Cleere's Bar & Theatre

In the heart of Kilkenny, you'll find a place where the city's history meets vibrant art. Cleere's Bar & Theatre is more than just another pub in Ireland; it's a true cultural hub located on historic Parliament Street. Under one roof, it harmoniously combines the cozy atmosphere of a traditional Irish establishment with an intimate 100-seat theater.

Cleere's Bar & Theatre. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The venue is famous for its authentic hospitality and unique character. Here, you can not only enjoy an excellent selection of beers but also try fresh homemade soups, sandwiches, and even fragrant pizzas. Cleere's attracts both locals and travelers seeking genuine emotions and quality relaxation.

For many guests, this place becomes a starting point for discovering the city's social life. The combination of music, theater, and warm, friendly conversation turns an ordinary evening into a significant event that lingers in the memory for a long time.

To check the upcoming performance schedule or book a table, you can use the following contact details:

The main reason to drop by Cleere's Bar & Theatre on a Monday evening is for the legendary traditional Irish music sessions. This is the oldest event of its kind in Kilkenny, and entry is free for everyone. On Wednesdays from 9:00 PM, the venue also hosts open music sessions, bringing together talented performers from all around.

If you appreciate performing arts, be sure to check the theater hall's schedule. It regularly hosts not only intimate plays but also stand-up comedy shows, poetry nights, and concerts. The venue often serves as an official location for major festivals, such as Cat Laughs or the Kilkenny Arts Festival, ensuring a rich program at any time of year.

Between cultural events, it's worth taking some time for gastronomic delights. Try a local beer paired with their signature pizza or a warming soup. Watching lively discussions at the bar give way to a spellbound silence during an artist's performance is a special experience that makes this place worth visiting.

Cleere's Bar & Theatre holds a place of pride in an area often called the "West End" of Kilkenny by locals. The venue's exact address is 28 Parliament Street. The Watergate Theatre, located in the immediate vicinity, can serve as a landmark.

The pub is easily accessible on foot from anywhere in the historic city center. If you prefer a taxi, the ride from the main tourist streets or the train station will take only a few minutes. For those traveling by car (own or rental), there are paid parking zones available around the Parliament Street area.

If you are using a navigator, enter the coordinates: 52.6550549, -7.2551907. This will reliably lead you to the doors of one of the city's most hospitable venues.

The history of this iconic spot began in 1988, when John and Phil Cleere opened the doors of their traditional pub on Parliament Street. Initially, it was a classic Irish drinking establishment, but the owners felt the city lacked a venue for intimate creative gatherings.

In the early 1990s, an intimate theater room was added to the main building. This decision marked a turning point: Cleere's Bar & Theatre quickly earned a reputation as a center for live arts, where the walls are steeped in stories and the line between performer and audience almost disappears.

Music has always been the heart of this house. The traditional Irish music sessions held here are considered the longest-running in the city. Despite a change in management in 2010, when John Holden and Paul McCabe took over, the establishment has maintained its authentic character and loyalty to the founders' family traditions.

For over three decades, the bar has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of Kilkenny. They don't just serve drinks here; they preserve the spirit of old Ireland, carefully weaving it together with modern theater productions and comedy shows.

When planning your visit to Cleere's Bar & Theatre, consider the type of experience you're looking for. If you just want to drop in for a famous music session, a pint of excellent beer, and a bite to eat, 1.5 to 2 hours should be plenty. This is enough time to soak in the cozy atmosphere and enjoy the live performance.

If you plan to attend a specific play or concert in the theater room, you should allow for more time. In this case, we recommend arriving half an hour before the performance starts to order drinks and find your seat without rushing. The duration of the shows themselves usually ranges from one to two and a half hours.

The doors of Cleere's Bar & Theatre are open to guests daily, making it easy to plan a visit any day of the week. The standard opening hours are as follows:

• Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM;
• Friday: 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM;
• Saturday: 12:30 PM to 12:30 AM;
• Sunday: 1:30 PM to 12:00 AM.

Please note that the famous music sessions begin on Monday evenings, and the open performances on Wednesdays start at 9:00 PM. As the theatrical program can vary, it is recommended to check the schedule for specific performances on the official website before your visit.

The bar's prime location on one of the main historic streets makes it easy to combine cultural relaxation with sightseeing. A stroll around the neighborhood after a play or a music session will provide even more memorable experiences.