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County Kilkenny
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Kilkenny Castle
Preserving more than eight centuries of history within its walls, Kilkenny Castle rises over the Nore River and marks an intersection of several major medieval routes. Although the castle underwent a series of modifications over the ages, it contains three of its original four stone towers, built in 1192 by a Norman invader known to history as "Strongbow." Once a symbol of Norman occupation and a key part of the region's defenses, the castle now attracts thousands of visitors with its extensive gardens and basement art gallery. Also in the basement, the castle kitchen houses a popular tearoom, complete with a Victorian cooking range and rows of pots and plates. To visit Kilkenny Castle on your trip to Kilkenny, use our Kilkenny trip planner.
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Tours to Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle reviews
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This was a nice change from all the ruins to see what the castle looked as a residence. The castle was beautiful and the artwork was amazing. We did the guided tour and our guide was great. She able..... more
This was a nice change from all the ruins to see what the castle looked as a residence. The castle was beautiful and the artwork was amazing. We did the guided tour and our guide was great. She able..... more »
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Visited in April so not to busy but as we had limited time we did not go inside the Castle which has self guided & guided tours. The Gardens are open to the public & that in itself was worth the...
Visited in April so not to busy but as we had limited time we did not go inside the Castle which has self guided & guided tours. The Gardens are open to the public & that in itself was worth the... more »
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Of all of castles and ruins to see in Ireland, this was one of our favorites. What an amazing restoration and great story.
Of all of castles and ruins to see in Ireland, this was one of our favorites. What an amazing restoration and great story. more »
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We've yet to tour inside the castle, but that's definitely on the list for 2021! However, the grounds and playground are absolutely beautiful. So spacious and well-maintained. Friendly and helpful staff. And the location is ideal as it's right in the city centre so every amenity is to hand! Perfect for all ages, but definitely for families with young children. Highly recommend!
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A must visit if your in the sunny South East. This castle is restored and has many of its original features. It has an amazing art gallery and an even better history. Learn about the Butlers of Ormonde and others who lived their since the castle was built in 1173. Great views of th river Nore. A cafe is open in the dungeon and has home baked treats and excellent coffee. The castle is located in a park which has a nice walk through woods which have wild squirrels if you look closely. It also has a large kids playground and also a pond with ducks.
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The castle and the park are worth seeing when in Kilkenny. You get to see almost 3 floors of the castle with a few rooms preserved as they would have been in the Medieval ages. Highlight of castle is the large room that you see at the end of tour, it's a truly magnificent sight. There's a tea room that serves light eats and restrooms are available at the end of tour before exit. There were quite a few food trucks serving variety of food options just outside the castle.
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Absolutely amazing . Ground's are kept very well. Inside the castle is fantastic. Great history. Very helpful staff. Definitely the best castle I have been in. I have been in many. Well done to the OPW on keeping this castle so well maintained. First class.
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Visited here today, the staff we met along the way were very helpful and friendly. My son had a lot of questions and even though they are not running guides tours at the moment they made every effort to answer anything he asked. I'm looking forward to returning during the summer as he has lots more to ask.
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