Kilkenny Castle

Free admission to Kilkenny Castle
2025-12-14 09:30 - 16:30 (Europe/Dublin) | Kilkenny Castle, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
On Sunday 14th December, Kilkenny Castle will be open free of charge to the public from 9.30am to 4.30pm for all to enjoy the magic of the beautiful decorated period rooms.
During the afternoon, while wandering through the castle you can enjoy the wonderful music of the talented pianist, Helen Hughes (from 2:15pm)

No advance booking required. Admission will be on a first come, first served basis
#OPW #HeritageIreland #IrelandAncientEast #VisitKilkenny #Kilkenny #KilkennyCastle #Christmas

Bach's Christmas Oratorio - Irish Baroque Orchestra & Chorus
2025-12-13 19:30 - 22:00 | Kilkenny Castle, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
This event is sold out.
OPW Kilkenny Castle is pleased to support our cultural partnership with Music in Kilkenny Concert Series once again. The concerts take place in different venues in Kilkenny throughout the season. The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle is delighted to have hosted eight of these in 2025, with the ninth and final one, featuring the amazing Irish Baroque Orchestra, due to place on Saturday 13 December at 7:30pm in the wonderful Picture Gallery of the Castle.
Johann Sebastian Bach Christmas Oratorio BWV 248
First performed for Christmas in 1734, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio comprises six cantatas, each intended for performance on a feast day in the Christmas period. In this performance the Irish Baroque Orchestra and Chorus present all six cantatas, for an immersive and enriching audience experience full of joy and peace.
The Christmas Oratorio performances are part of the IBO’s ambitious new Bach Cycle 2024 – 2026, made possible by the generous philanthropic support of an anonymous donor.

Yulefest Rose Garden Light Up
2025-12-13 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-12 17:00 - 20:00 | Kilkenny Castle Rose Garden
We are delighted to have the Rose Garden all sparkly for Christmas
Take pictures with family and friends or simply come on your own for a peaceful moment of reflection in one of Kilkenny’s most enchanting spaces.

Access is free of charge.

It will be open on the following evenings 5pm – 8pm:
• Fri 12th Dec & Sat 13th Dec
• Fri 19th Dec & Sat 20th Dec
• Sun 21st Dec & Mon 22nd Dec

Irish Sign Language Interpreted Guided tour
2025-12-06 15:30 - 16:30 | Kilkenny
As part of the OPW programme of Irish Sign Language interpreted tours at Heritage sites around the country, Kilkenny Castle is offering free ISL interpreted tour Saturday 6th December at 3.30pm
One of our experienced guide accompanied by an ISL interpreter will lead you throughout the restored Period Rooms of Kilkenny Castle and will put the spotlight on fascinating characters and hidden gems.
The guided tours give a unique opportunity to learn more about Kilkenny Castle and its Collections.
The tours are free of charge but places are limited so participants are asked to book early by emailing kilkennycastleinfo@opw.ie

Music in Kilkenny Concert Series: Vanbrugh & Friends
2025-11-16 15:00 - 17:00 | Parade Tower, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
OPW Kilkenny Castle is delighted to once again host a number of concerts with Music in Kilkenny. The programme is available now at www.musicinkilkenny.org
Keith Pascoe – violin / Marja Gaynor – violin / Simon Aspell – viola / Ed Creedon – viola / Christopher Marwood – cello / Maria O’Connor – cello
PROGRAMME & PERFORMERS

Luigi Boccherini String Quintet in E major G.402
Charles Villiers Stanford String Quintet in F major Op.85
Antonin Dvořák String Sextet in A major Op.48
The very last of well over one hundred string quintets written by the prolific virtuoso cellist Luigi Boccherini, this charming work is characteristically refined and elegant. Dublin born Charles Villiers Stanford was a significant figure in musical life in the late 19th and early 20th century, influential as composer, teacher and conductor. His cheerful and uplifting F major string quintet was recorded by the Vanbrugh Quartet and Garth Knox in 2004 and features a lovely central slow movement inspired by sean-nós singing.
Dvořák’s A major string sextet is truly one of the treasures and great joys of all chamber music. Its gentle optimism offers a precious contrast to the difficulties and complexities of our modern world.

