Hotels Near Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle is located less than a 3 minute walk from Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel

Looking for hotels near Kilkenny Castle? Located less than a 3 minute walk from the historical Kilkenny Castle is Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel. The Castle stands dramatically on a strategic height that commands a crossing on the River Nore and dominates the ‘High Town’ of Kilkenny City. Over the eight centuries of Kilkenny Castle’s existence, many additions and alterations have been made to the fabric of the building, making Kilkenny Castle today a complex structure of various architectural styles.

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Explore the Rich History of Kilkenny Castle

The original Anglo-Norman stone castle that Kilkenny Castle once was, was built for William Marshal, 4th Earl of Pembroke (c.1146-1219) during the first decade of the thirteenth century. Kilkenny Castle later became the principal Irish residence of the powerful Butler family for almost 600 years. The Butler ownership began when James (c.1360-1405), 3rd Earl of Ormond, purchased the castle in c.1391, and lasted until 1967 when Arthur, 6th Marquess of Ormonde (1893-1971), presented it to the people of Kilkenny in return for a token payment of £50.

Over the years, Kilkenny Castle has been enhanced and reflects its 800 years of existence with a selection of architectural styles. The buildings have been in the care of the Office of Public Works since 1969 and many important programmes of archaeological excavation, conservation, and restoration have been carried out there.

Mother and adult daughter smiling and taking a selfie by a fountain with a historic castle and gardens in the background, autumn light

Couple browsing handmade jewellery at a cosy indoor gift shop with castle view through arched window

Couple seated on a wooden bench in a walled garden, smiling and enjoying a peaceful hotel courtyard view

Explore Kilkenny Castle Room by Room

Take a tour of Kilkenny Castle by beginning at the entrance gateway to the courtyard and follow the guidebook to explore the Castle room by room and gain insights to the architecture, decoration, furnishings, and paintings of Kilkenny Castle. It also covers the intriguing medieval spaces and features beneath the ground floor of the present building

KIlkenny Castle is open to visitors daily all year round from October to March 09:30 – 17:00 and from
April to September 09:15 – 17:30. Last admisison is 30 minutes before closing. There are both self guided and guided tour options

The Castle Park and Gardens opening hours:

– January 09:00 – 16:30
– February 09:00 – 17:30
– March 08:30 – 18:00
– April 08:30 – 19:30
– May, June, July and August 08:30 – 20:30
– September 08:30 – 19:30
– October 08:30 – 18:00
– November 09:00 – 17:00
– December 09:00 – 16:30
For more details and bookings call or visit their website.

Looking for a fantastic option that will see you staying in the heart of Kilkenny City?

Choose Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel. Our 118 contemporary guestrooms offer comfortable space for you to relax in after spending time exploring the great city of Kilkenny. Our rooms are generous in size and have a bright and airy feel with all the comforts you’d expect in a contemporary, urban Kilkenny City hotel. Guests also enjoy free access to our hotel’s Leisure Centre which includes a 21m pool, children’s pool, fully equipped gym, sauna and steam room.

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