Restaurant, café, bar and accommodation plans for units in Kilkenny City

A substantial planning application incorporating units that face onto both High Street and Kieran Street in Kilkenny City has been lodged with Kilkenny County Council.

The applicant, One to One Cellular Ltd, is seeking permission for refurbishing the existing property (a protected structure) to incorporate six hotel style rooms in 77 High Street (connected to 76 High Street at first and second floor levels).

Also sought is permission to construct 'a setback third floor level extension to 77 High Street, to provide a licenced café bar restaurant at ground and lower level of 77 High Street'.

READ NEXT: Popular Kilkenny business premises announces imminent closure

Finally, the applicant is requesting permission to provide 'a further two hotel style rooms at first and second floor levels of 41 Kieran Street and to covert the ground floor level of 41 Kieran Street from retail use to reception and retail'.

According to the cover letter submitted with the application: "By developing no. 77 (High Street), a significant empty unit on High Street will become fully utilised on all levels.

"The provision of this high-quality boutique accommodation at this key position along the medieval mile route will do much to strengthen the important medieval mile project as a support to tourism in Kilkenny.

"By bringing a viable economic use to the buildings this will ensure the survival and conservation of the existing building fabric.

"Crotty’s has been closed since 2019. The tenant (Infocus Opticians) at 41 Kieran Street have given notice that they wish to move to another property within the city core which will in turn help with the sustainable use of another property within the city core.

READ NEXT: Big Kilkenny event postponed this weekend as 'severe' weather forecast threatens

"One 2 One Cellular Ltd's large-scale investment in these properties will, as well as construction employment, create long term sustainable jobs within the accommodation and restaurant café/bar contained in the proposal.

"It will also give significant active frontage to Kieran Street. One 2 One Cellular intend to manage and run the full property as a single entity."

The planning application was received by Kilkenny County Council on September 17, 2025 - and is currently awaiting validation.

Once validated, a decision is expected from the planning authority by November 11, 2025.

This timeline may be extended if further information is required by the planning authority from the applicant.

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE