Peek inside the world of bees with Tanguy de Toulgoët from Dunmore Country School in Durrow, Co. Laois. Explore hive life up close to understand the vital role pollinators play in our ecosystems and learn practical ways to support their survival, all inspired by the rich biodiversity of the parklands at Kilkenny Castle. Location: Kilkenny […]
Join Danielle from Naturally at The Wrens Nest based in Ballinakill, Co. Laois for an immersive walk through the historic grounds of Kilkenny Castle. Discover the ancient medicinal secrets of our native plants and trees, exploring how these botanical treasures can nourish the body, soothe the mind, and restore the soul. Meeting Point: Kilkenny Castle Park […]
OPW Kilkenny Castle is very pleased to partner with Kilkenny Arts Festival in presenting a wonderful array of literary events in The Parade Tower, further episodes 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, the spectacular audio-visual show projected onto the walls of Kilkenny Castle, has become one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Festival calendar. The world is in a weird place right now (and not in a good way), so let’s pit good-weird against bad. This year’s show, Rift, is a stunning new […]
Heritage Week 2026 As part of Heritage Week 2026 OPW-Kilkenny Castle is offering free admission on Saturday 15 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. Complimentary tickets are available online now on: […]
🛡️ Design Your Own Shield at Kilkenny Castle! Celebrate National Heritage Week with a fun workshop for primary school children. Learn about the colourful world of heraldry and design your own unique medieval shield to take home. 📅 Saturday, 16 August 🕚 11.00am or 3.00pm 📍 Kilkenny Castle Booking is essential. To book a space, […]
🛡️ Design Your Own Shield at Kilkenny Castle! Celebrate National Heritage Week with a fun workshop for primary school children. Learn about the colourful world of heraldry and design your own unique medieval shield to take home. 📅 Saturday, 16 August 🕚 11.00am or 3.00pm 📍 Kilkenny Castle Booking is essential. To book a space, […]
🎥 Radharc: The Restoration of Kilkenny Castle To celebrate this year's National Heritage Week theme, Heritage at Risk, we are delighted to present a screening of the Radharc documentary on the restoration of Kilkenny Castle. Discover the remarkable story of how one of Ireland's finest castles was rescued from ruin through one of the country's […]
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 tours on several dates in 2026. One of our experienced guide accompanied by an ISL interpreter will lead you throughout the restored Period Rooms of Kilkenny Castle and will put […]
Sketching in the Gallery Kilkenny Castle is opening the magnificent Picture Gallery free of charge to artists who wish to sketch paintings from the Ormonde Picture Collection Booking required, contact kilkennycastleeducation@opw.ie to book your place, limited availability, this is an adult only event. Start time 15:00 to 17:00