Work’s underway on a much-loved Kilkenny city centre building.
The Tholsel Bar at 8, High Street, known locally as Benji’s after its late owner Brendan Lawlor, was for many years a popular spot for revelers and a regular haunt for rugby fans.
The listed and protected building was sold and planning permission was lodged with Kilkenny County Council in 2023 by Global Labour Facilities Holdings Limited.
It received conditional approval last June to erect a new timber shopfront with external signage and fabric awning to the front and rear at ground floor level of the existing public house.
Minor internal alterations to the existing bar area are also taking place while there’s a change of use of the three upper floors from residential to short-term letting with direct access off High Street.
