Kilkenny Castle, Norman castle in Kilkenny, Ireland
Kilkenny Castle is a fortified residence in Kilkenny, Ireland, set on a rise above the River Nore. Four round corner towers are joined by wings that contain Victorian interiors, including galleries, a library and dining rooms.
William Marshal began building the stone fortress in 1192, on the site of an earlier timber structure. The Butler family took ownership in the 14th century and held the property for close to six centuries.
The castle's name comes from the Norman settlement that once controlled this river crossing. Inside, the rooms show how a grand residence was used for both everyday family life and formal occasions across many centuries.
The interior rooms are reached through corridors and staircases, and the central courtyard gives a good sense of how the building is laid out. From the courtyard, visitors can walk down to the riverbank and explore the garden grounds.
The Long Gallery has a painted ceiling featuring flying dragons, designed by John Hungerford in the mid-19th century. The design combines heraldic symbols with gilded relief work, making it one of the most visually unexpected details in the building.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
