Kilkenny Castle

Alzheimer / Dementia inclusive Tour
2025-09-16 15:45 - 16:45 (Europe/Dublin) | 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
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
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.

Irish Sign Language Interpreted Guided tour
2025-05-05 15:30 - 16:30
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 Monday 5th May 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: The Engegård String Quartet
2025-05-04 15:00 - 17:00 | Parade Tower, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
PROGRAMME & PERFORMERS

Quartet Op. 95 No. 11 – Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Quartet – Germaine Tailleferre (1892-1983)
Quartet in D minor, Op. 56 (Voces Intimae) – Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
Norwegian Folk Music

Formed under the midnight sun in Lofoten in 2005, the Engegård Quartet has rapidly become one of Norway’s most sought after ensembles. Their bold, fresh interpretations of the classical repertoire combined with a deep attachment to their Scandinavian roots has attracted international acclaim, and inspired some innovative partnerships and programming. The quartet’s debut CD was praised as ‘breathtaking’ in The Strad, while their second release won Pizzicato magazine’s ‘Supersonic Award’. Their CD of works by Grieg, Sibelius, and Olav Anton Thommessen was praised by Tully Potter in Music Web International as ‘what Grieg lovers have been waiting for’.

Garden Talk Series: My garden, past, present and future
2025-04-29 20:00 - 21:00 | 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
As usual, there will be a wide range of speakers, covering a variety of topics.
The series starts on Tuesday 25 March and runs until Tuesday 6 May.
All talks are free and entry is on a first come first served basis.
Doors open at 7:30pm.
Tuesday 29 April: June Blake
‘My garden, past, present and future’
June Blake has been opening her beautiful flower garden in Wicklow for 23 years. The June Blake Garden is famed for its spectacular tulip and dahlia displays from early summer until autumn. June is renowned for her designs, both with plants and the sculptural aspects of her hard landscaping. The garden also includes a sensitively restored historic courtyard. A talk to inspire.

Garden Talk Series: Lessons learned in a lifetime gardening
2025-04-15 20:00 - 21:00 | 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
As usual, there will be a wide range of speakers, covering a variety of topics.
The series starts on Tuesday 25 March and runs until Tuesday 6 May.
All talks are free and entry is on a first come first served basis.
Doors open at 7:30pm.
Tuesday 15 April: David Maxwell
‘Lessons learned in a lifetime gardening’
David Maxwell presents the award-winning BBC programme ‘Gardener’s Corner’. It takes him to gardens across Ireland and the UK where he meets the best in the business. He also writes for a range of national publications in both Ireland and the UK.

Garden Talk Series: Growing unusual and special annuals
2025-04-08 20:00 - 21:00 | 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
As usual, there will be a wide range of speakers, covering a variety of topics.
The series starts on Tuesday 25 March and runs until Tuesday 6 May.
All talks are free and entry is on a first come first served basis.
Doors open at 7:30pm.
Tuesday 8 April: Rachel Darlington
‘Growing unusual and special annuals’
Rachel Darlington is an expert grower of ornamentals, influenced and inspired by the late great Christopher Lloyd. She will talk about annuals, those long-flowering, often-unsung heroes of summer. Drawing on her experience of raising from seed and growing annuals in a large exclusively annuals border, she will share what she has learned. This will be a wonderful, timely practical talk for anyone interested in creating a great summer garden.

Garden Talk Series: Eco-aesthetic gardening: Creating beauty and habitats
2025-04-01 20:00 - 21:00 | 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
As usual, there will be a wide range of speakers, covering a variety of topics.
The series starts on Tuesday 25 March and runs until Tuesday 6 May.
All talks are free and entry is on a first come first served basis.
Doors open at 7:30pm.
Tuesday 1 April: Conall O’Caoimh
‘Eco-aesthetic gardening: Creating beauty and habitats’
Conall O Caoimh is a co-creator of Ardan Garden in Howth together with Nuala Doherty. They work their half-acre on Howth Hill as a series of separate spaces designed to create different moods. The garden is a rich botanical collection worked in a fully organic way. Conall and Nuala describe their approach as eco-aesthetic, working to create habitats as well as beauty, cultivating life within the soil to benefit nature, the garden and the gardener.

