The festival programme is so back-to-back that real comedy fans will be hard pressed to grab a burger never mind organising a sit down meal. However no matter how funny it all is you have to eat - and with the city jammed with happy bank holiday-makers it is best to organise yourself early. It's either that or face the completely unfunny prospect of weaving through the streets at midnight in search of a late night shop to buy a packet of crisps and a bar of chocolate.
If you're worried that eating will take up too much pub or comedy time there's always
Supermacs but you should know that Kilkenny sentimentalists still feel a bit narked that the fluorescent burger bar replaced the wonderfully named old-style department store called The Monster House. (Now that would have been a great name for a comedy venue). If you fancy dining cheaply and al fresco, Kilkenny has one of the most interesting healthfood/delicatessens in the country in Shortis Wong, John Street, where you can buy a take out to eat in the grounds of the castle. At the other end of the scale is Kilkenny's best restaurant, Cafe Sol on William Street (Tel: 056 64987). The style of food could be loosely described as Mediterranean with dishes featuring sunny ingredients such as mozzarella, basil and chilli and all served in a relaxed, unpretentious environment.
The Italian Connection, Parliament Street (Tel: 056 64225), is one of Kilkenny's longest established restaurants and serves the expected mixed menu of pastas and good pizzas. During festival time it wins out because of its proximity to both the Watergate Theatre and Cleere's pub. The award-winning Langtons on John Street (Tel: 056 65133) is the city's super pub. The menu leans towards the sensible and satisfying meat-and-two-veg variety, but the surroundings are lovely and the place is so big you're bound to get a table. If you have left it until late in the evening then Lautrecs on Kieran Street (Tel: 056 62720) serves food until 12.50 a.m. It's a mix of pasta and Tex Mex and the place is always buzzing. For something a little more sedate Rinnucnis on the Parade (Tel: 056 61575) is an old-style, upmarket Italian restaurant.
