Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle
4.5
09:15 - 17:00
Monday
09:15 - 17:00
Tuesday
09:15 - 17:00
Wednesday
09:15 - 17:00
Thursday
09:15 - 17:00
Friday
09:15 - 17:00
Saturday
09:15 - 17:00
Sunday
09:15 - 17:00
About
Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, the Castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years. Today, Kilkenny Castle is open to visitors all year round and is largely a Victorian remodelling of the thirteenth century defensive Castle
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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See what other travellers are saying
- Mary Q2 contributionsHighly recommendedA highlight of any trip to Kilkenny, especially at the moment when you can also visit the Ros Tapestry as part of the free self-guided tour. Visitors must book timed entrance tickets in advance, meaning that there is space to see and enjoy the displays inside and appreciate the amazing work that the restorers have carried out without feeling crowded. You can take photographs (without flash) throughout and there are information points in each area so the self-guided element works well. Worth noting there are lots of short flights of stairs as you move from one level to another. Sanitiser stations are available and the whole building was spotless. The staff we met were very friendly and knowledgable. Thank you to all of them for a very enjoyable visit.Visited August 2021Written 24 August 2021
- Susan MDublin, Ireland323 contributionsAmazing.We did the guided tour of this Beautiful Castle built in the 12th Century. It is in the style of Windsor Castle in England. The guide was fantastic, there were only 6 of us on the tour and so we got an extra bit of history! There are more archaeological findings going on right now so there is a great sense of excitement that. We highly recommend a tour (guided), you feel the sense of history within it's walls.Visited January 2020Written 18 January 2020
- Elizabeth C10 contributionsThe Best Tour on our TripI am not one to love museums and old places, but this was a trip highlight for our group of 6(4 adults and 2 young children). The kids were a little restless by the end, but the Playground at the Castle was a great treat and the sun came out for a bit. The guided tour was totally worth the extra cost. Our guide weaved a narrative that we could not have found on a self-guided tour. The cafe in the basement is a nice stop as well!Visited March 2020Written 22 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
6,589 reviews
Excellent
3,721
Very good
2,301
Average
491
Poor
59
Terrible
17
cbryant13
Canal Winchester, OH110 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Lots of very beautiful art and architecture. It was raining pretty good during our visit, so no outdoor sightseeing. The castle was remodeled in Victorian style but the original bones from the 1260 construction are still there.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sexysun
Ft Worth, tx200 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
So interesting. History is actually more current. Take the lead tour to get more insight. American connection is fascinating.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are delighted that you enjoyed the guided tour of the Castle.
Written 27 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Walter P
Brantford, Canada85 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We started by walking around the grounds on the River Nore side then back towards the castle. So beautiful early in the morning. The amount of portraits was kind of mind blowing. The history of the families that lived there and are still descendants around today was wild. The Great Hall was amazing. A great tour and glimpse into the past.
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. we are delighted that you enjoyed your visit of the City and the Castle. The morning is always a good time to visit as the Castle and city are quieter.
Written 25 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike B
Mineral, VA1,013 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Very interesting and informative tour, and our guide Andre did a great job with it. It was cool seeing parts of the original castle, and then seeing the parts that had been modified in a French style for those who lived there. And after the tour, Kilkenny is a cool little town that's easy to walk around.
Written 17 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. I will pass on your positive comment to our colleague Andrei. We are delighted that you enjoyed viewing the medieval foundations and the ducal Palace Room.
Written 18 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Donna P
Phoenix, AZ182 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
My husband and I did the self guided walking tour. We were able to walk through the castle at our leisure. I didn’t feel we missed out by not going with a tour.
Written 16 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for leaving a review, we are delighted that you enjoyed the self-guided visit of the Castle. The self-guided option is ideal for visitors wishing to visit the period rooms and exhibition rooms at their own pace. Our guided tour option is perfect for visitors interested in learning about the stories of the Family and Castle. The guided tour also gives exclusive access to the Medieval foundation and the Ducal Palace exhibition.
Written 18 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cindy T
Pinellas Park, FL92 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
I visited the castle on a tour, and it was well worth the stop. The grounds are breathtaking, and views of them from inside are lovely. The furnishings and artwork in the castle were magnificent. The tour app was not working well for us, but we just wandered around and read the sign boards. I especially liked in many of the rooms they showed samples of the original wallpaper they had found during renovations. Great to see that history retained.
The town of Kilkenny itself is adorable! We walked all around, went into many shops, and picked up a great lunch at Blaa Blaa Blaa 😊
The town of Kilkenny itself is adorable! We walked all around, went into many shops, and picked up a great lunch at Blaa Blaa Blaa 😊
Written 13 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are delighted that you enjoyed your time in Kilkenny and that you had a great time visiting the Castle. We will check the audioguide to ensure it is working correctly.
Written 14 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ty h
Granbury, TX4 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Kilkenny Castle may not be as large as some others but it has a fascinating story, great architectural features and great art work. A bonus at the end of the tour is some great pastries and drinks to sample.
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are delighted that you enjoyed your visit of Kilkenny Castle
Written 13 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ron T
Greenville, SC3,872 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Saw this castle on a MON morning after our arrival the night before in Kilkenny. We did the self guided tour - very nice.
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are delighted that you enjoyed the self-guided visit of the Castle.
Written 12 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Donna L
11 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
We didn't go inside as I was such a beautiful day. We had a pit stop at the terrace cafe for a cup of tea and a scone. Lovely service and good value for money. Stunning gardens
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for leaving a review. We are delighted that you have enjoyed the gardens! we hope you will get an opportunity to visit the Castle on your next visit.
