New Kilkenny pub hopes to offer diversity as opening fast-approaches

Kilkenny is set to welcome a new pub to its streets later this year as Hackett’s Bar makes a return to the St Canice’s area of the city.

Proprietor Tommy Hackett made the announcement via social media at the end of August, confirming the new bar will take up residence at 10 Irishtown, replacing the Cat & Fiddle Gastro Pub.

The news offers a much-needed boost to Kilkenny night-time economy, with many local pubs across rural and urban Kilkenny closing their doors over the past two decades.

According to a report from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) released last month, there are 41 fewer pubs operating in Kilkenny than there were back in 2005. The county had 185 pubs operating in 2021, a sharp decrease from the figure of 226 in 2005.

Local bars were not immune to the Covid-19 either, with 10 fewer pubs in the county since the outset of the pandemic in 2019.

However, Mr Hackett is optimistic the family brand can bring a boost to the area.

"It’s the parish I’m from, we’ve had a taste of success on Parliament Street already so I know there’s a market there to make a success of it in the region."

"It’s a fantastic location and building and it’s full steam ahead for an October opening."

It’s just over six months since Mr Hackett reopened 'Sean Byrne’s Bar' on James’ Street and he’s excited by the challenge of running the two businesses simultaneously, but does acknowledge the ‘ever-changing’ industry will provide bumps in the road.

The upcoming opening marks a new chapter for Hackett’s Bar and the proprietor hopes the re-location will bring a 'diverse range' of people through its doors.