Built in 1195 by William Marshal on the site of an earlier wooden fortification, Kilkenny Castle was the principal seat of the Butler family (Earls and later Dukes of Ormond) for almost 600 years. Its state rooms, picture gallery and formal parterre gardens overlooking the River Nore are now managed by the OPW as one of Ireland's most visited castles.
Visiting Kilkenny Castle
Yes, OPW managed, daily tours
"Built in 1195 by William Marshal on the site of an earlier wooden fortification, Kilkenny Castle was the principal seat of the Butler family (Earls and later Dukes of Ormond) for almost 600 years."
Where to stay nearby
The closest castle hotel is Kilkea Castle, 41.3 km away in Castledermot — Built in 1180 by Hugh de Lacy for Sir Walter de Riddlesford; the surviving keep is largely 15th-century and it was the principal seat of the FitzGerald Earls of Kildare for around seven centuries.
Nearest castle hotel · 41.3 km
Kilkea Castle
Castledermot, Co. Kildare · 4-star
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