Guided Tour Of the Period Rooms Option

 

approx. 50minutes English Only (25 pax max group size)

One of our experienced guide will lead the group thoughout the restored Period Rooms of Kilkenny Castle and will put the spotlight on fascinating characters and hidden gems.

The group will get an opportunity to learn more about Kilkenny Castle and  its Collections. The guided tours also include exclusive access to the Medieval Foundations, the West Tower and the Ducal Palace Exhibition.

 

NOTE: Please allow more time if your leader/courier is translating.

 

How to book

To book a group visit to Kilkenny Castle, please contact us by email at bookingskilkennycastle@opw.ie with the following information:

      • Your preferred time and date
      • The number of people in your group and the number (if any) in the following categories: Adults, Seniors, Full-time students, Under 18’s
      • The nationalities of the visitors
      • Whether any of your group have accessibility requirements
      • Your preferred method of payment (Voucher or credit/debit card)
      • Preferred visitor experience, Guided Tour or Self-Guided.

Location and Parking

Kilkenny Castle is located in the centre of the Kilkenny. Coach parking is available on the eastern side of the Castle Road leading up to the Castle (52.649139, -7.247583 – Map). At peak times, there is an overflow coach parking area located at the south side of Larchfield (52.644083, -7.245333 – Map) Coach Parking is also available at the Abbey Quarter (52.655833, -7.253472 – Map)

We also have a Visitors Amenities and Access Point map for your reference. Map available here.

Further information about Kilkenny is available from Fáilte Ireland and from Visit Kilkenny

Coach Parking on Castle Road

Abbey Quarter Parking

Overflow Parking

Payment

Payment is taken on the day of your visit only. Advance and retrospective payments are not possible. Payment may be made in person by either of the following methods:

      • Debit or credit card
      • Cash
      • Voucher*

*The Office of Public Works operate a voucher scheme for Tour Operators, institutions and other bodies that visit other Heritage sites throughout the country. Further details are available here.

Guided Tour Group Rates

CATEGORIES RATES
Adult 18+  €7.50
Student with valid student card €6
Children under 18 €6

On Arrival

We recommend arriving at the Castle at least 15 minutes before the time of your visit.

On arrival, please:

    • Direct your group to the group waiting area in the courtyard
    • Go to the Ticket Desk (located under our archway in the courtyard) where we will process your voucher or take payment by debit/credit card.
    • The group must be ready to start the visit at the booked timeslot. Any delay may result for the visit to be rescheduled at a later time / day.
    • Please note that Toilet facilities are limited so please allow time in your schedule if you have travelled some distance.

Accessibility

Parts of the Castle may not be suitable for people with limited mobility but ground floor rooms are fully accessible. Accessible toilet facilities are available on request.  For full details on accessibility in the Castle and the Castle Park click here.

We also have a Visitors Amenities and Access Point map for your reference. Map available here.

Backpack Policy

In order to protect our collection we kindly ask visitors to prepare for their visit and do not bring backpacks, large bags and shopping bags to Kilkenny Castle, only small bags no bigger than A4 (8.27in/21cm x 11.7in/29.7cm) will be permitted. Visitors  may be asked to carry small bags to the front while visiting the period rooms of Kilkenny Castle.

*Please note there a no storage facilities on site for groups.

Assistance / Service Dogs

Kilkenny Castle is committed to meeting our obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005, to protect the health and safety of all members of staff and visitors on site.

Registered Service Dog

A Service Dog is defined under Irish law as a highly trained dog that is specifically trained to assist a person with a disability. For a dog to be recognised as a Service Dog, it must be fully trained and registered with one of the following, or a U.K. or other international equivalent:

  • Irish Guide Dogs For The Blind
  • Dogs For The Disabled
  • Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland
  • International Guide Dog Federation

All trained and registered Service Dogs are welcome to access Kilkenny Castle in the company of their registered owner. Service Dog owners are expected to be able to provide sufficient documentary evidence that their dogs meet the above criteria.

In instances where the animal is not wearing an identifiable harness or branded lead, Kilkenny Castle staff members may seek clarification that the animal is a trained Service Dog, before admittance to the Castle is allowed.

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional Support Animals, including dogs, not accredited to one of the above organisations, are not legally recognised under Irish Law. As a result, they are currently not permitted to enter Kilkenny Castle for health and safety reasons.

Kilkenny Castle staff  may ask for evidence that the animal is a trained and certified service animal before being permitted onto the premises