Empire Theatre

On the 27th of October, 1902, the Empire Theatre on Patrick Street opened its doors, financed by Lady Desart. The theatre was built with the finest craftsmanship. The walls were adorned with fine art and plasterwork. The theatre put on many great displays and some of the best actors from Ireland at the time, performed there. The theatre was one of the finest in the country and even had a balcony.

A scene from the film 'Lock Up Your Daughters' was filmed inside the theatre with many locals as extras. This film was completely filmed in Kilkenny City and was released in 1969.

The theatre changed names many times. After 'Empire Theatre', it became 'Kilkenny Theatre' before becoming 'Stallards Theatre'. As well as having being host to plays, the theatre also showed many films including 'Oliver Twist' and the original 'King Kong' movie. It was a huge part of the Kilkenny City social scene and many people have fond memories of the place.

As the decades passed by, the theatre fell out of favour and the place saw less and less business. The building became very run down and eventually, theatre ceased to exist at 26 Patrick Street.

The building has been in commercial use ever since the 1980s and has been used as 'Christopher Wray's Lighting Emporium and in its current use as 'Zuni's Hotel and Restaurant'.

Much of the original facade of the building still exists to this day but major renovations to the interior, have left the place unrecognisable of its former use.