Kilkenny Castle
The jewel in the crown of an enchanting medieval city
Kilkenny Castle
The jewel in the crown of an enchanting medieval city
Limited Access
From 10 May 2021 : Open daily 09:30- 17:30 last admission at 17:00
Self - Guided visits only.
Free admission.
All visitors, including children, must have a ticket
Tickets must be booked online on our website
Admission
Free
All visitors, including children, must have a ticket
Tickets must be booked online on our website
Tickets available online from 1 hour up to 7 days in advance.
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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 : 09:30 – 17:30.
Last admission 17:00.
October- March
Daily 09:30- 17:00
Last admission 16:30
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
Notice
Universal access to Ground Floor and gardens only.
Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer months.
Guided tours are currently not available due to Covid 19.
Contact
The Parade
Kilkenny City
R95 YRK1
056 770 4100
kilkennycastleinfo@opw.ie
Facilities
- Art
- Baby Changing
- Brochure
- Cafe
- 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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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)