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Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny

4.6
#1 of 96 in Things to do in Kilkenny
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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Tours to Kilkenny Castle

FROM $15 BOOK WITH VIATOR Shared Group Walking Guided Tour of Kilkenny
5.0
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Tours from $15 »
FROM $26 BOOK WITH VIATOR Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny
5.0
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Tours from $26 »

Kilkenny Castle reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
6,364 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • 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 »
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Google
  • 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.
  • 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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