Kilkenny Castle - A Shopper's Guide

Why You Should Visit

• Aesthetic Appeal: You'll find a beautifully presented castle, especially striking from the outside. The grounds are meticulously maintained, featuring well-kept gardens, a rose garden near the castle, and extensive green spaces. The architecture is impressive, and the overall presentation is clean.
• Historical Immersion: This location offers a deep dive into history. You can explore a castle steeped in history, with each room telling its own story. The history is fascinating, and you'll encounter artifacts such as bog-preserved prehistoric Elk antlers. The architecture and grand halls offer a glimpse into life hundreds of years ago.
• Family-Friendly Activities: The grounds are very kid-friendly. Your little ones will enjoy the playground and running around the large lawn after a tour.
• Outdoor Exploration: The surrounding falls and forest create an enchanting environment. The location is ideal for day hiking and offers walking trails, including a 2.5 KM loop for a good walk. You'll find old, beautiful native trees and the serene River Nore flowing through the park.
• Guided Tours: I highly recommend the guided tour; it's a worthwhile experience. The tours are at a great pace, very informative, and led by knowledgeable guides. The tour itself is about 50 minutes.
• Accommodating Staff: The staff is known to be friendly and accommodating, especially if you arrive a bit late for a tour. They are happy to share interesting facts, making the visit even better.
• Convenient Amenities: You'll have access to a playground for the kids, a small cafe, and restrooms. A wee cafe is also near the park.
• Excellent Photo Opportunities: The gardens and open areas provide many opportunities to take great photos.
• Relaxation and Ambiance: The well-kept gardens and open area are perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. The castle's presence adds to the ambiance. The park offers a relaxing atmosphere for all ages.
• Good Value for Money: The self-tour of the castle is worth the money, and there's much to see.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Stair Considerations: Be aware that there are some stairs within the castle.
• Time Investment: Make sure to allocate sufficient time to explore the entire area, including the town.
• Ticket Requirements: Entering the castle requires tickets, available both on-site and likely online.
• Seasonal Hours: Opening hours vary depending on the month.
• Limited Time for Grounds: You might not have time to explore all of the grounds.