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
- Cruachan Ai Heritage Centre
- Kilkenny Castle
- Carrickfergus Museum
- Scattery Island Centre
- Arigna Mining Experience
- Iveagh Gardens
- Ennis Friary
- Burren National Park
- Aviva Stadium
- Famine Warhouse
- Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium
- Ormond Castle
- Lahinch Seaworld & Leisure Centre
- Enniskillen Castle Museum
- Number Twenty Nine - Georgian House Museum
- Crag Cave
- Ferns Castle
- Museum at the Mill
- Mizen Head Signal Station
- The Butlers Chocolate Experience
- Rothe House & Garden
- Cobh Heritage Centre
- King Johns Castle
- Lusk Heritage Centre
- Hugh Lane Gallery
- Government Buildings
- Listowel Castle
- Viking Splash Tours
- Dun Aonghasa
- Queens University
- Tintern Abbey
- Larne Museum & Arts Centre
- Phoenix Park
- Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge
- Doneraile Wildlife Park
- Kilmainham Gaol
- Cahir Castle
- Hill of Tara
- St Stephens Green
- The Hunt Museum
- VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art & The George Bernard Shaw Theatre
- Charles Fort
- Ulster Folk & Transport Museum
- Desmond Hall
- Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park
- Adare Castle
- Killarney National Park
- Castle Ward House & Demesne
- Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
- Dunmore Cave
- Funtasia Bettystown
- Sentry Hill & Visitor Centre
- Swiss Cottage
- Clonmacnoise
- Phoenix Park Visitor Centre - Ashtown Castle
- Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship Famine Museum
- Ceide Fields
- Clare Museum
- Glasnevin Museum
- Glebe House & Gallery - The Derek Hill Collection
- National Gallery of Ireland
- Dingle Oceanworld
- The Science Gallery
- Ulster American Folk Park
- Farmleigh House & Estate
- John F Kennedy Arboretum
- Boyle Abbey
- Bushmills Distillery
- Ulster Museum
- Ros Tapestry Exhibition Centre
- Adare Heritage Centre
- Portumna Castle & Gardens
- Belfast Zoo
- National Transport Museum
- Gallarus Oratory & Gallarus Castle
- Little Museum of Dublin
- Reginalds Tower
- Guinness Storehouse
- King House
- Giants Causeway
- Armagh Planetarium
- Skerries Mills
- Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre
- National Aquatic Centre - AquaZone
- Waterford & Suir Valley Heritage Railway
- Parkes Castle
- National Concert Hall
- Dwyer McAllister Cottage
- Hook Lighthouse & Heritage Centre
- Marble Arch Caves & Global Geopark
- Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
- Florence Court
- Emo Court
- Garylough Mill
- Rathfarnham Castle
- National Museum of Ireland - Country Life
- Russborough House
- The Main Guard
- Armagh County Museum
- Casino Marino
- Pearse Museum & St. Endas Park
- Wexford Wildfowl Reserve
- Funtasia Waterpark
- Maynooth Castle
- Dublin Castle
- Wicklow Mountains National Park
- Aughnanure Castle
- Ballycroy National Park
- National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History
- National Photographic Archive
- Patrick Pearses Cottage
- Dunbrody Famine Ship
- Natural History Museum
- Athenry Castle
- Dan OHaras Heritage & History Centre
- Skibbereen Heritage Centre
- Sligo Abbey
- Connemara National Park
- National Wax Museum Plus
- Aillwee Cave
- Malahide Castle
- Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary
- Chester Beatty Library
- Lough Key Forest & Activity Park
- Westport House, Gardens & Pirate Adventure Park
- Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens
- Galway City Museum
- Xtreme.ie - Adventure Centre
- Caherconnell Fort
- National Library of Ireland
- Ardfert Cathedral
- Galway Atlantaquaria
- National Sea Life Centre
- Donegal Castle
- Muckross House & Gardens & Traditional Farm
- Saint Patricks Cathedral
- Somme Heritage Centre
- Kerry County Museum
- Mid Antrim Museum at The Braid
- Jameson Experience Midleton
- Skellig Experience Visitor Centre
- Avondale House & Forest Park
- Edmund Rice Heritage Centre
- Leopardstown Racecourse
- The Ark
- Glenveagh National Park
- Craggaunowen - The Living Past
- Thomond Park Stadium
- Doolin Cave & Visitor Centre
- Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Castletown House
- Ross Castle
- Fort Lucan
- Barryscourt Castle
- The Burren Centre - Gateway to the Burren
- Dublinia
- St Marys Church
- Battle of the Boyne
- National Leprechaun Museum
- The Blascaoid Centre - Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhoir
- Tower Museum
- Skellig Michael
- Newmills Corn & Flax Mills
- Blarney Castle
- St Marys Abbey
- Eagles Flying
- Ballyhack Castle
- Dungarvan Castle
- Jerpoint Abbey
- Roscrea Castle & Heritage Centre
- Trim Castle
- Donegal County Museum
- Tayto Park
- National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology
- Cliffs of Moher - Visitor Experience
- Derrynane House
- Dromore Wood
- Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) - Royal Hospital Kilmainham
- Newgrange & Knowth - Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre
- Rock of Cashel
- Croke Park & GAA Museum
- Castlecomer Discovery Park
- Kilbeggan Distillery Experience
- Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre
- Trinity College Dublin & Book of Kells
- House of Waterford Crystal
- Titanic Belfast
- Coole Park
- The Old Jameson Distillery
- Foynes Flying Boat Museum
- Imaginosity - Dublins Children Museum
- Aras an Uachtarain
- Navan Centre & Fort
- Christ Church Cathedral
- Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre
- Dublin Zoo
- Desmond Castle
- Glendalough
- Old Mellifont Abbey
- Dublin City Hall - Story of the Capital
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: