By Janelle Miller Contributing Editor
Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle, is a lush haven for livestock, thanks to its frequent rains and green pastures. As you travel across the country, it is hard to miss the cattle, sheep and goats dotting the vibrant landscape, grazing on the greenest pastures. Irish beef is a highlighted staple on pub and restaurant menus nationwide, often accompanied by local cheese, milk and freshly caught fish. But in Kilkenny, one restaurant stands out for its unique source of beef.
Butcher Restaurant, nestled in Kilkenny’s charming downtown, is the creation of Mark Williams, a sixth-generation rancher. Five years ago, Williams opened Butcher as an outlet for his family’s beef and to support local suppliers sourcing 100 percent Irish produce. His family played a pivotal role in expanding the Hereford breed in Ireland. According to the Irish Hereford Breed Society, the Hereford breed first came to Ireland in 1775 directly from Herefordshire, England. Today, Williams supplies top-notch beef to various local restaurants and hotels, and even delivers it regularly to nearby Dublin. The meat served at Butcher comes from Mark’s farm, Summerhill Farm, located in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, rearing purebred Hereford, Aberdeen Angus and Belted Galloway cattle.
Located in the historical Butterslip Lane, Butcher Restaurant boasts an industrial yet warm atmosphere. The elegant design combines traditional meat factory elements with modern touches, creating a welcoming environment for locals and visitors. On a weekend evening at Butcher, you might find groups celebrating stags and hens, the Irish equivalent of bachelor and bachelorette parties.
The menu is a testament to Williams’ dedication to quality. Although the Mohawk special sells out quickly, there are plenty of other mouth-watering options. Start with the beef tartare, a fusion twist on sashimi, or the beef short rib croquettes for a hearty snack. For the main course, the ribeye is a must-try, showcasing the tender, flavorful beef that Butcher is known for.
A visit to Ireland isn’t complete without engaging in a warm conversation with the locals. Known for their friendliness and hospitality, the Irish are always ready with a smile and a chat, and the atmosphere at Butcher is no exception. You might be greeted by Mark Williams himself or by dedicated staff members like Maria and Camilla, who have been essential to the restaurant’s success. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll feel at home thanks to their genuine kindness and welcoming nature, and you might even get a recommendation for one of their favorite cocktails made with local Irish gin or whiskey.
Take the chance to experience the best of Irish beef at Butcher Restaurant. Visit them in Kilkenny, Ireland, or check out their website at butcherrestaurant.ie. Follow them on social media for updates and mouth-watering photos: @butcherkilkenny on Instagram and Butcher Kilkenny on Facebook.
