The Final Draft > 10 Fascinating Facts About Kilkenny Castle You Need to Know
10 Fascinating Facts About Kilkenny Castle You Need to Know
Right in the heart of Kilkenny City, Kilkenny Castle is a beautiful 12th Century castle that has a rich and fascinating history. The castle has a long and turbulent story, since it was first built by the infamous Strongbow in 1172, through to its fall into disrepair, eventual renovation, and rise again as one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions.
It’s an incredibly interesting building that has seen civil wars, family feuds, kings and invaders come and go, great noble families descend from riches to rags, and Kilkenny grow from a medieval stronghold to a bustling and vibrant city of culture, craftsmanship and craic. Here are 10 great facts about the castle…
1. Once a Ring Fort
Long ago, before the Normans ever set foot in Ireland, a ring fort stood on the very site where the castle rises today. It was home to the powerful Mac Giolla Phadraig clan, who chose the location not only for its proximity to the river but also for its strong natural defenses.
2. Then, a Wooden Fortress
Before it became the imposing stone fortress we see today, Kilkenny Castle began as a wooden Motte and Bailey structure. It was built in 1172 by Strongbow (Richard de Clare), a figure deeply unpopular among the native Irish. As a key leader of the Norman invasion of Ireland, he had claimed the title of King of Leinster just a year earlier. Around three decades later, his son-in-law, William Marshal, the Earl of Pembroke, replaced the wooden fort with the stone castle that still stands today.
3. Took 60 Years To Build
Over the course of nearly 800 years, Kilkenny Castle saw countless builds, rebuilds, additions, and extensions. But the original stone construction, overseen by the Earl of Pembroke, took nearly 60 years to complete. When it was finally finished, the castle stood as a large, square-shaped fortress with four towers—three of which still stand today.
4. Mystery of the Missing Tower
Kilkenny Castle has faced many attacks over the centuries—one of the most destructive came from Oliver Cromwell, who bombarded the walls with cannon fire. The south wall collapsed under the assault, but intriguingly, records from the time suggest that the southeast tower—now missing—was already gone before Cromwell arrived. No definitive explanation exists, but Kilkenny archaeologist Ben Murtagh believes it may have collapsed due to weak foundations near the moat.
5. A Royal Connection
Lady Margaret Butler was born in Kilkenny Castle around 1454. She later married Sir William Boleyn and became the paternal grandmother of Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated second wife of Henry VIII. This connection ties Kilkenny Castle to the heart of Tudor history.
6. A Visit from Rock Royalty
Kilkenny Castle hasn’t only hosted historical royalty—it’s welcomed rock royalty too. Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull attended the 1967 ceremony marking the castle’s handover from the Marquis de Ormonde to the people of Kilkenny. According to Jagger, they weren’t particularly interested in the history or the event itself—they “just came to loon about.”
7. Ireland’s Hottest Spot
On June 26, 1887, Kilkenny Castle recorded the highest official air temperature in Irish history: a sweltering 33.3°C (91.9°F). This meteorological milestone adds another layer to the castle’s legacy. And if you find yourself overheating during your visit, the Smithwick’s Experience is just minutes away—perfect for cooling off with a crisp, refreshing pint.
8. The Confederate Capital
During the Irish Confederate Wars (1642–1649), Kilkenny Castle served as the seat of the Irish Confederate government. The Confederate Supreme Council met here, leading efforts to defend Irish Catholic interests following the 1641 rebellion. The castle’s role as headquarters underscores its importance in Ireland’s resistance to British rule.
9. From Fortress to French Elegance
In the 1600s, James Butler returned from exile and transformed the austere stone fortress into a grand residence inspired by French châteaux. Though the family later fell into decline, the castle was revived when Walter Butler, the 16th Earl of Ormonde, used his daughter-in-law Lady Anne Wandesforde’s dowry to restore it. Today, Kilkenny Castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the world.
10. Ghostly Whispers
Rumors persist that Kilkenny Castle is haunted. Visitors and staff have reported eerie encounters—perhaps echoes of the castle’s turbulent past and the many lives lost within its walls. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s only one way to find out: visit and see if anything—or anyone—appears to you…
Plan Your Visit
Kilkenny Castle is a must-see, and with the Smithwick’s Experience just a short walk away, you can enjoy two unforgettable tours in one day.
Admission Prices:
Adults: €8
Seniors (60+): €6
Children (12–17) & Students: €4
Family Ticket: €20
For more details on guided and self-guided tours, click here.