Kilkenny Castle: Hours, Address, Kilkenny Castle Reviews: 4.5/5
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle
4.5
09:30 - 16:30
Monday
09:30 - 16:30
Tuesday
09:30 - 16:30
Wednesday
09:30 - 16:30
Thursday
09:30 - 16:30
Friday
09:30 - 16:30
Saturday
09:30 - 16:30
Sunday
09:30 - 16:30
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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Top ways to experience Kilkenny Castle
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
164 within 5 kms
Petronella Restaurant & Cafe
922
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Irish • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Truffles Restaurant and Wine Bar
264
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options
Indique
451
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Indian • Asian • Balti
Butcher Restaurant
429
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Steakhouse • Irish • European
Anocht
472
39 m€€ - €€€ • Irish • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Zuni Restaurant, Bar & Boutique Hotel
1,291
0.2 km€€ - €€€ • International • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Cafe La Coco
417
0.2 km€€ - €€€ • Dessert • Irish • Cafe
Aroi
437
0.3 km€ • Asian • Thai • Healthy
Ristorante Rinuccini
1,920
91 m€€ - €€€ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
The Fig Tree Restaurant
471
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Irish • Cafe • European
Attractions
47 within 10 kms
National Design & Craft Gallery
136
38 mArt Galleries
The Kilkenny Way
245
0.2 kmSports Camps & Clinics
Medieval Mile Museum
704
0.3 kmNatural History Museums • History Museums
Tourist Information Office (Shee Alms House)
161
0.2 kmVisitor Centres
St Patrick's Church
1
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals
Kilkenny Road Train Tours
123
0.2 kmScenic Railroads
The Ice Cream Parlour
8
0.2 kmDeserts
Butter Slip
273
0.3 kmHistoric Walking Areas
Smithwick's Experience
1,878
0.6 kmBreweries
The Tholsel
36
0.3 kmHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
6,442 reviews
Excellent
3,620
Very good
2,267
Average
484
Poor
57
Terrible
14
Sandra H
225 contributions
Oct 2021
There is a reason why this is a much sort after castle to visit. The tour is self guided (at least ours was) and it was very interesting to learn about its rich history.
Written 25 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JefSch75
Marion, IA77 contributions
Jun 2022
We stopped by the castle as we got into Kilkenny. It will only take you 45-90 minutes to get through it and the historical significance of the castle is very cool to learn about. The gardens/grounds are fantastic as well.
Written 25 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kirkland
14 contributions
Jun 2022
We took the guided tour, which was well worth it. It includes going underground where remnants of the original castle can be seen and also entry to some rooms in the residence above which are closed to the public. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and provided an interesting insights into the life and times of the castle. A stroll through the rose garden is also a must.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jaimee G
Urbana, IL378 contributions
Jun 2022
There are a LOT of castles in Ireland and this one was only okay. It was our first castle on our trip so it felt pretty neat at the time, but looking back, it wasn't the most interesting by far. The grounds are free to walk around (fountain, garden, grass) and you could get some decent pictures of the castle from the outside. The tour allows you inside to see some reconstructed rooms with a pamphlet and signs to guide you. So depending on if you plan to see other castles or not, this one might or might not be worth it. We enjoyed Cahir castle more than this one.
Written 22 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MRS.TRAVELS.OFTEN
Tecumseh, Canada1,298 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
This is a beautiful castle and the grounds are amazing. I didn’t take the tour but you can enjoy the grounds for free. Great photo op. There is paid parking on the street in front of you can find it. There was a little room open playing an informational video for a couple people .
Written 22 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Erin_in_Texas
Dallas, TX32 contributions
Jun 2022
The castle was interesting enough, and if it is the only castle you see it is worth it. But it was our least favorite stop on our 8 day trip around Ireland.
Written 20 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
A T
Naples, FL1,250 contributions
Jun 2022
The property itself was huge. The grounds were well kept and many enjoyed sitting on the grass outside of the castle.
Upon entering and showing proof of payment, our group walked to an area where our guide gave us earpieces where we could clearly hear throughout the tour. Our guide was quite knowledgeable and carefully explained the history of each room.
The art, furniture, and tapestries were magnificent. I would suggest the one hour guided tour rather than the self guided tour.
Upon entering and showing proof of payment, our group walked to an area where our guide gave us earpieces where we could clearly hear throughout the tour. Our guide was quite knowledgeable and carefully explained the history of each room.
The art, furniture, and tapestries were magnificent. I would suggest the one hour guided tour rather than the self guided tour.
Written 12 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MarinaFollowsTheSun
Berlin, Germany1,715 contributions
May 2022
Charming little castle with beautifully decorated rooms, great art and a wonderful garden.
The museum ist only 8€, which I feel is absolutely worth it. You can walk the ground for free though. Especially the Rose Garden is stunning.
The museum ist only 8€, which I feel is absolutely worth it. You can walk the ground for free though. Especially the Rose Garden is stunning.
Written 6 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marius P
Oslo, Norway1,646 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
A great tour lasting one hour about the castle and details about the exterior, interior and the families that lived there.
Written 5 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Laura D
2 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
This is such a special place. I’ve never seen a castle like it. The grounds and gardens are so well kept also. It’s just beautiful
Written 1 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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, Italy2,897 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, Ireland25 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), India206 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, VA53 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 Jersey134 contributions
Has anyone visited both Kilkenny & Cahir castles? We may be able to visit only one - your pick, and why? Thank you - Laura
inisdom
Ireland47 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?
Tracy A
Pittsburgh, PA101 contributions
oh and it is St. Canice not Candice. So sorry for not proofreading!
Frequently Asked Questions about Kilkenny Castle
- Kilkenny Castle is open:
- Sun - Sat 09:30 - 16:30
- 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 28 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 €42.73)
- Shenanigans Walks - Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny (From €30.53)
- Waterford Crystal and Kilkenny Rail Tour from Dublin (From €130.94)
- 3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny and Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin (From €572.41)
- 5 Day South of Ireland Tour (From €4,374.89)
- 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
- (0.17 km) Kilkenny River Court Hotel
- Restaurants near Kilkenny Castle:
- (0.04 km) Anocht
- (0.05 km) Kilkenny Design Centre Foodhall
- (0.05 km) Victorian Castle Kitchen
- (0.16 km) Cafe La Coco
- (0.16 km) Zuni Restaurant, Bar & Boutique Hotel