Kilkenny Castle Editorial Photo

Kilkenny castle stands dramatically on a strategic height that commands a crossing on the River Nore and dominates the `High Town` of Kilkenny City. Over the eight centuries of its existence, many additions and alterations have been made to the fabric of the building, making Kilkenny Castle today a complex structure of various architectural styles. The original Anglo-Norman stone castle was built for William Marshal, 4th Earl of Pembroke c.1146-1219 during the first decade of the thirteenth century. Kilkenny Castle later became the principal Irish residence of the powerful Butler family for almost 600 years. The Butler ownership began when James c.1360-1405, 3rd Earl of Ormond, purchased the castle in c.1391, and lasted until 1967 when Arthur, 6th Marquess of Ormonde 1893-1971, presented it to the people of Kilkenny in return for a token payment of £50.