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

Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny

4.6

#1 of 114 in Things to do in Kilkenny

Must see · Castle · Park

Create an itinerary including 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.

Create a full itinerary - for free!

Tours to Kilkenny Castle

FROM €30 BOOK WITH VIATOR Shenanigans Walks - Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny Shenanigans Walks - Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny

5.0

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Tours from €30 ›

FROM €12 BOOK WITH VIATOR Walking tour of Kilkenny's must see attractions with a certified guide. . Walking tour of Kilkenny's must see attractions with a certified guide. .

5.0

Duration: 2 hours

Tours from €12 ›

FROM €15 BOOK WITH VIATOR Knight For Hire Tour Knight For Hire Tour

5.0

Duration: 60 to 75 minutes

Tours from €15 ›

FROM €14 BOOK WITH VIATOR Walk the Medieval Mile with Pat Walk the Medieval Mile with Pat

5.0

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Tours from €14 ›

FROM €99 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private walking Tour of Kilkenny with a qualified Tour Guide Private walking Tour of Kilkenny with a qualified Tour Guide

5.0

Duration: 2 hours

Tours from €99 ›

FROM €543 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Family Walking Tour in Kilkenny Private Family Walking Tour in Kilkenny

Duration: 2 hours

Tours from €543 ›

Kilkenny Castle reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor traveler rating

6,487 reviews

Google

4.6

By Phil B

An amazing castle and grounds and the hospitality by staff is second to none. Thank you Anne for our perfect day. We enjoyed every moment.

An amazing castle and grounds and the hospitality by staff is second to none. Thank you Anne for our perfect day. We enjoyed every moment. more »
By DocRah6

My first ever visit to Kilkenny and the Castle guided tour was worth it. Learnt a lot about the history of the castle and Kilkenny itself. The decor and grandeur of the rooms and paintings is...

My first ever visit to Kilkenny and the Castle guided tour was worth it. Learnt a lot about the history of the castle and Kilkenny itself. The decor and grandeur of the rooms and paintings is... more »

See more on TripAdvisor ›

Google

By Kyle Fields

Absolutely beautiful castle. We did a guided tour and the guide was phenomenal. Extremely kind, patient, and intelligent. She was fabulous. I highly recommend taking a tour with her as we never would have gotten as much out of it if we didn't go with her. Best decision we made.

more less
By EJB 3

Beautiful castle and grounds. We bought tickets in advance online which is recommended, though there was no line when we arrived anyway (about 11am on a Sunday). We did the self tour and although I’m sure we missed out on a lot of information that a guided tour would provide, I felt we got enough out of the self tour to make it more than worth it. Especially enjoyed the art gallery. Be sure to take the extra time to explore the castle grounds before or after your visit.

more less

See more on Google ›

Plan your trip to Kilkenny

Get a personalized trip

A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences

Customize it

Refine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules

Book it

Choose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off

Manage it

Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.

Know more