BUY AND CHANGE YOUR TICKET
Do I have to book my ticket online?
Booking online ensures entry and minimises queueing times at busy sites. A limited amount of tickets are also available to purchase on the day on a first-come first-served basis from our ticket desk.
What does the calendar legend mean?
- Available: you can still buy tickets online for the tour/time(s) chosen
- Sold Out: all tickets for this tour/time(s) have been sold
- Not Available Online: tickets for this tour/time(s) can only be bought in person at the site on a first-come first-served basis
Kilkenny Castle offer self-guided visits, what are they?
It means that on the date that you have selected, you can visit at any time and explore Kilkenny Castle at your leisure. Visitor’s guides will be available on arrival, they can also be downloaded in advance from the website.
How do I make a group booking?
We welcome group bookings – for school field trips or tour groups please contact bookingskilkennycastle@opw.ie . The current OPW online booking facilities are for individuals only, with a maximum number of 6 tickets that can be purchased.
I couldn’t print my ticket, what should I do?
You can present your ticket on a mobile device at the site’s entrance. Failing that, bring your booking reference, name or the e-mail address used for your reservation but allow for the fact this will impact on queuing time.
How far in advance can I book my tickets?
Tickets can be purchased up to 7 days in advance on the website.
I made a mistake in my booking, can I change it or give it to someone else?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to change the date or time of your booking and tickets are non- transferable. Please see Terms & Conditions
Can I cancel and get a refund?
Unfortunately, tickets are not refundable. Please see Terms & Conditions.
I didn’t receive a confirmation e-mail but the money has been debited from my account; what can I do?
We are sorry if this happened to you and there can be several reasons for this:
- The confirmation e-mail might have been moved to your Spam or Junk Mail Please check for an e-mail from the @opw.ie domain
- There might be a typing error in your e-mail Please contact the site who will check if the booking was fully processed and issue confirmation if it was
- There may be a delay due to Server Check your e-mail again later
- If the booking wasn’t processed and the payment was pending, it will be returned to your account within a few days
I am unable to complete my online booking. What should I do?
We are sorry if this happened to you and there may be several reasons preventing you from completing your order. We would suggest that you:
- Check your Internet connection and refresh the Web page
- Try again but using another Browser
- Restart your computer
I can’t get past the payment stage. What does it mean?
There can be several reasons for this:
- Maybe some of the details on the page are not correct or not filled Check the card-holder’s details, CVC Code and expiry date
- Avoid double-payments and check that the payment hasn’t gone through already before trying to pay again
- Sometimes it helps to try again using a different Browser
- Maybe there’s an issue with the account or credit card; try again using a different card if possible
Can I book by phone?
Unfortunately no, tickets are only available online or on arrival on a first-come first- served basis with no guarantee of admission.
Why do you charge an online booking fee?
We carefully structure our fee to reflect the costs of providing a ticketing service and having an administration charge to secure tickets is a standard practice when booking online.
DISCOUNTS
Do I still need to book online if I have a Heritage Card?
Yes, like fee-paying admissions, entrance is subject to availability. Reserve your free ticket(s) by choosing the correct link and ticket type. Please make sure to bring your Card along with your booking confirmation or normal rate will apply.
I want to visit a site but I also want to buy a Heritage Card? Should I still book a ticket in advance?
Yes, if you want to be guaranteed access. You can reserve your free ticket following the ‘OPW One Year Heritage Card’ link and buy your OPW Heritage Card(s) on arrival but make sure to allow extra time for this, especially if you have booked a guided tour. This is also likely to impact on your queuing time.
What happens if I forget my Heritage Card on the day that I visit?
Unfortunately, if you booked a Complimentary Ticket but are unable to show the relevant discount card on arrival you will be charged at the normal rate. In the case of a booked timed guided tour, it also means that your admission is no longer guaranteed as the delay incurred may mean that you will miss it.
Do you accept International Student Cards?
Yes, Kilkenny Castle accept all valid student cards which you must produce on arrival to validate your Student Ticket.
I am not 60 yet but I am retired; can I still avail of the reduced Senior rate?
Unfortunately no. The discount rate is only available to visitors who are 60 years of age and over.
I have a disability; can I purchase a ticket online?
Please note that all persons with physical or intellectual disabilities and their accompanying carers are admitted free of charge to any OPW site where an admission charge applies. We want to ensure that you make the most of your visit but as each site has its own unique characteristics it is best to contact us before visiting on kilkennycastleinfo@opw.ie .
I am a Journalist; can I book a free ticket and get in with my Press Card?
Free entry for members of the Press is only possible with prior approval from the site; please make contact ahead of your visit on kilkennycastleinfo@opw.ie
I am a Teacher; am I entitled to a discount ticket?
Teachers visiting to prepare for a school visit can avail of a free admission but this only possible with prior approval from the site; please make contact ahead of your visit on kilkennycastleinfo@opw.ie
I know that Kilkenny Castle is free to visit on certain dates; why can’t I book online?
On ‘free days’ interest usually exceeds capacity and it is therefore very important to be able to spread visits throughout the whole day. This is to try and provide a quality experience to all our visitors and continue to protect and preserve the sites. On those special days, admission is still subject to availability and on a first-come first-served basis.
If you have queries about specific dates, please contact us on kilkennycastleinfo@opw.ie
I have young children, do I have to buy tickets for them?
Not if they are under the age of 12; however, you still must book a ticket for each child by following the ‘Child (Under 12)’ link. Please note that the OPW implements a Child Safeguarding Policy on all its sites and that children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information click here.
I am not visiting with a group but I have a pre-paid voucher; can I book online?
This facility is unfortunately not currently available.
Who is entitled to a free or discount ticket?
Certain membership cards attract reduced or complimentary admission. Like fee-paying admissions, entrance is subject to availability and you must bring the relevant discount card with you or normal rate will apply. In the case of a booked guided tour, it may also mean that your admission is no longer guaranteed as the delay incurred may mean that you will miss it.
VISITING
I have a ticket for a specific visiting time but can I join a different guided tour?
Unfortunately no, if you bought a ticket for a guided-tour, it is time-specific and only visitors who arrive at the indicated time are guaranteed entry.
I have my ticket but I want to bring someone else; can they come with me using the same ticket?
Unfortunately no. As admission is only possible with a valid ticket it is very important to select the correct number of tickets when booking, including all complimentary tickets such as Under 12 or Heritage Card Users. If this was not possible at the time of booking make sure to check whether some are still available on arrival. At times, a limited number of tickets will remain available on the day on a first-come first-served basis but admission is not guaranteed and is unlikely at very busy sites.
I also want to view an exhibition/attend an event, can I reserve admission?
For ticketed events you must reserve your tickets separately. Contact us on kilkennycastleinfo@opw.ie for more info
If you are unable to find the answer to your question or would like to get in touch for another reason, please contact us directly on kilkennycastleinfo@opw.ie