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Kilkenny Castle

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Kilkenny Castle (Ireland)

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Kilkenny Castle, overlooking the River Nore, was completed in 1195 by William Marshal to guard a strategic crossing point. For nearly 600 years, it served as the principal residence of the powerful Butler family, the Earls and Dukes of Ormonde, who arrived in Ireland following the Anglo-Norman invasion. The castle’s architecture is a complex blend of medieval defensive towers and 19th-century Victorian remodeling, resulting in its current quadrilateral shape. A highlights of the interior is the Long Gallery, featuring a magnificent hammerbeam roof and an extensive collection of family portraits. In 1967, Arthur Butler, 6th Marquess of Ormonde, gifted the deteriorating castle to the city of Kilkenny for a symbolic £50. Since then, it has undergone extensive restoration and is now managed by the Office of Public Works. The castle is surrounded by 50 acres of parkland and formal gardens, serving as a premier cultural venue and one of Ireland's most visited historic sites.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C556811141515131176
Rain mm927476687082889381112110106

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Kilkenny Castle is open to the public; visitors can see the ornate interiors, the chapel, and the extensive gardens. Entry is paid, but the gardens are often free to access.
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Typical hours
The castle is typically open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with reduced hours in winter. Last entry is about one hour before closing - check ahead.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in most rooms without flash. The extensive gardens and the castle façade offer great subjects, especially in good weather.
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Time needed
Allow about two hours for visiting the castle including interiors and gardens. If you also explore Kilkenny town, set aside half a day.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with St. Canice's Cathedral and the adjoining round tower. Kilkenny's medieval old town with its pubs and shops is also worth a walk.
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Getting there
Kilkenny Castle is in the city centre and easily reachable on foot. Kilkenny train station is about 15 minutes away; trains run regularly from Dublin.
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Insider tip
Visit the castle in the afternoon when the light is best for photos. An audio guide is included in the entry fee and provides interesting background information.

Geography

Coordinates
52.64850, -7.24490

Facts

  • Completed in 1195 by William Marshal
  • Home of the Butler family for 600 years
  • Sold to the state in 1967 for just £50
  • The Long Gallery houses family portraits
  • Surrounded by 50 acres of public parkland
  • Retains three original medieval round towers

Explore nearby

Notable places around

St. Canice's CathedralSt. Canice's Cathedral1 km · NWExplore →
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Jerpoint AbbeyJerpoint Abbey15 km · SEExplore →
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Alphonse IslandAlphonse Island18 km · NEExplore →
Muine BheagMuine Bheag20 km · EExplore →
Slieve ArdaghSlieve Ardagh21 km · SWExplore →
GraiguenamanaghGraiguenamanagh23 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kilkenny Castle (10)

Shirehall Castle

Archaeological site discovered by geophysical survey near Kilkenny.

Flemingstown

Archaeological site with traces of a medieval village, visible on satellite imagery.

Geraldine Walsh Art

Gallery featuring works by Irish artist Geraldine Walsh.

The Castle Yard

Kilkenny's craft experience with workshops and shops.

Crafts Council of Ireland

Organization promoting Irish crafts based in Kilkenny.

National Design & Craft Gallery

Gallery for contemporary design and craft in Kilkenny.

Maudlin Castle🏰 castle

13th-century castle located in Kilkenny, Ireland.

County Hall

Municipal facility in Kilkenny, County Kilkenny, Ireland.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When was Kilkenny Castle built?
The original stone castle was constructed in the late 12th century.
Who owned the castle for centuries?
It was the principal residence of the powerful Butler family for over 600 years.
Is there a park at the castle?
Yes, the castle is set within extensive parklands that are free for the public to enjoy.
Can you visit the interior?
Yes, many magnificently restored rooms, including the Picture Gallery, are open to visitors.
Where is the castle located?
It is located in the heart of Kilkenny City, overlooking the River Nore.
Kilkenny Castle: where is it located?
Kilkenny Castle is located in Ireland, Ireland.
Kilkenny Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Shirehall Castle, Flemingstown, Kilkenny City Tours.
Kilkenny Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kilkenny Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Kilkenny Castle, overlooking the River Nore, was completed in 1195 by William Marshal to guard a strategic crossing point.
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