Kilkenny Castle
Category: Families, Kids, Outdoors, Rainy Day, Culture, Sightseeing
Type: Castles, Historic Homes & Sites, Parks & Gardens, Visitor Centres, Tours, General Attractions
Kilkenny
Co Kilkenny
Co Kilkenny
Tel: +353 56 770 4100
Please mention ireland-guide.com when enquiring.
12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands
Kilkenny Castle
Georgina Campbell
Kilkenny Castle is a 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. Kilkenny Castle was built to control a fording-point of the River Nore and the junction of several routeways and was a symbol of Norman occupation. In its original thirteenth-century condition it would have formed an important element of the defences of the town with four large circular corner towers and a massive ditch, part of which can still be seen today on the Parade.
Following major restoration works the central block now includes a library, drawing room, and bedrooms decorated in 1830's splendour, as well as the beautiful Long Gallery. A suite of former servant's rooms is the Butler Art Gallery, which mounts frequently changing exhibitions of contemporary art.
The gardens and parkland adjoining the castle are open to the public and the Parade Tower is the Castle's conference venue.
Following major restoration works the central block now includes a library, drawing room, and bedrooms decorated in 1830's splendour, as well as the beautiful Long Gallery. A suite of former servant's rooms is the Butler Art Gallery, which mounts frequently changing exhibitions of contemporary art.
The gardens and parkland adjoining the castle are open to the public and the Parade Tower is the Castle's conference venue.
Opening Time:
Open daily, year round (closed Good Friday). October-February 9.30am-4.30pm; March 9.30am-5pm; April-May 9.30am-5.30pm; June-August 9am-5.30pm; September 9.30am-5.30pm.
Admission Charge:
Adults €6; Child (6+)/Student €2.50; OAP/Group €4; Family €14.
Map markers
You are here
Distance
- 10km
- 25km
- 50km
Directions
City centreView Similar Tourist Attractions
- Ballycroy National Park
- The Blascaoid Centre - Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhoir
- Avondale House & Forest Park
- Adare Heritage Centre
- Imaginosity - Dublins Children Museum
- National Wax Museum Plus
- Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre
- Gallarus Oratory & Gallarus Castle
- Aras an Uachtarain
- Donegal Castle
- Lusk Heritage Centre
- National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology
- Croke Park & GAA Museum
- Bushmills Distillery
- Xtreme.ie - Adventure Centre
- Kilkenny Castle
- Mizen Head Signal Station
- Hill of Tara
- Hook Lighthouse & Heritage Centre
- Somme Heritage Centre
- Ormond Castle
- Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium
- Kilbeggan Distillery Experience
- Blarney Castle
- Funtasia Bettystown
- Barryscourt Castle
- Roscrea Castle & Heritage Centre
- Larne Museum & Arts Centre
- Foynes Flying Boat Museum
- Kerry County Museum
- Aviva Stadium
- The Old Jameson Distillery
- Cruachan Ai Heritage Centre
- Reginalds Tower
- Donegal County Museum
- John F Kennedy Arboretum
- Doolin Cave & Visitor Centre
- Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens
- Skellig Experience Visitor Centre
- Queens University
- Dun Aonghasa
- Newgrange & Knowth - Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre
- Tower Museum
- House of Waterford Crystal
- Cobh Heritage Centre
- Castletown House
- Athenry Castle
- Malahide Castle
- Charles Fort
- Sentry Hill & Visitor Centre
- Lough Key Forest & Activity Park
- Pearse Museum & St. Endas Park
- The Science Gallery
- Phoenix Park Visitor Centre - Ashtown Castle
- Lahinch Seaworld & Leisure Centre
- Dungarvan Castle
- Russborough House
- Dromore Wood
- Aughnanure Castle
- Battle of the Boyne
- Trinity College Dublin & Book of Kells
- Ardfert Cathedral
- Hugh Lane Gallery
- Enniskillen Castle Museum
- Tintern Abbey
- Navan Centre & Fort
- Ferns Castle
- The Hunt Museum
- Old Mellifont Abbey
- Garylough Mill
- Desmond Hall
- Dublin Zoo
- The Ark
