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