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Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny
Rainy days
Few buildings in Ireland can boast a longer history of continuous occupation than Kilkenny Castle. Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, the castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years.

Kilkenny Castle is open all year round and is largely a Victorian remodelling of the thirteenth century defensive castle furnished with the family paintings and tapestries and objects d’art. Visitors can choose to explore the ancestral home of the Butler family with either a self guided visit or a guided tour. The visit of the Castle includes the dining room, Victorian nursery and the picture gallery with its hand painted hammer beam roof.

The Parade Tower wing is the dedicated events area of Kilkenny Castle and comprises its entire west wing. Designed to facilitate conferences, receptions, gala dinners, cultural and artistic events, it can also be a setting for civil & humanist wedding ceremonies.

Other features include 50 acres of rolling parkland with mature trees, a formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and a man-made lake, which were added in the nineteenth century. There is also a tea room, playground and several orienteering trails for visitors to enjoy.

Upcoming events
Why we like it
  • See the grand interiors of the 12th century castle.
  • Spot the ornamental lake.
  • Enjoy the stunning rose garden.
  • The colourful playground is perfect for little ones.
Tips from locals

Plan your visit around one of the talks or concerts that take place regularly in the gardens and Picture Gallery.

Tips from locals

Visit the beautiful Rose Garden and find the perfect selfie spot at the front of the castle.

Contact details
The Parade, Collegepark, Kilkenny, R95 YRK1, Ireland
Visit duration

We recommend planning to spend 1 to 2 hours visiting Kilkenny Castle.

More to discover at Kilkenny Castle
SummerKilkenny Castle Parkland

The Kilkenny Castle Parkland boasts both formal and informal gardens. Set in Kilkenny City, the estate overlooks the Nore River and includes mature trees and shrubs as well as an ornamental lake. All areas are free of charge.

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