Kilkenny Castle

Name: Kilkenny Castle
Address: The Parade, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, IE
Telephone: +353567704100

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Parks ·Kilkenny ·Open now

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#3Parks in Ireland Most reviewed in KilkennyTravelers' Choice 2026

Open today 09:00–17:00Adult €8 EUR 8 · Senior (60+) €6 EUR 6 · Child (12/17) / Student ( with valid ID) €4 EUR 4

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About

Kilkenny Castle, a Norman fortress on The Parade in Kilkenny town, overlooking the River Nore, with about fifty acres of parkland.

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Why go

The mostly Victorian interiors, in a castle rebuilt and adapted over 800 years of changing use.
Exhibitions in the Butler Gallery, shown by the Kilkenny Art Gallery Society, with part of the National Art Gallery collection.
The formal terraced rose garden and the man-made lake in the grounds, both added in the 19th century.

Plan your visit

Opening times

January09:00–16:30

February09:00–17:30

March08:30–18:00

April08:30–19:30

September08:30–19:30

October08:30–18:00

November · now09:00–17:00

December09:00–16:30

Closed on 27 Dec

Prices

Adult €8EUR 8

Senior (60+) €6EUR 6

Child (12/17) / Student ( with valid ID) €4EUR 4

Family (2 adults + 3 children) €20EUR 20

Adult €12EUR 12

Senior (60+) €10EUR 10

Child (12/17) / Student ( with valid ID) €6EUR 6

Family (2 adults + 3 children) €30EUR 30

From the venue's website · checked 27 Sep 2026

Don't miss

Remains of the earlier castleRemains of the earlier castle, found in excavations, can be visited.On the castle site; its old entrance was in the east wall.
Part of the original castle ditchPart of the large ditch of the original castle is still visible on The Parade.On The Parade.
Foundations of the great gatehouseThe foundations of the great gatehouse, built by William Marshal, came to light in excavations in 2019.On the castle site.2019
Chinese screenThe castle's collection includes a Chinese screen.Inside the castle.

What's in season

NowNovThe castle closes to the public for filming from Monday 2 November at 1pm and reopens Thursday 5 November at 9.30am. The parkland stays open.
Apr – SepIn April and September the castle is open 08:30 to 19:30, its longest hours.
Mar – OctIn March and October the castle is open 08:30 to 18:00.
FebIn February the castle is open 09:00 to 17:30.
DecThe castle is closed on 27 December.

What you see With kids

What you see

The River Nore, bending below the high ground the castle stands on.
The town side and the gardens laid out in front of the castle.
The hill above the river, where a fortification probably stood before the 12th century.

With kids

A playground, and several orienteering trails through the parkland.
Self-guided tours, as well as guided tours.
Wildlife across the estate, among mature trees and woodland.

Facilities

Tearoom Tea rooms
Playground A play area
Walking trails Several walking trails run through the grounds
Guided tours Guided tours are organised, alongside self-guided tours

Photo spots

The castle front from The ParadeStand on The Parade and photograph the castle front.The Parade, KilkennyYear round On the map

Shorts

History

Its core had four round corner towers, and three of them survive. The Supreme Council of the rebels met in the castle from 1642 to 1648. In 1650 the Cromwell siege also damaged the north-east tower. In the 18th century Anne Wandesford of Castlecomer carried out restoration. In the 19th century the north wing and the facades were rebuilt, and William Robertson, the architect, added buildings in 1854.

1172Strongbow builds a first tower on the site, probably of wood.
1195–1213The stone castle is built to control a ford over the Nore.
1391The Butler family buys the castle and holds it for more than five centuries.
1650Oliver Cromwell's army besieges the castle and damages the east wall.
1661After exile, a Butler rebuilds the castle in a modern style.

Show all

1935The Butler family leaves, and the castle stands empty for over 30 years.
1967The castle is sold to a restoration committee, which hands it to the state, and it opens to visitors.
2002Graduation ceremonies of the Kilkenny Campus have been held here since 2002.

Sources: Kilkenny Castle - Wikipedia · Kilkenny - Wikivoyage (see) · Kilkenny Castle | The jewel in the crown of an … · Kilkenny Castle | The jewel in the crown of an … · Kilkenny Castle | The jewel in the crown of an … · Kilkenny Castle - Wikipedia · Château de Kilkenny - Wikipedia · checked 18 Oct 2026

Where

The Parade, Kilkenny

Website: kilkennycastle.ie/
Phone: +353567704100

Plan from here: Evening walk →

Questions and answers

How much are tickets to Kilkenny Castle?

Adults €8, seniors aged 60 and over €6, children aged 12 to 17 and students with a valid ID €4. A family ticket for two adults and three children costs €20.

What are the opening hours of Kilkenny Castle?

The castle is open 09:00 to 16:30 in January and December, and 09:00 to 17:30 in February. In March and October it is open 08:30 to 18:00, in April and September 08:30 to 19:30, and in November 09:00 to 17:00.

Where do I buy tickets for Kilkenny Castle?

Tickets are sold only through the one official website. Tickets from resale or third-party sites are not valid and holders are refused entry, and tickets from look-alike fraudulent websites cannot be honoured.

Are children welcome at Kilkenny Castle?

Yes. A family ticket for two adults and three children costs €20, and there is a play area and several orienteering trails.

How do I contact Kilkenny Castle?

Phone +353 56 770 4100. The castle is on The Parade in Kilkenny.

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