John Bradley Memorial Weekend 2025
2025-10-31 18:00 - 20:00 | Parade Tower, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
The annual John Bradley Memorial Weekend will take place on Friday 31 October and Saturday 1 November 2025.This year’s theme focuses on William Robertson (1770–1850), Kilkenny’s first architect.The keynote address will be delivered by Mr John Lucey on Friday night at the Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle.

Friday: Reception at 6pm, Lecture at 7pm followed by optional supper at the Clubhouse.Saturday: Robertson Walking Tour: meeting at 10:45am on the Parade.

Booking through Kilkenny Archaeological Society as below:Anne – 086 2889016 / Maura – 086 2466594

Cost: €20 / €50 (including supper)

For more info visit https://kilkennyarchaeologicalsociety.ie/

Music in Kilkenny Concert Series : Banbha String Quartet
2025-09-27 19:30 - 21:30 | Parade Tower, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
OPW Kilkenny Castle is delighted to once again host a number of concerts with Music in Kilkenny. The new autumn schedule is available now www.musicinkilkenny.org
The Banbha Quartet was founded in 2020 and is made up of four of our most celebrated musicians who all work with orchestras in Ireland. They return for this, their fifth tour for the National String Quartet Foundation.
Lidia is an award winning Polish violinist with an MA in performance from the Royal Academy of Music in London.
Kilkenny native Maria Ryan was leader of the Southbank Sinfonia in London for many years.
Robin Panter was a member of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra who moved to Ireland to play with the Irish Chamber Orchestra.
Cellist Peggy Nolan frequently performs with Manchester Collective and the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Alzheimers Memory Walk 2025
2025-09-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Kilkenny Castle Park, Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
Sunday 21 September is World Alzheimer’s Day. This World Alzheimer’s Day, thousands of feet will hit the ground for one powerful reason — to walk for memories, for awareness, and for a future without dementia.
Join Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva on Sunday, September 21st, as we come together in locations across the country to remember and honour those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia — and the families who stand beside them every step of the way.
We are delighted to host the Kilkenny walk in the Castle Park. It is a 5km route and starts at 11am.

Free admission to Kilkenny Castle for Culture Night
2025-09-19 18:00 - 21:00 | Kilkenny Castle, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
Kilkenny Castle is delighted to take part in Culture Night once more.

To celebrate Culture Night, the period rooms and exhibitions of Kilkenny Castle will be open to the public free of charge from 6pm to 9pm on Friday 19th September 2025

Please note last admission will be 8:30pm.

No advance booking required. Admission will be on a first come, first served basis
#CultureNight #OPW #HeritageIreland #IrelandAncientEast #VisitKilkenny #Kilkenny #KilkennyCastle

Alzheimer / Dementia inclusive Tour
2025-09-16 15:45 - 16:45 | Kilkenny Castle, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
Kilkenny Castle is delighted to offer an Alzheimer / Dementia inclusive tour on Tuesday 16th September at 3.45pm. This free tour is aimed at people living with Alzheimers and Dementia and their families and supporters. This is an opportunity to explore the period rooms and chat about the artworks and history of the Castle in a friendly environment with our trained facilitators Kate and James
This event is free of charge but requires advance booking: contact kilkennycastleinfo@opw.ie to reserve your places

Irish Sign Language Interpreted Guided tour
2025-09-14 15:30 - 16:30 | Kilkenny
As part of the OPW programme of Irish Sign Language interpreted tours at Heritage sites around the country, Kilkenny Castle is offering free ISL interpreted tour Sunday 14th September at 3.30pm
One of our experienced guide accompanied by an ISL interpreter will lead you throughout the restored Period Rooms of Kilkenny Castle and will put the spotlight on fascinating characters and hidden gems.
The guided tours give a unique opportunity to learn more about Kilkenny Castle and its Collections.
The tours are free of charge but places are limited so participants are asked to book early by emailing kilkennycastleinfo@opw.ie

Very Pink Run 2025
2025-09-14 12:00 - 14:00 | Kilkenny Castle Park, Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
OPW Kilkenny Castle is once again delighted to host the Very Pink Run at the Castle Park on Sunday 14 September 2025.
The Very Pink Run is a family fun event offering a 10k and 5k distance for people to run, jog, walk or wheel.
It attracts a pink tribe of men, women and children, all showing their support – helping to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Ireland’s ongoing research and awareness efforts and an eagerness to help positively change the landscape of this disease into the future.

