Aran Bakery & Bistro
Arán
A sourdough bakery and bistro run by two former Noma stagiaires. Award-winning, it has the widest pastry selection if you come in the morning.
Owners Bart and Nicole met while working at Noma in Copenhagen and opened in Kilkenny in 2019. The name means bread in Irish. Their spelt sourdough is made with local Kells flour and won the top national prize at the Blas na hÉireann awards. The bistro also took the 2025 Irish Restaurant Awards prize for Best Modern Irish Cuisine in Leinster. The bakery and deli on Barrack Street sells sourdough, almond croissants, custard tarts, Korean pulled pork buns and more. Popular items often sell out by the afternoon, so go in the morning. Prices are very reasonable.
Opening hours
Hours vary by season; check the website or call ahead before your visit. The bakery opens during the day, and popular pastries often sell out by the afternoon.
Nearby sights
- Butler Gallery
- Kilkenny Castle
- Medieval Mile Museum
- Kyteler's Inn
- Kilkenny Design Centre & National Design and Craft Gallery
- Medieval Mile
- Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny
- Rothe House & Garden