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22 Oct 2025

EDITORIAL: VAT rate retention a boost for hospitality in Kilkenny

EDITORIAL: VAT rate retention a boost for hospitality in Kilkenny

Keeping the VAT rate at 9% for the tourism sector is a welcome move that will go a long way to supporting some of Kilkenny’s biggest employers in the industry.

Mutterings in the days leading up to this week’s announcement had been that it was set to revert to the 13.5%.

Business groups warned this could potentially derail the sector’s post-pandemic recovery by driving up prices for visitors already squeezed by recent cost of living increases.

There have been a number of recent developments on the hospitality front locally, with approval from An Bord Pleanala for a new hotel in the city, at John’s Green and Wolfe Tone Street.

The project could revitalise a brownfield, unused site and help add some vibrancy to the area, which has a number of busy restaurants nearby.

A potential second hotel is proposed for a site at the top of John Street, a mere few hundred yards away.

Both of these developments proceeding as planned would change the nature of the area, accommodating visitors in this part of the city and altering the distribution of where they choose to stay.

This week sees the launch of Tradfest and the St Patrick’s Festival, which both take place next month.

These festivals along with many others including Kilkenny Roots, Cat Laughs, Kilkenny Arts Festival, Savour Kilkenny, and Kilkenomics cements Kilkenny’s reputation as the festival capital of Ireland.

This year’s line up for Tradfest boasts an incredible 90 music sessions in pubs and venues around the Marble City from March 15 to 19.

It’s a chance to soak up the very Irish atmosphere during the St Patrick’s Day Festival which will see Kilkenny hosting a number of American marching bands.

Kilkenny’s Patrick’s Day Parade has gained a reputation for being one of the best.

Here’s to the big two festivals of March showcasing the best in creativity and entertainment and all on our doorstep.

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