National Services Day 2025
2025-09-06 12:00 - 16:00 | Kilkenny Castle Park, Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
OPW Kilkenny Castle is once again delighted to host National Services Day at the Castle Park on Saturday 6 September 2025.
It kicks off at 12pm approx. and all are welcome to come along!
It is a free fun filled family day out. Be sure to meet the crews and volunteers from all those that provide a frontline service!! There will be lots to see and do. Kilkenny Fire and rescue will be doing another demonstration on cutting a vehicle. As well as many other surprises on the day!!!

Kilkenny Motor Club Display
2025-08-30 10:00 - 15:00 | Kilkenny Castle Park, Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
Come along to Kilkenny Castle Park on Saturday 30 August for a pre-show display of vintage and classic cars from 10am to 3pm in advance of Kilkenny Motor Club’s annual show at St. James Park which takes place on Sunday 31 August.

Star of Knockagh Accordion Band
2025-08-24 14:30 - 15:30 | Kilkenny Castle Park, Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
OPW is very pleased to welcome the Star of Knockagh Accordion Band from Co Antrim to Kilkenny Castle Park for what is now the annual visit organised by Railway Preservation Society, with all arriving by steam train into Kilkenny train station. They will march up through the streets for their performance at the Castle Park at 2:30pm.
FREE Event: no tickets required

Heritage Week Talk by Commandant (Retired) Larry Scallan: 1st Battalion Kilkenny Brigade 1916-1923
2025-08-20 15:00 - 16:00 | Parade Tower, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
As part of Heritage Week 2025 we are delighted to welcome Commandant (Retired) Larry Scallan to the Parade Tower:
1st Battalion Kilkenny Brigade 1916-1923
(Exploring the foundations and the development of the Order of Battle and Leadership of this active Battalion)
The first recruitment meeting for the Irish Volunteers took place in Kilkenny City in March 1914.
From that time until the start of the Irish Civil War the Kilkenny Brigade would develop to become a Brigade with nine Battalions.
This talk will follow the story of the 1st Battalion, the Kilkenny City Battalion throughout the period.
The event is free of charge. No booking necessary. Seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis, door open @ 2:30pm

Horrid History of Siege Warfare: An event for Children
2025-08-20 11:00 - 14:00 | Kilkenny
Join James Doherty from Kilkenny Castle and learn all about Siege Warfare with a special event for children who want to learn about how castle sieges took place.
Learn about the horrid history of warfare in Kilkenny in the grounds of Kilkenny Castle. Workshop will run from 11am till 2pm just drop by.
Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.

Heritage Week
2025-08-16 09:30 - 17:00 | Kilkenny Castle, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
As part of Heritage Week 2025 OPW-Kilkenny Castle is offering free admission on Saturday 16 August.
Discover the ancestral home of the Butler Family with a free self-guided visit to the magnificent Victorian period rooms of Kilkenny Castle.
Free admission applies to individual visitors only.
Groups of 6 and more must pre-book in advance by contacting bookingskilkennycastle@opw.ie ( normal rates apply)
Guided tours will not be available on the day.
For more information contact kilkennyinfo@opw.ie

Free Admission for Heritage Week
2025-08-16 09:15 - 16:30 | Kilkenny Castle, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
To celebrate Heritage Week, Kilkenny Castle is offering free admission on Saturday 16th August.
Admission is free but ticketed. Free tickets are now available on our website:
https://kilkenny.admit-one.eu/?p=details&ga=1&dt=20250816…
Free admission is reserved for individuals visitors only and does not apply to tour operators.
Groups must contact bookingkilkennycastle@opw.ie to book a timeslot.
#HeritageIreland #HeritageWeek #OPW #KilkennyCastle #VisitKilkenny

