ie.
For more info, contact us on +353 56 7722828 or email res@butler.ie