Kilkenny Castle
Step back in time and enjoy the wonder and history of this stately home
Behind the Scenes Experience
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
The Ormonde Collection
Step back in time and enjoy the wonder and history of this prestigious stately home. You will be warmly greeted and accompanied throughout your visit by one of our Collections Manager, who will enthral
you with wonderful stories and interesting facts of the very powerful and influential Butler Family and highlight some significant items on display in our period rooms. This magnificent Castle has many hidden gems, which will be exclusively available to our Unique Experience guests. Our guests will have the opportunity to handle some of these pieces, which may include weaponry, family photographs, original books and special family pieces
Inclusions
- A warm welcome and introduction to Kilkenny Castle
- A themed guided visit to the magnificent rooms by the Castle’s Curator/Collections Manager, 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.
- Exclusive car parking on the grounds of the Castle for one car or mini-van.
| Group size: | Min. 1 – Max. 8 |
| Duration: | 90 minutes |
| Mobility: | Universal access is available in the west wing only. |
| Availability: | Monday to Friday throughout the year |
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 is required in full in advance. Refunds will only be given with 48 hours notification of cancellation. 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. Opportunity to handle some of these pieces, which may include weaponry, family photographs and special family pieces. |
| Access & Parking: | Kilkenny Castle is situated on the Castle Road in the very centre 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. |
