Kilkenny Castle
Step back in time on a private guided tour and enjoy the wonder and history of this prestigious stately home. Some very special pieces from the Ormonde Collection will be available for viewing in the Duchess Closet.
Private Guided Tour
Introduction
Voted in the top ten most beautiful and fairy-tale esque Castles in the world in 2019 by Conde Nast’s ‘Architectural Digest’ readers, Kilkenny Castle is a truly historical and magical world. It stands on a strategic height above the River Nore, in twenty-one hectares of rolling parkland and formal gardens and is located in the very centre of Kilkenny City.
Today, it is one of the most prestigious of the National Historic Properties in Ireland with wonderful Medieval, Georgian and Victorian past eras to explore and enjoy. It was the former stately home of the most powerful and influential Butler Family – Dukes, Marquesses and Earls of Ormonde.
Exhibitions, tearoom, children’s playground and several orienteering trails will add to the wonder of your visit.
Luxury Experience
Step back in time and enjoy the wonder and history of this prestigious stately home.
From the very moment that you arrive through the Great Park Gates of Kilkenny Castle, the sight that you will behold of the majestic Castle and its rolling parkland will surely take your breath away. You will be warmly greeted by the Events Manager and one of our most experienced Guides, who will enthral you with wonderful stories of the very powerful and influential Butler Family. This magnificent Castle has many hidden gems, which will be exclusively available to our Unique Experience Guests.
Some very special pieces from the Ormonde Collection will be available for your viewing in the Duchess Closest of the west wing. Guests will have the opportunity
to handle some pieces, which may include weaponry, family photographs, special family pieces and even some children’s toys from the 19th-century nursery.
Inclusions
- A warm welcome and introduction to Kilkenny Castle
- A themed guided visit to the magnificent rooms by
one of the Castle’s most experienced Guides, which will include access to wonderful exhibitions. The visit can be personalised to the specific interests of our guests with advance notice. - Exclusive viewing of some very special pieces from the Ormonde Collection in the Duchess Closet of the west wing.
Supplementary Options
- Exclusive car parking on the grounds of the Castle for one car or mini-van.
- Luncheon or Afternoon Tea at Butler House – a walk through the former stable and coach house areas of the Castle into the beautiful gardens of Butler House. Today it is a very exclusive hotel and restaurant and
it is here where a wonderful table awaits you! A separate booking is required for this experience at Butler House.
| Group size: | Min. 1 – Max. 8 |
| Duration: | 90 minutes |
| Mobility: | Universal access to the west wing, but not to the central or east wing of the castle. |
| Availability: | Monday to Friday during the months of April to October inclusive. |
Booking
| Booking Conditions: | All enquiries must be made via Anne Teehan, anne.teehan@opw.ie. Bookings must be confirmed by email 2 weeks in advance. |
| Payment: | Payment must be made directly to OPW on the day or by invoice for those who are part of the OPW TOVS scheme. Payment for Luncheon or Afternoon Tea at Butler House is separate. |
| Pricing: | 1 person €200, 1-3 €150 per person, 4-8 €100 per person. Suitable for children from 7 years, €50 per child. |
| Languages: | English only. |
| Facilities on site: | Exhibitions, tearooms, stunning parkland walks, the formal Rose Garden with its feature fountain and exclusive access to the rooms in the west wing. |
| Access & Parking: | Kilkenny Castle is situated on the Castle Road in the very center of Kilkenny City. Exclusive parking will be available to our Unique Experience guests within the grounds for one car or mini-van, with drop off and collection at the main door of the Castle in the courtyard. |
| Nearby: | Kilkenny’s ‘Medieval Mile’ meaders from the Castle to St. Canice’s Cathedral with Rothe House, Medieval Mile Museum and Butler Gallery of Contemporary Art at ‘Evan’s Home’ situated on the route. The formal stables and coach house of the Castle, is today the Kilkenny Design Centre, located across the street. |