Light Up the Castle: _____ Because You’re Free (Kilkenny Arts Festival)
2025-08-13 22:45 - 2025-08-16 22:45 | Kilkenny Castle Rose Garden
13 – 16 August
10:45pm (20 mins)
Kilkenny Castle Rose Garden
Light Up the Castle, the spectacular audio-visual show projected onto the walls of Kilkenny Castle, has become one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Kilkenny Arts Festival calendar.
This year’s show, ____ Because You’re Free, is a stunning new projection asking what it means to be human in a world gripped by technological acceleration, ecological crisis and a growing sense of disconnection.
Multidisciplinary artist Laura Sheeran invites us to remember ourselves – not as data points, disembodied minds or productivity machines, but as conscious, feeling, embodied beings. Part invocation, part protest, part balm for the soul, ____ Because You’re Free offers a return to the roots of our shared humanity.
Please note: The installation features strobe lighting. Latecomers will not be admitted. Wheelchair users are advised to contact the Festival Box Office before the show. Gates open at 10.15pm at the Parade entrance

Kilkenny Arts Festival
2025-08-07 17:30 - 2025-08-17 17:00 | Parade Tower, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
Kilkenny Arts Festival
Thursday 7 – Sunday 17 August
OPW is very pleased to partner with the Festival in presenting a wonderful array of literary events in The Parade Tower, a sneak preview of some of the chapters of the Alice Project in the Medieval Room and of course the wonderful Secret Garden Music returns also. And once again one of the big highlights of the programme, Light up the Castle will take place in the Rose Garden.
For all that is going on throughout Kilkenny and specifically at the The Parade Tower check out https://www.kilkennyarts.ie/programme

National Play Day 2025
2025-07-05 12:00 - 14:00 | Kilkenny Castle Park, Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
National Play Day 2025 organised by Kilkenny County Council Community section in conjunction with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality will be held on Saturday 5th July, 2025. The event hosted by Kilkenny County Council and OPW will take place between 12 and 2pm in Kilkenny Castle Park. The event and all activities are free of charge and families are encouraged to come along, enjoy the activities and make the event a great success. Along with event partners Healthy Ireland, Creative Ireland and Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC) it will be a great opportunity to highlight and support the importance of creating time and space for families to have fun together. The feedback from the various workshops held last year was hugely positive and the plan is to create an even bigger and better event this year. Play Day supports and highlights the importance of creating time and space for families to have fun together.
This year’s theme is ‘The Power of Play’. Play is vital to supporting children’s development, learning and wellbeing. It encourages a sense of adventure and discovery, helping young minds to better understand the world around them through fun and creative ways. This National Play Day is an opportunity for Kilkenny County Council and our partners to invite children and their families to come together in the grounds of Kilkenny Castle Park and take part in a wide range of activities for all to enjoy.
Activities and workshops include magic shows, intergenerational yoga, storytelling, giant games, funfair stalls, balance bikes, friendship bracelet workshop and craft workshops. There will be an activity area for children to enjoy the power of play! Come along and enjoy, it’s open to all and all activities are free of charge.
The workshops represent the wonder and discovery that unfolds when children play outside. Access to outdoor play means children have many opportunities for developing their imagination and physical abilities. Playing in nature also presents opportunities for exploration and adventure.
National Play Day is more than just a day of fun, it is a celebration of the fundamental role that play has in all of our lives. Play is essential for children’s physical, emotional and cognitive growth.
We look forward to welcoming you to this FREE event.

