View Map
Popular destinations
Donegal
Cork
Kerry
Mayo
Wexford
Waterford
Dublin
Explore more
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
Popular articles
DI - Cycling the Waterford Greenway

Cycling the Waterford Greenway

VD & DI - Explore 3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

DI - Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Popular experiences
Walking and hiking
Car-free travel
Free things to do
Things to do
Festivals and events
See all results
View Map
View Map
Discover Ireland Website
View Map
Popular destinations
Donegal
Cork
Kerry
Mayo
Wexford
Waterford
Dublin
Explore more
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
Popular articles
DI - Cycling the Waterford Greenway

Cycling the Waterford Greenway

VD & DI - Explore 3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

DI - Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Popular experiences
Walking and hiking
Car-free travel
Free things to do
Things to do
Festivals and events
See all results
View Map
View Map
Home
Destinations
Kilkenny
Kilkenny City
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle
Image of Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny
  • City breaks
  • History and heritage
  • Houses and gardens
Rainy days
Few buildings in Ireland can boast a longer history of continuous occupation than Kilkenny Castle. Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, the castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years.

Kilkenny Castle is open all year round and is largely a Victorian remodelling of the thirteenth century defensive castle furnished with the family paintings and tapestries and objects d’art. Visitors can choose to explore the ancestral home of the Butler family with either a self guided visit or a guided tour. The visit of the Castle includes the dining room, Victorian nursery and the picture gallery with its hand painted hammer beam roof.

The Parade Tower wing is the dedicated events area of Kilkenny Castle and comprises its entire west wing. Designed to facilitate conferences, receptions, gala dinners, cultural and artistic events, it can also be a setting for civil & humanist wedding ceremonies.

Other features include 50 acres of rolling parkland with mature trees, a formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and a man-made lake, which were added in the nineteenth century. There is also a tea room, playground and several orienteering trails for visitors to enjoy.

Visit website
map
Why we like it
  • See the grand interiors of the 12th century castle.
  • Spot the ornamental lake.
  • Enjoy the stunning rose garden.
  • The colourful playground is perfect for little ones.
Tips from locals

Plan your visit around one of the talks or concerts that take place regularly in the gardens and Picture Gallery.

Tips from locals

Visit the beautiful Rose Garden and find the perfect selfie spot at the front of the castle.

map
Visit Website
Contact details
+353567704100
The Parade, Collegepark, Kilkenny, R95 YRK1, Ireland
Visit duration

We recommend planning to spend 1 to 2 hours visiting Kilkenny Castle.

Experience as part of
Ireland's Ancient East LogoIreland's Ancient East
More to discover at Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle Rose Garden & Park
Kilkenny Castle Parkland
AutumnKilkenny Castle Parkland

The Kilkenny Castle Parkland boasts both formal and informal gardens. Set in Kilkenny City, the estate overlooks the Nore River and includes mature trees and shrubs as well as an ornamental lake. All areas are free of charge.

Travel inspiration to your inbox?

Subscribe now to receive destination inspiration, travel tips, upcoming events and all the best things to do around Ireland.

Sign me up
Award IconMobile Excellence Award Winner
  • Wild Atlantic Way
  • Visit Dublin
  • Ireland’s Ancient East
  • Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
  • Contact us
  • About us
  • Getting around
  • Terms of use
  • Cookie policy
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy statement
Find accommodation
Failte IrelandFailte Ireland Logo© Fáilte Ireland. All rights reserved
Find and follow Discover Ireland
  • Home
  • Popular destinations
    • Donegal
    • Cork
    • Sligo
    • Kilkenny
    • Mayo
    • Waterford
    • Galway
    • Kerry
    • Limerick
    • Dublin
    • See all destinations
    Regions
    • The Ring of Kerry
    • The Burren
    • The Boyne Valley
    • Wild Atlantic Way
    • Ireland's Ancient East
    • Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
    Trip type
    • City breaks
    • Coastal escapes
    • Lakes & rivers
    • Islands
    See all destinations
    • Attractions
      • Arts & culture
      • Houses & gardens
      • History & heritage
      • Health & wellbeing
      • Food & drink experiences
      • Nature & wildlife
      • See all things to do
    • Activities
      • Adventure & sports
      • Horse riding
      • Golf
      • Tours
      • Cycling
      • Water activities
      • Greenways
    • Inspiration
      • Romantic breaks
      • Free things to do
      • Rainy days
      • Family fun
      • Car-free travel
      • Sustainable travel
    See all things to do
  • Guides
  • Festivals & events
  • Walking & hiking
  • Accommodation
View Map
Newsletter
Popular destinations
  • Donegal
  • Cork
  • Sligo
  • Kilkenny
  • Mayo
  • Waterford
  • Galway
  • Kerry
  • Limerick
  • Dublin
Discover Ireland Website
View Map
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
See all results