Following a successful first evening of events in April, Kilkenny’s Café Lates initiative rolls out for the second of its two planned dates at the end of the month.
Thursday 29 May will see the six Kilkenny city-centre cafés that were selected for the programme’s pilot dates open their doors once more to an evening of food, music, chocolate making, pottery classes and more.
Backed by Kilkenny County Council under the Night Time Economy plan, each of the café venues has received grant funding of between €350 and €750 to stage events that wouldn’t typically take place in their spaces as a means of offering alternative late-evening or late-night entertainment for locals and tourists alike.
In particular, it offers something as an alternative to ‘going for pints’, hence the approach to cafés for participation. For those cafés, in a similar vein to how Culture Night was started, it may also be a chance to attract customers and visitors not usually available due to their own working hours etc.
Here’s what’s happening, when and where.
Kilkenny Café Lates 2025 Venues: 29 May
The Book and Coffee Show, William Street
Last time out it was a Brazilian composer, now it’s over to an evening of fiction and drama with acclaimed Kilkenny playwright Willie Egan. Willie and guests will be hosting dramatised readings of Egan’s new novel, followed by a Q&A session. 6-8pm.
The Chocolate Garden Café, High Street
Get creative, get messy, and go home with your own handmade box of chocolates. Embark on a journey of discovery around cocoa, chocolate-making and its place in Irish popular culture. Attendees will have the chance to create their own box of chocolates, combining high-quality Irish dairy ingredients with a variety of chocolate fillings and decorative toppings. Booking via chocolategarden.ie. 6.30pm and 8pm.
The Cookie Co-op, Friary Street
‘Tunes & Tales’ involves a fusion of storytelling and music by local artists Martin Matthews and Ali Comerford. The audience will be in for a treat as they witness a play between the two modalities, with Ali responding and improvising through music to Martin’s narrative.
Throughout the night, they’ll also be serving coffees, herbal teas, kombucha, and cacao along with their signature bakes and some savoury bites (with vegan options included). 7-9pm.
Tower & Castle, John Street
Coffee house by day, it’s over to tapas and music for the night, for an evening filled with mouthwatering tapas and live acoustic music. Bookings for tables via phone or WhatsApp to 086 0304449. 6-9pm.
Wild Flower Cafe, Butler Gallery
2024 Battle of the Bands winners Oracle Villa head to Wild Flower Cafe for a blend of rock ’n’ roll and alt-rock magic, with a helping of Olivia’s tasty treats on the side. 6-8pm.
Wild Tails
Hosting a night of coffee and creativity, Wild Tails open their doors to The Happy Pottery, taking you through a unique pottery painting workshop where you can choose from a range of mugs to create your own special piece. Booking via thehappypottery.com. 7-9pm.
