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Heritage Ireland

Kilkenny Castle

The jewel in the crown of an enchanting medieval city

BOOK ONLINE

See all opening times

Kilkenny Castle

The jewel in the crown of an enchanting medieval city

BOOK ONLINE

See all opening times

Weather Warning - Due to Storm Darragh, Kilkenny Castle Park will close on Saturday December 7th.
Updates on re-opening will be decided in due course.
Apologies for the inconvenience.

Admission

Self Guided:

Adult: €8.00

Senior/Group: €6.00

Child/Student: €4.00

Family: €20.00

New Summer offering – Guided:

Adult: €12.00

Senior: €10.00

Child/Student: €6.00

Family: €30.00

BOOK ONLINE

Getting here

The Parade
Kilkenny City
R95 YRK1

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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.

Opening Times

Open all year

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

 

Contact

The Parade
Kilkenny City
R95 YRK1

046 942 3249

Getting Here

Located in Kilkenny City

Open location in Google Maps

Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions

Facilities

  • Art
  • Baby Changing
  • Brochure
  • Café
  • Card Accepted
  • Exhibition
  • Guided tours
  • Picnic Area
  • Playground
  • Toilets
  • WiFi

Restrictions

  • Assistance dogs only
  • Hold hand rail
  • Limited Access

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

Nearby sites to visit

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