Garden Talk Series: The Phoenix Park - A history of its landscape and management 1880 - 1980
2025-03-25 20:00 - 21:00 | 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
As usual, there will be a wide range of speakers, covering a variety of topics.
The series starts on Tuesday 25 March and runs until Tuesday 6 May.
All talks are free and entry is on a first come first served basis.
Doors open at 7:30pm.
Tuesday 25 March: Dr. John McCullen
‘The Phoenix Park – A history of its landscape and management 1880 – 1980’
John McCullen is best known for the quarter century he spent as Park Superintendent at Dublin’s Phoenix Park. He has recently brought out the second volume of his magisterial history of the iconic park, bringing the history from 1880 to 1980, where he discusses the political, horticultural and social importance of the park in the life of the country. His talk is much anticipated.

Music in Kilkenny Concert Series: Anna Cashell & Aisling Ennis
2025-03-23 16:00 - 18:00 | Parade Tower, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
PROGRAMME & PERFORMERS

Sonata for violin and harp (Allegro) – Friedrich Wilhelm Rust (1739-1796)
Fantaisie on a Theme by Haydn Op. 31 for solo harp – Marcel Grandjany (1891-1975)
Theme and Variations on ‘Amazing Grace’ for solo violin – William Walker
Premiere of New Work (2025) for violin and harp – Sam Perkin (funded by The Arts Council)
Aria from Goldberg Variations BWV 988 – Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Equinox Postludium 22 in E minor (Excerpt) – Henning Kraggerud (b.1973)
A little Piece for Peace -H. Kraggerud
Fantaisie for violin and harp Op. 124 – Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)

Join us for an eclectic programme that celebrates the beauty and expressive capabilities of the harp and violin. Anna and Aisling will present a new piece by the Irish composer Sam Perkin alongside the evocative Fantasie by Saint-Saens. Chosen for their cathartic nature, this selection of pieces are designed to bring peace and solace in these troubled times.

visite guidée gratuite du Château de Kilkenny en Français
2025-03-20 15:30 - 16:30 | Kilkenny Castle, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
Pour célébrer la Journée Internationale de la Francophonie, le Château de Kilkenny propose une visite guidée gratuite en français le Mercredi 20 Mars à 15.30. La visite est gratuite mais la réservation est essentielle. Contactez-nous par email kilkennycastleinfo@opw.ie pour réserver votre place.
To celebrate International Francophonie Day, Kilkenny Castle is offering a free guided tour in French Thursday 20th March at 3.30pm. The guided tour is free of charge but places must be booked in advance. Contact us by email kilkennycastleinfo@opw.ie to book your place.

Music in Kilkenny Concert Series: The Britten Oboe Quartet
2025-03-09 16:00 - 18:00 | Parade Tower, OPW Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, R95YRK1, Ireland
PROGRAMME & PERFORMERS

Adagio in F major for cor anglais and strings K. 580a – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Quartet for oboe and strings – Elizabeth Maconchy (1907-1994)
The Phantasy Quartet for oboe and strings – Ernest John Moeran (1894-1950)
Artin – Jacqueline Shave
Sonderhø Bridal Trilogy – Danish traditional
Oboe Quartet in F major K. 370 – W.A. Mozart

Nicholas Daniel founded the Britten Oboe Quartet together with his colleagues and co-principals of the award-winning Britten Sinfonia; they all bring to this ensemble not only the highest musical standards but also the experience of playing together over many years, resulting in warm, expressive and above all enjoyable playing. They perform music of the highest quality and explore lesser-known works both from Britain and from abroad, as well as standard classics such as Mozart’s oboe quartet. The quartet has been heard up and down the UK, from Aberdeen to the Gregynog Festival in Wales, Swaledale and Wimbledon Festivals, Oxford, Manchester, Cambridge, and at Wigmore Hall and Kings Place in London. Most recently they have toured internationally to the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden.
