Kilkenny Castle
The jewel in the crown of an enchanting medieval city
Kilkenny Castle
The jewel in the crown of an enchanting medieval city
Admission
All visitors, including children, must have a ticket
Tickets can be booked online up to 7 days in advance
Some tickets will be available on site from the ticket desk pending availability
Self guided tour:
Adult: €8.00
Group/Senior: €6.00
Child/Student: €4.00
Family: €20.00
Guided tour:
Adult:€12
Senior: €10
Child/Student: €6
Family: €30
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Kilkenny Castle
Built in the twelfth century, Kilkenny Castle was the principal seat of the Butlers, earls, marquesses and dukes of Ormond for almost 600 years. Under the powerful Butler family, Kilkenny grew into a thriving and vibrant city. Its lively atmosphere can still be felt today.
The castle, set in extensive parkland, was remodelled in Victorian times. It was formally taken over by the Irish State in 1969 and since then has undergone ambitious restoration works. It now welcomes thousands of visitors a year.
The central block includes a library, drawing room, nursery and bedrooms decorated in 1830s splendour. The magnificent Picture Gallery is situated in the east wing of Kilkenny Castle.This stunning space dates from the 19th century and was built primarily to house the Butler Family's fine collection of paintings.
Highlights
Gallery
Opening Times
April – September
Daily : 09:15 – 17:30.
Last admission 17:00.
October- March
Daily 09:30- 17:00
Last admission 16:30
Notice
Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer months.
Seasonal Opening Times
- Parklands
January 09:00 – 16:30
February 09:00 – 17:30
March 08:30 – 18:00
April 08:30 – 19:30
May, June, July and August 08:30 – 20:30
September 08:30 – 19:30
October 08:30 – 18:00
November 09:00 – 17:00
December 09:00 – 16:30
Getting Here
Located in Kilkenny City
Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions
Facilities
- Art
- Baby Changing
- Brochure
- Café
- Exhibition
- Guided tours
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Toilets
- WiFi
Restrictions
- Hold hand rail
- Limited Access
Nearby sites to visit
Kilkenny Castle
Dunmore Cave
A unique attraction where history and geology merge
Approx. 9.3 km from Kilkenny Castle
Kells Priory
Visit Ireland’s largest enclosed ecclesiastical site
Approx. 12.5 km from Kilkenny Castle
St. Mary’s Church Gowran
Records written in stone in the heart of Gowran
Approx. 12.7 km from Kilkenny Castle
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Resources
Social Guide
Download, print and read our social guide (PDF) about visiting Kilkenny Castle. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to Kilkenny Castle.
Download the Social Guide (Adult)
Download the Social Guide (Child)
Download the Kilkenny Castle Nature Trail