Picture Gallery and Ormonde Collection
In the East Wing, the Picture Gallery holds the Ormonde Picture Collection, portraits and tapestries amassed by the Butler family across centuries.
Kilkenny Castle
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About
Founded soon after the Norman conquest and occupied for more than 800 years, Kilkenny Castle is now a Victorian-remodelled country house at the centre of 21 hectares of public parkland.
Things to Do
Take a guided tour
Guided tours cost more than self-guided entry but bring the rooms and their occupants to life. Book online in advance.
Nature and tree trails
Download the free Nature Trail and Tree Trail PDFs for self-guided walks through woodland, wetland and wildflower meadows.
Explore the period rooms
The self-guided route climbs through ground, first and second floors, from the Chinese Withdrawing Room and State Dining Room to the Tapestry Room, Drawing Room, library and nursery.
Walk the park and gardens
Entry to the park is free. Look for the formal terraced rose garden, the man-made lake, an old fountain base and lead statues of Hermes and Diana the Huntress.
Tearoom and playground
A tearoom and playground sit within the grounds, useful for a break with children. Dogs on short leads are welcome in the park.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Castle: 1 Oct–30 Mar 09:30–17:00 (last admission 16:30); 1 Apr–30 Sep 09:15–17:30 (last admission 17:00). Closed 25–27 December; on 24 and 31 December open 09:30–13:00 only. Park hours vary by month, roughly 08:30–20:30 in May–August down to 09:00–16:30 in January and December.
- Admission: Self-guided from €8 adult; guided tour from €12 adult. Children under 12 free.
- Parking: No parking on site; parking is available near the castle in the city. Limited coach parking is available on the Castle Road.
- Food: A tearoom on site, in the castle's old kitchen wing; the park has grass and picnic spots but BBQs are not allowed.
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