Business in Review: A year of ups and downs for Kilkenny retailers

The year 2025 delivered the usual mix of highs and lows on the local business circuit. In an ever evolving business community, some long-term retailers closed after decades of dedicated service, others opened in the hope they will have a long and prosperous period in the Kilkenny sector, while some of the county’s best known brands reached significant anniversaries.

The local night-scene received a huge boost this year with two pubs re-opening in the city and Johnstown respectively.

The widely acclaimed 'Tholsel Bar' re-opened for business on High Street just this month. The iconic location is renowned as the 'Rugby Pub' of Kilkenny, with the property proving to be a popular meeting place for sports fans.

In January, McCarthy’s Bar in Johnstown reopened its doors to the public, under new management. The news was been widely welcomed in the community with local man Jimmy Kenny spearheading the effort.

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It was also a a marquee year for Pat Carroll’s in the city as they marked 40 years in operation in June. The anniversary was celebrated in style with customers coming from near and far to sip to the success...

However, it was far from the perfect year for Kilkenny publicans. the Valley Inn, a treasured local pub in Woodsgift announced its ‘immediate closure’ after a quarter of a century back in July.

Meanwhile, in a further blow, the number of butchers reduced locally this year with two high profile closures.

O’Brien Butchers shut the doors of their Market Yard premises for the final time in September as they retired after 45 years.

Meanwhile, after 40 years in local business, iconic Kilkenny meat trader, Kearns Family Butchers announced ‘with a heavy heart’ their departure in February. The family hailed the kindness, loyalty, and friendship they received from customers over the years as they moved to the next chapter of their lives.

Some kettles were plugged out for the final time this year.

Award-winning Kilkenny business, Nóinín have made the 'difficult decision' to close their John's Bridge cafe for the final time in April, stating, it simply isn’t financially sustainable’ for them to continue.

Some businesses also used 2025 as an opportunity to transition to online due to the changing landscape.

Hennessy Sports confirmed this month they will 'focus and specialise' their services to designing trophies and medals after selling sports gear for almost five decades.

Well known local business Rossiter Shoe Repairs and Pedorthics, owned by Michael Rossiter opted to go a similar path in November, strolling into the sphere of taking shoe repair orders exclusively online after 38 years on the Butterslip.

However, in an uplifting turn of events Johnstown barber, ‘Joe’s Barber Shop’ made a u-turn and stayed open despite plans to close after over a decade of business.

More in the latest edition of the Kilkenny People, out now!

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