- Killarney National Park
- Ulster Museum
- Adare Castle
- Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park
- Skerries Mills
- Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre
- Chester Beatty Library
- National Leprechaun Museum
- Glenveagh National Park
- Craggaunowen - The Living Past
- Dwyer McAllister Cottage
- Dan OHaras Heritage & History Centre
- Rothe House & Garden
- Scattery Island Centre
- Tayto Park
- Galway Atlantaquaria
- Farmleigh House & Estate
- Galway City Museum
- National Photographic Archive
- Desmond Castle
- Belfast Zoo
- Ballyhack Castle
- Dublinia
- Famine Warhouse
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- National Gallery of Ireland
- Clonmacnoise
- Eagles Flying
- Clare Museum
- Armagh County Museum
- Armagh Planetarium
- Dublin City Hall - Story of the Capital
- National Museum of Ireland - Country Life
- Swiss Cottage
- St Marys Church
- Marble Arch Caves & Global Geopark
- Listowel Castle
- King Johns Castle
- Giants Causeway
- Sligo Abbey
- Glendalough
- Phoenix Park
- Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre
- Florence Court
- Carrickfergus Museum
- Dingle Oceanworld
- Government Buildings
- Emo Court
- Castle Ward House & Demesne
- Muckross House & Gardens & Traditional Farm
- Ennis Friary
- Skibbereen Heritage Centre
- National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History
- Number Twenty Nine - Georgian House Museum
- Dublin Castle
- Rock of Cashel
- Iveagh Gardens
- St Stephens Green
- Portumna Castle & Gardens
- Wicklow Mountains National Park
- Rathfarnham Castle
- Jerpoint Abbey
- Aillwee Cave
- Ross Castle
- Wexford Wildfowl Reserve
- Dunbrody Famine Ship
- Burren National Park
- Maynooth Castle
- National Aquatic Centre - AquaZone
- Ulster Folk & Transport Museum
- Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
- National Sea Life Centre
- Ceide Fields
- Waterford & Suir Valley Heritage Railway
- Cliffs of Moher - Visitor Experience
- Dunmore Cave
- Titanic Belfast
- Newmills Corn & Flax Mills
- Connemara National Park
- Derrynane House
- Museum at the Mill
- Glebe House & Gallery - The Derek Hill Collection
- Coole Park
- National Library of Ireland
- Crag Cave
- The Butlers Chocolate Experience
- Doneraile Wildlife Park
- Fort Lucan
- Skellig Michael
- National Transport Museum
- Arigna Mining Experience
- Mid Antrim Museum at The Braid
- King House
- Kilmainham Gaol
- Casino Marino
- Trim Castle
- Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship Famine Museum
- VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art & The George Bernard Shaw Theatre
- The Burren Centre - Gateway to the Burren
- Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge
- Christ Church Cathedral
- Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre
- Natural History Museum
- Little Museum of Dublin
- Leopardstown Racecourse
- Ulster American Folk Park
- Caherconnell Fort
- Glasnevin Museum
- St Marys Abbey
- Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary
- Funtasia Waterpark
- Parkes Castle
- Guinness Storehouse
- Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
- Jameson Experience Midleton
- Cahir Castle
- Ros Tapestry Exhibition Centre
- Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) - Royal Hospital Kilmainham
- Castlecomer Discovery Park
- Boyle Abbey
- The Main Guard
- Saint Patricks Cathedral
- Viking Splash Tours
- National Concert Hall
- Thomond Park Stadium
- Edmund Rice Heritage Centre
- Westport House, Gardens & Pirate Adventure Park
- Patrick Pearses Cottage
Local Recommendations
Hospitality
- Kilkenny Design Centre
(0.0km)NW - Ristorante Rinuccini
(0.1km)NW - Butler House
(0.1km)SW - Rive Gauche
(0.2km)NW - Zuni Restaurant & Boutique Hotel
(0.2km)NW - Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel & Harpers Restaurant
(0.2km)NW - Kilkenny River Court Hotel
(0.2km)NE - Pembroke Kilkenny
(0.2km)SW - The Grapevine Wine and Tapas Bar
(0.2km)NW - Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel
(0.3km)NW - Aroi Kilkenny
(0.3km)NW - Higgs Field Restaurant
