Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle is a fortified residence overlooking the River Nore from an elevated position in the city. The structure has four round corner towers joined by wings containing Victorian interiors, with galleries, libraries and dining rooms decorated in styles from that period.

William Marshal built the stone fortress from 1192 onward, following an earlier Norman timber structure at the same location. The Butler family acquired the property in the 14th century and occupied it for nearly six centuries before major renovation work took place in the 19th century.

The name recalls the Norman settlement that controlled the river crossing in medieval times. Rooms here served as both family living spaces and ceremonial halls, showing how the inhabitants mixed daily life with formal occasions.

The interior rooms are accessible via corridors and staircases, with the central courtyard offering an overview of the building layout. From there visitors can descend to the riverbank to see the garden grounds and surrounding area.

The Long Gallery has a painted ceiling with flying dragons designed by John Hungerford in the mid-19th century. This decoration combines heraldic symbols with gilded relief work, making it a distinctive visual detail.