Alzheimer / Dementia inclusive Tour
2025-06-06 15:30 - 16:30 | Kilkenny Castle, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
Kilkenny Castle is delighted to offer an Alzheimer / Dementia inclusive tour on Friday 6th June at 3.30pm. This free tour is aimed at people living with Alzheimers and Dementia and their families and supporters. This is an opportunity to explore the period rooms and chat about the artworks and history of the Castle in a friendly environment with our trained facilitators Kate and James
This event is free of charge but requires advance booking: contact kilkennycastleinfo@opw.ie to reserve your places

Biodiversity Week: Natural Beekeeping with Tanguy de Toulgoët
2025-05-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Kilkenny Castle Park, Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
Tanguy has a strong profile as an environmentalist, educator and gardener. He is a tireless campaigner and advocate of sustainable gardening and has given lectures and talks all over Ireland.
At Dunmore Country School in Durrow, Co. Laois, Tanguy and the team practice sustainable no-dig kitchen gardening and natural beekeeping.
Location: Kilkenny Castle Park (in the Hollow near the Butler Family Burial Grounds)
This is a FREE event. No booking required.
Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing as this is an outdoor event.

Biodiversity Week: Native plants and their uses in medicine and cooking
2025-05-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Kilkenny Castle Park, Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
Giedre Dunphy will give a talk on native plants and their uses in medicine and cooking.
Meeting Point: Kilkenny Castle Park (at the Copper Beech tree)
This is a FREE event. No booking required.
Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing as this is an outdoor event.

Biodiversity Week: Dusk Chorus
2025-05-22 20:00 - 21:00 | Kilkenny Castle Park, Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
OPW Kilkenny Castle is delighted to collaborate with the Kilkenny branch of BirdWatch Ireland for another Dusk Chorus this year on Thursday 22 May.
All are welcome to come along to this FREE event.
Meeting Point: Courtyard
This is a FREE event. No booking required.
Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing as this is an outdoor event.

Biodiversity Week: Design By Nature: How to grow wildflowers in your garden, farm and community
2025-05-20 20:00 - 21:00 | Parade Tower, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
OPW Kilkenny Castle is delighted to welcome Sandro Cafolla for this talk on wildflower growing, from site prep to sowing and how to maintain a long-term ecology.
Sandro’s forty years of growing wildflowers simplifies the mystic and explains why there is a difference between nature and environment and how it affects what Irish gardeners buy and grow when they order wildflowers. Sandro’s talks always include a nod to the political activity needed to save species.
This is a FREE event and entry is on a first come first served basis.
Doors open at 7:30pm. Parade Tower.
This event may also have an outdoor element (weather dependent) so it is advisable to wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

Music in Kilkenny Concert Series: Mark Anthony McGrath
2025-05-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Parade Tower, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
PROGRAMME & PERFORMERS

Sonata No. 34 in D minor – Silvius Leopold Weiss (1687-1750)
Divertimento à Solo in Bb major – S.L. Weiss
Ciaconna in G minor – S.L Weiss
Carolan’s Dozen – Turlough O’Carolan (1670-1738)

In this recital Mark Anthony McGrath performs music by the legendary Irish harper/composer Turlough O’Carolan and the greatest German baroque lutenist/composer Silvius Leopold Weiss. Mark has released 5 solo albums to date to critical acclaim and has performed extensively throughout Europe. He has had numerous commissions for his compositions and arrangements including a commission for a 10 minute solo guitar piece by RTE Lyric FM. Mark will release ‘Carolan’, his arrangements of the harper’s compositions in 2025 and a further Weiss album The Weiss Machine Vol. 2 later in the year.

Garden Talk Series: A walk and talk through Kilkenny Castle Park
2025-05-06 19:15 - 20:15 | Parade Tower, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
OPW Kilkenny Castle is delighted to present our Garden Talks once again as part of our Spring Programme 2025
The series comes to an end this evening with our very own Colm Mangan, Foreperson of Kilkenny Castle Park.
Tuesday 6 May: Colm Mangan
‘A walk and talk through Kilkenny Castle Park’
All talks are free and entry is on a first come first served basis.
This is a walk and talk outdoors and begins at the earlier time of 7:15pm. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
Colm Mangan is the Manager of Kilkenny Castle Park. Under his stewardship, the park has been managed in a more and more ecologically sustainable and nature-centred manner. His walks and talks, where he demonstrates the ways in which the flora and fauna in the park are nurtured and cared for is an annual highlight of the talk series.