(0.4km)NW - Petronella Restaurant
(0.4km)NW - Butcher Steakhouse
(0.4km)NW - Lylas
(0.4km)NW - Langton House Hotel
(0.4km)NE - Marble City Bar
(0.5km)NW - Gourmet Store, The
(0.5km)NW - La Rivista
(0.6km)NW - Foodworks Café
(0.7km)NW
Self Catering
- The Coachyard & Gardener's Cottage at Blanchville House
(8.2km)SE - Kilmokea Country Manor & Gardens - Coach House & Garden Suite
(43.0km)SE - Fruit Hill Holiday Cottages - The Coach House, Kirby's & The Garden Cottage
(43.3km)SE - Roundwood House - The Forge & The Cottage
(45.9km)NW - Waterford Castle Lodges
(45.9km)SE - Kilmaneen Farmhouse & Cottage
(57.3km)SW
Farmers Markets
- Kilkenny - Every Thursday
(0.2km)NW - Carlow - Carlow - Saturdays
(29.9km)NE - New Ross - County Wexford - Saturdays
(35.0km)SE - Carrick on Suir - County Tipperary - Fridays
(35.5km)SW - Thurles - County Tipperary - Saturdays
(38.9km)NW - Athy - County Kildare - Sundays
(42.0km)NE - Templemore Famers - Co Tipperary - Wednesdays
(42.7km)NW - Portlaoise - Co Laois - Fridays
(42.9km)NW - Waterford - Co Waterford - Saturdays
(44.2km)SE - Clonmel Premier Organic - Co Tipperary - Fridays
(44.4km)SW - Clonmel - County Tipperary - Saturdays
(44.7km)SW - Dunbrody - County Wexford
(45.2km)SE - Ardkeen Food Producers - Waterford - Second Sunday each month
(46.2km)SE - Enniscorthy - County Wexford - Saturdays
(49.2km)SE - Kilmacthomas - Co Waterford - Fridays
(50.7km)SW - Cahir - County Tipperary - Saturdays
(54.9km)SW - Birr - The Full Moon - Co Offaly - every 3rd Sunday
(66.7km)NW
Tourist Attractions
-
Kilkenny Castle
(0.0km)SE -
Rothe House & Garden
(0.7km)SE -
Dunmore Cave
(9.4km)SE -
St Marys Church
(12.6km)SE -
Jerpoint Abbey
(16.6km)SE -
Castlecomer Discovery Park
(17.8km)SE -
Famine Warhouse
(22.0km)SE -
VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art & The George Bernard Shaw Theatre
(30.2km)SE -
Dunbrody Famine Ship
(34.9km)SE -
Ros Tapestry Exhibition Centre
(35.1km)SE -
Ormond Castle
(35.5km)SE -
John F Kennedy Arboretum
(42.3km)SE -
Reginalds Tower
(44.1km)SE -
House of Waterford Crystal
(44.4km)SE -
Edmund Rice Heritage Centre
(44.6km)SE -
Waterford & Suir Valley Heritage Railway
(44.9km)SE -
The Main Guard
(45.0km)SE -
Rock of Cashel
(45.6km)SE -
Ballyhack Castle
(49.0km)SE -
Roscrea Castle & Heritage Centre
(50.1km)SE -
Tintern Abbey
(53.7km)SE -
Cahir Castle
(55.1km)SE -
Swiss Cottage
(55.9km)SE -
Dwyer McAllister Cottage
(57.9km)SE
Golf Courses
- Kilkenny Golf Club
(2.4km) NE - Gowran Park Golf Club
(12.5km) SE - Mount Juliet Golf Club
(14.0km) SE - Castlecomer Golf Club
(16.5km) NE - Carlow Golf Club
(33.3km) NE - Mount Wolseley Golf Club
(38.3km) NE - Kilkea Castle Golf Resort
(40.8km) NE - Waterford Golf Club
(43.1km) SE - Faithlegg Golf Club
(45.9km) SE - Waterford Castle Golf Club
(45.9km) SE - Rathsallagh Golf Club
(54.8km) NE
Gardens
- Mount Juliet & Garden
(14.0km)SE - Kilfane Glen & Waterfall
(15.0km)SE - Woodstock Gardens
(22.1km)SE - Heywood Gardens
(25.9km)NW - Delta Sensory Garden
(31.1km)NE - Killurney Garden
(34.7km)SW - Ballon Garden
(35.0km)NE - Altamont
(36.6km)NE - Hardymount
(36.8km)NE - Duckett's Grove Walled Garden and Pleasure Grounds
(37.4km)NE - Gash Gardens
(39.9km)NW - Newtownbarry House Gardens
(40.5km)NE - Coolaught Gardens
(42.2km)SE - Kilmokea Gardens
(43.0km)SE - Fairbrook House Gardens & Museum of Contemporary Figurative Art
(45.3km)SE - Burtown House Gardens
(45.4km)NE - Mount Congreve
(45.7km)SE - Bellefield
(58.5km)NW - Birr Castle Demesne
(66.8km)NW
Nearby Towns/Areas
- Kilkenny
(0.3km) SW - Wallslough
(5.1km) SE - Cuffesgrange
(6.5km) SW - Bennettsbridge
(7.6km) SE - Maddoxtown
(8.3km) SE - Dungarvan
(12.5km) SE - Gowran
(12.6km) SE - Tullaroan
(12.8km) NW - Freshford
(13.8km) NW - Thomastown
(15.7km) SE
Apps and Books
-
From Tide to Table by Georgina Campbell
Paperback edition of From Tide to Table - Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Buying, Prep ...more...
Comments
There are currently no comments
Leave a comment
Not a member? Register for your free membership now!
Or leave a comment by logging in with: