Non Guided Visit Option
approx. 35 – 50 minutes (45 pax max group size)
Groups are invited to discover the Period Rooms of the Castle with a self-guided visit. Leaflets with information are made available to groups at the start of their visit. The group will be welcomed by a member of the guiding service.
The visit begins on the ground floor and includes the Period Rooms, our new Exhibition Rooms in the Blue Corridor and the Ros Tapestries Exhibition in the Kitchen Corridor.
NOTE: group leaders/ couriers do not have speaking rights when choosing this option.
A Language School Worksheet designed for English Learners (12 years +) is available on request.
An Audio Guide has been created to enhance the non-guided visit of our Period Rooms
Please use earphones when using the audio guide in the Period Room to minimise inconvenience to other visitors.
How to book
To book a group visit to Kilkenny Castle, please contact us by email at bookingskilkennycastle@opw.ie with the following information:
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- 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.
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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:
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- Debit or credit card
- Cash
- Voucher*
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*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.
Self-Guided Group Rates
| CATEGORIES | RATES |
| Adult 18+ | €6 |
| Student with valid student card | €4 |
| Children under 18 | €4 |
On Arrival
We recommend arriving at the Castle at least 15 minutes before the time of your visit.
On arrival, please:
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- 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