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Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny

4.6

#1 of 103 in Things to do in Kilkenny

Park Castle Must See

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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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6,247 reviews

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4.6

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4.6

15,096 likes

• By kjambro

  We went in November. Beautiful from outside. Have to do tour inside. We had just missed the start time and did not want to wait. So we walked around the grounds and watched a video.  more »

• By splicebuster

  Sapevamo, avendo letto sulla guida Touring di questo castello e delle sue bellezze ma una volta al suo cospetto e soprattutto lo stupendo parco in una giornata di sole e cielo azzurro ci è sembrato un...  more »

  We knew, having read about the Touring guide of this castle and its beauties but once before it and especially the beautiful park on a sunny day and blue sky it seemed to us one of the most beautiful places in all of Ireland. By the way it should be noted that unlike other monuments in the British Isles, the visit price is honest and you do not spend a capital to enter. Some areas have been restored perhaps a little too much but over the centuries changes and renovations have probably forced modern restorers to adopt solutions to keep the structure better. The tour is well organized and in the end you are amazed by the beauty of the great salon of honor with the countless portraits and paintings of the various eras I believe from 1400 if I remember correctly. definitely advisable!
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• By Danielle Lemire

  Great castle to see inside. I didn't bother doing a guided tour and thought it was great! The exhibits are well done and you can take pictures of everything. Worth going inside. The castle also doesn't take long to see. I was able to complete it in a half hour but you can always take longer If you want to read all of the information.

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• By Michael Leininger

  This was a great castle to stop by and visit. Much of it has been restored and you have the option to take a guided tour or self guided tour. Very family friendly for all ages. There is a very nice playground in the outside ajoining grounds. Walking through the castle can take 45 minutes or hours depending on how much you desire to stop and read or take pictures. One of my favorite things was the market just outside the walls of the castle. Good food and farmers market items along with some tourist items. Made it feel a little like it might have been in the prime days of the castle. The area surrounding the castle was a joy to walk through as well.

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