Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle stands at a strategic crossing of the River Nore in Kilkenny, Ireland. Richard de Clare erected the first wooden fortification here in 1173; a stone castle with four circular corner towers was completed by 1260, three of which survive. From 1391 the Butler family — later Dukes of Ormonde — held it for over five centuries, making Kilkenny the effective capital of Anglo-Norman Ireland. The Confederate Supreme Council met here from 1642 to 1648. Cromwellian forces besieged it in 1650, and the Irish Civil War brought further damage in 1922.
In 1967 Arthur Butler, 6th Marquess of Ormonde, sold it to a local restoration committee for just £50. Now managed by the Office of Public Works, the castle and its parkland are open to visitors.
Visitor information
- Location
- Kilkenny
- Country
- Ireland
- Tier
- A (Magnificent, well worth a dedicated trip)
- Coordinates
- 52.6503, -7.2492
- Official site
- https://www.kilkennycastle.ie
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Kilkenny Castle?
- Kilkenny Castle is in Kilkenny, Ireland (approximately 52.6503, -7.2492).
- Can you visit Kilkenny Castle?
- Yes — Kilkenny Castle is open to visitors; see the official site at https://www.kilkennycastle.ie for hours and tickets.
- What tier is Kilkenny Castle on the Castle Atlas?
- Kilkenny Castle is rated A tier on the Castle Atlas — Magnificent, well worth a dedicated trip.
- What can you see at Kilkenny Castle?
- Kilkenny Castle stands at a strategic crossing of the River Nore in Kilkenny, Ireland. Richard de Clare erected the first wooden fortification here in 1173; a stone castle with four circular corner towers was completed by 1260, three of which survive. From 1391 the Butler family — later Dukes of Ormonde — held it for over five centuries, making Kilkenny the effective capital of Anglo-Norman Ireland. The Confederate Supreme Council met here from 1642 to 1648. Cromwellian forces besieged it in 1650, and the Irish Civil War brought further damage in 1922.