Visiting Kilkenny Castle in Ireland: Everything You Need to Know
Rising above the River Nore, Kilkenny Castle is one of Ireland’s most impressive and beautifully restored castles. Dating back to the 12th century, it has played a central role in Irish history for hundreds of years. Today, it’s one of the highlights of a visit to Kilkenny.
When I visited, I loved exploring the castle’s grand rooms on a guided tour and learning more about its fascinating past, from medieval stronghold to stately home. And I personally think the gloomy day only enhanced the castle’s medieval charm!
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting Kilkenny Castle, including what to see inside, tour options, and tips to help you plan the perfect visit.
Kilkenny Castle Overview
Kilkenny Castle is a Norman fortress that is famous for serving as the powerful Butler family’s seat for 600 years.
Today, the state-owned heritage site is restored in a grand Victorian style with opulent rooms and extensive parklands.
History of Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle has been occupied since the Norman conquest of Ireland. In 1172, Richard de Clare, known as Strongbow (yep, like the cider), and other Norman knights built a wooden castle here. (If you want to visit another de Clare family castle in Ireland, I recommend checking out Bunratty Castle.) Twenty years later, de Clare’s son built the first stone castle here, of which three towers still stand.
The powerful Butler family bought the castle in 1391, and the Butler dynasty ruled the area for centuries. In the 19th century, the Butlers restored the castle to its original medieval appearance, so much of what you see today is a Victorian remodeling.
The Butlers abandoned the castle, and its rising taxes, in 1935. The castle transferred ownership to the people of Kilkenny in 1967 for it to be restored again and opened as a tourist attraction.
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Touring Kilkenny Castle
You can take a self-guided tour, a guided tour, or their Unique Experience that gives you private viewings of the castle’s luxury collections.
When I visited, I opted for the guided tour, which gives you exclusive access to the Medieval Foundations that date back to the 13th century, the West Tower built by Strongbow, and the Ducal Palace Exhibition.
The tour starts on the ground floor, which contains the base of the West “Strongbow” Tower, the Chinese Withdrawing Room where the ladies withdrew after dinner, the State Dining Room, the Entrance Corridor, the Reception, the Entrance Hall, the Grand Staircase, and the Tapestry Room.
The first floor contains the Anteroom, the mid-19th century Library, the Drawing Room, the Irish Wicklow granite Cantilevered Stairs, the 19th century Picture Gallery Wing that’s the second-longest room in Ireland, and the Cararra Marble Fireplace.
The second floor contains the Bedroom Corridor that had been a gallery in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Victorian Nursery, the Private Sitting Room for the Lady of the house, the Blue Bedroom where King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra stayed in 1904, the Chinese Bedroom, and the Moorish Staircase.
(When I visited, photography wasn’t allowed inside, so that’s why I have no photos of the lovely state rooms. But they have since changed their policy and now allow non-flash photography!)
You can also explore the extensive grounds of the estate. The castle is surrounded by beautiful parkland and private gardens.
Visiting Kilkenny Castle
Admission: Tickets for self-guided tours cost €8 for adults, €6 for seniors ages 60+, €4 for children ages 12-17 and students with a valid ID, and free for children under 12. Guided tours cost €12 for adults, €10 for seniors, €6 and students for children, and free for children under 12.
Hours: Kilkenny Castle is open for from October through March from 9:30 a.m. — 5 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.) and from April through September from 9:15 a.m. — 5:30 p.m. (last admission at 5 p.m.).
Address: The Parade, Dukesmeadows, Kilkenny, R95 YRK1, Ireland
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Top Kilkenny Castle Tours
To take some stress out of planning your visit, opt for a guided tour. Check out these top tours that include Kilkenny Castle.
- Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour
- Dublin to Glendalough, Wicklow and Kilkenny Full Day Guided Tour
- Kilkenny Romance: Castles, Legends & Love Private Tour
Hotels Near Kilkenny Castle
Find a place to stay near Kilkenny Castle. Here are the closest hotels to this medieval stronghold:
- Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel
- Club House Hotel Kilkenny
- Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel
- Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel
- Butler House & Garden
Kilkenny Castle FAQ
Is it worth going inside Kilkenny Castle?
Yes, it’s totally worth it to go inside Kilkenny Castle! You’ll be amazed at just how opulent and grandiose the Victorian state rooms are. And the tour guides are such great storytellers, that I highly recommend doing the guided tour as well.
Why is Kilkenny Castle so famous?
Kilkenny Castle is famous for its 800+ years of Irish history as a stronghold for the powerful Butler family, for its Norman-Victorian architecture, and for its significant role in pivotal moments of Ireland’s history like Cromwell’s conquest.
Can you stay at Kilkenny Castle?
No, you cannot stay at Kilkenny Castle. The closest alternative is staying at Butler House, the dower house that was built for use by the widow (dowager) of the previous owner of the castle estate. Butler House is on the original grounds of Kilkenny Castle and is at the edge of the Castle Demesne, now a vast public park.
How long to spend at Kilkenny Castle?
You should plan to spend 1 hour at the castle; this is what the castle estimates for a self-guided tour. A guided tour takes about 50 minutes.
For more great castles to visit in the area, also consider checking out the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle.
Top Kilkenny Tours
Where to Stay in Kilkenny, Ireland
- Top Hotel: Newpark Hotel Kilkenny
- Great Value: Hotel Kilkenny
- Unique Stay: Butler House & Garden
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Ready to visit Kilkenny Castle in Kilkenny, Ireland? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book your flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find accommodation: You can find top hotels in Kilkenny using Booking.com.
- Get packing: Make sure you’ve packed everything you need with my packing list resources.
Cheers,
Paige
Have you visited Kilkenny Castle? Let me know about your trip in the comments!
How beautiful! Definitely looks like a traditional stone castle. It almost looks unreal- kind of like a toy brought to life.
It really does! It’s so well-maintained.
What an interesting place to visit? How did you hear about this castle? is it easily reachable by public transport?
I found it on a bus tour of the Wicklow Mountains; the tour stopped in Kilkenny for lunch and you had time to explore on your own. If you’re coming from Dublin, you can get a direct bus or train to Kilkenny easily!
I would love to visit Ireland! I was in Scotland many years back and these castles remind me so much of what I saw there. Thanks for the tips!
I must admit, I have an unhealthy obsession with Irish castles! Hope you get to experience them yourself someday!