Written 12 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wanderer783934
47 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
The castle was amazing . The history of how it went into decline and then the people restored the castle to its glory. Worth a visit.
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are glad you enjoyed the history of the restoration of the buidling
Written 9 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tkurtz21
Orlando, FL
What is the best idea for transportation from the Dublin airport to Cork, by way of Kilkenny Castle? Ideally, we would love a day tour that is not a roundtrip and were to end in Cork.
Jcalvert325
84 contributions
We rented a car so we could make our own schedule. It's not a bad drive, especially for Americans who are used to driving long distances
OrangeKate
Atlanta, GA161 contributions
Can a guided tour accommodate a handicapped/wheelchair patron?
maelle c
Kilkenny, Ireland
Hi there
The period rooms on the ground floor are fully wheelchair accessible. The upper floors are only accessible via staircases at present.
I hope you will find thi information useful.
don't hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries. 056 7704106
Best regards
Maelle
Sono in vacanza a dublino e vorrei sapere come posso raggiungere il castello di Kilkenny
Sim12345
Province of Florence, Italy3,145 contributions
In bus
szekelynegyorgyi
Budapest, Hungary122 contributions
Is it worth to go in?Outside is marvellous,but inside? Can we look at the garden without pay ticket?
How do I get there my public transportation from Dublin?
David R
Portadown, UK57 contributions
Take the easy way, train from Dublin to Kilkenny and a short walk to this amazing castle
leos7261
South Beloit, IL8 contributions
Should I buy my tickets to the Kilkenny Castle ahead of time for the month of June? I was told by a travel agent that they sell out quickly and you may have to wait hours to get in if you do not have a ticket. If i buy the Heritage card will I be able to get right in or do I wait in line as well? Also, is there a place that I can buy the Heritage card cheaper? I read that it varies from place to place. Debating on buying it ahead of time and having it mailed to my house. Thanks so much for your help.
Philip C
Dublin, Ireland26 contributions
I haven't stayed in Kilkenny during the summer months but I believe it's a busy place. Visiting the Castle could be a waiting game especially if it's raining. I'd purchase the tickets in advance. Sorry, but I cannot answer your other questions. BTW, it doesn't rain in the pubs!!
Debasmita C
Kolkata (Calcutta), India207 contributions
Is there any luggage storage/locker in Kilkenny castle? (For 2 cabin size suitcases)
John O
Waterford, Ireland198 contributions
Sorry don't know.
Kathleen S
Portsmouth, VA56 contributions
trying to decide between kilkenny castle and malahide castle, anyone been to both?
Leann K
34 contributions
I would do Kilkenny, but not just for the castle. The town is rich I history and great to walk around. The town was never burned down like most other towns, so the layout has small ally ways that show the towns age.The guided tour at the Mid-evil Mile Museum is a must. Malahide is a cute town, but has a much more contemporary feel.
LB-likes2travel
New Jersey136 contributions
Has anyone visited both Kilkenny & Cahir castles? We may be able to visit only one - your pick, and why? Thank you - Laura
inisdom
Ireland63 contributions
Hi LB, my preference would be Cahir Castle - my profile picture shows it & was taken in June this year!
Cahir is a real castle, a fortress that was built into an island in the river. It still has a working portcullis.
The island is now called the Inch Field & used a lot by locals to sit, picnic & walk in. It's less touristy than Kilkenny.
Also, there's a scaled down model of a battle field - can't remember which one - but if you've got kids, they'll love it. Adults too!
If you've got time, which it sounds like you don't, you could walk along the river - start in the carpark of the castle - to the Swiss Cottage.
Or, again if you had time, & are on main road from Dublin to Cork, you could stop in nearby Cashel to visit the ruins of the Rock of Cashel. But Cahir is 10 times more interesting!! Decent lunch spot across the road from the castle.
Jenn9255
Cincinnati, OH24 contributions
We are heading to Dublin in May and I was wondering it we should take a bus tour out to Kilkenny Castle or if we should take a train there and be on our own. Any suggestions on getting there?
Jenna R
Concord, NH163 contributions
I took the Bus Éireann from Cork and enjoyed the city for the day. It was easy to navigate and we were able to leave our packs at the train station nearby. We went to the castle, and the Smithwicks Brewery Experience. We really liked Kilkenny and enjoyed just walking around on our own. So I would suggest making it a day trip and just enjoying the quaint city.
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Claim your listingKILKENNY CASTLE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Kilkenny Castle
- Kilkenny Castle is open:
- Sun - Sat 09:15 - 17:00
- We recommend booking Kilkenny Castle tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 27 Kilkenny Castle tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Kilkenny Castle:
- Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin (From €44.54)
- Shenanigans Walks - Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny (From €26.94)
- Waterford Crystal and Kilkenny Rail Tour from Dublin (From €154.35)
- 3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Tour Inc Admission (From €708.38)
- 5 Day South of Ireland Tour (From €4,195.34)
- Hotels near Kilkenny Castle:
- (0.16 km) Butler Court
- (0.15 km) Pembroke Kilkenny
- (0.16 km) Butler House
- (0.17 km) Zuni Restaurant, Bar & Boutique Hotel
- (0.18 km) Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel
- Restaurants near Kilkenny Castle:
- (0.05 km) Kilkenny Design Centre Foodhall
- (0.05 km) Victorian Castle Kitchen
- (0.16 km) Zuni Restaurant, Bar & Boutique Hotel
- (0.16 km) Cafe La Coco
- (0.09 km) Ristorante Rinuccini