About Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle, a striking landmark in Kilkenny, Ireland, was constructed in 1260 to oversee a vital fording-point on the River Nore and control critical routeways. This impressive fortress served as a symbol of Norman occupation and originally featured four large circular corner towers and a substantial ditch, remnants of which can still be observed today on the Parade. In 1967, a pivotal moment in its history occurred when Arthur Butler, the 6th Marquess of Ormonde, sold the castle for just £50 to the Castle Restoration Committee, ensuring its preservation for the people of Kilkenny.
Now managed by the Office of Public Works, Kilkenny Castle and its beautifully maintained gardens and parkland are open to the public, inviting visitors to explore its rich heritage. The Parade Tower has been repurposed as a conference venue, while the castle also hosts ceremonies for the Kilkenny Campus of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, since 2002. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from over 15,000 reviews, it’s clear that visitors are captivated by the castle’s historical significance and architectural beauty, making it a must-see destination in Ireland.