Trip Planner: Europe / Ireland / Province of Leinster / County Kilkenny / Kilkenny / Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny

4.6

Must see · Castle · Park

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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Kilkenny Castle reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

6,363 reviews

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4.6

By proinsiaso2020

kilkenny castle is amazing and me playing in the grounds of kilkenny castle , great place to visit , it goes back hundreds of years more »
By kony21

Beautiful castle and grounds. Self guided tour and some rooms are not currently available to view, staff available in large rooms and all seemed very approachable. more »
By Doey F

Really enjoyed our sightseeing tour of Kilkenny Castle. If you visit Kilkenny,definately take an hour or so and visit the castle. There are guides throughout,and believe me they really know what they.... more »

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By Grant Bremner

Stunning castle that was constructed around 1195 and is still in excellent condition today. The gardens and the adjacent park are free and open to the public. The interior is something else, beautiful furnished in every room with plenty of information available so not necessary to take a guided tour unless you want the full history of the castle 🏰. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit here both the castle and the gardens.

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By Jacinta Murphy

Beautiful location. Lovely playground. Lake is stunning and lots of birds to be seen. Great for walks. Tea rooms in castle is very cute and food is gorgeous

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By Melissa F.

Gorgeous castle. Beautifully maintained. Did the self tour and was fascinated. Staff is friendly, helpful and more than willing to answer questions and share knowledge. Glorious grounds to walk. So much to photograph. Such amazing history to be able to experience. One of my favorites in Ireland. Don't miss the dower house and stables across the road. There's also a lovely medieval village adjacent to explore also.

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By Witold Makowski

We got there little bit too late for we had to go in a rush through all rooms in that lovely castle. However 30min spend there make us to decide to come back there in a few weeks time to explore everything what that castle has to offer.

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By Ksenia D

We had guided tour inside the castle and it was fantastic! The tour guide explained the history of the place and purpose of each room. He was very funny and knowledgeable guide. The castle was beautiful and had Christmas decorations all over the place. It created the feeling that somebody actually was living there. Little tea room is nice too. It was really cool experience having a cup of tea inside the kitchen of the castle. Definitely worth visiting. I recommend booking guided tour over self guided.

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