Iconic Kilkenny pub comes to market and is 'priced to sell'

Phelans of Parliament Street has formed part of Kilkenny City’s hostelry tradition since the mid-1800s, occupying a prominent and much-loved position within the historic city core.

Reconstructed in 1961/62, the property was notably forward-thinking in its use of steel girders, cast concrete, and oak beams— decisions that have ensured the building remains in excellent structural condition to this day.

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30 Parliament Street is an imposing four-bay, three-storey building. The upper floors comprise four recently upgraded bedrooms, three en suites, a family bathroom, along with a living room and kitchen, offering comfortable and flexible residential accommodation above the commercial premises.

The front façade of Phelans Bar is of clear architectural note, giving the property a strong and recognisable presence on Parliament Street.

Positioned among a cluster of well-established “old-world” public houses, the re-introduction of Phelans to the city’s social scene would be warmly welcomed and enthusiastically received.

Phelans has remained in the same family for generations, with both the Phelan and Brennan families deeply associated with the running of the premises.

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The late Tom Brennan, fondly remembered as “the people’s publican,” served behind the counter for over 60 years and was widely revered throughout the city.

To the rear of the property are two potential garden development areas, presenting significant opportunity for outdoor use, extension, or further development (subject to planning permission).

This added space enhances the long-term flexibility and appeal of the property.

Phelans represents a rare opportunity to acquire a structurally sound, historically significant, and sentimentally rich property in one of Kilkenny City’s most established hospitality locations.

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Stepping in from Parliament Street, you are welcomed into a spacious front bar with an open fireplace, creating an immediate sense of warmth and character.

Off the main bar is a smaller bar/snug area—ideal for quieter gatherings or more intimate seating. From here, an internal hallway leads to the toilet facilities.

A separate access point to the first floor is also located to the rear of the bar and is neatly closed off by a door, providing privacy and added security between the commercial space and the upper accommodation.

The residential accommodation enjoys its own independent access from the side of the property, approached via an archway from Parliament Street—an excellent feature providing privacy and separation from the bar below.

A staircase rises to the first-floor landing. To the rear is a generously proportioned kitchen overlooking the back of the property, finished with tiled walls and tiled flooring for practicality and ease of maintenance.

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To the front is a large living room with two windows that draw in excellent natural daylight, further enhanced by an open fireplace creating a comfortable focal point to the room.

Also off the central landing is a fully fitted family bathroom, complete with bath and separate shower unit, and finished with tiling from floor to ceiling. Two bedrooms are also located on this floor, offering flexible family or guest accommodation.

A further staircase leads to the second-floor accommodation, where three additional bedrooms are located, each benefiting from its own en suite bathroom.

All en suites are fully tiled from floor to ceiling, offering a modern and easily maintained finish.

This level is further complemented by a large walk-in hot press/storage room, providing excellent practical space for linen, household storage, or general utilities.

Located in the very heart of Kilkenny City and positioned directly opposite The Watergate Theatre and the New Abbey Quarter this is a superb opportunity to re-establish a landmark public house in one of the city’s most prominent and high-footfall settings.

With a complete family home overhead and independent residential access, the property offers an ideal live-over-the-shop arrangement, perfectly suited to an ambitious purchaser looking to enter or expand within the licensed trade.

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The scale of the accommodation and the overall volume of space is immediately apparent and is clearly illustrated in the accompanying floor plans.

Priced to sell and representing outstanding value for its size, location and potential, this is a rare chance to acquire a well-known Kilkenny premises with strong long-term upside.

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