My wife's ancestors - Butler - Contents
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle.
See full size.
Detroit Photographic Company, 1905.
From The Library of Congress.
Kilkenny Castle was originally built by Strongbow 1172,
rebuilt by William Marshal 1192,
inherited by Sir Hugh le Despenser,
purchased by 3rd Earl of Ormonde 1391,
seat of Earls of Ormonde.
After the Butlers established their seat, Kilkenny became one of the most important towns in Ireland. It was at many times the capital of Ireland (location of Parliament). Its period of grandeur lasted until the 18th cent, leaving behind perhaps the most beautiful town in Ireland, with an unusual number of pre-18th cent. buildings.
In the 17th cent,
the 1st Duke
gave the castle
a wonderful, unfortified, French Chateau look.
But sadly in the 19th cent
it was restored to a more brutal
(and more commonplace, in Ireland) medieval defensive look.
The castle
was family seat until 1935.
Now owned by state, in care of
Office of Public Works.
Kilkenny Castle, 2004. See full size.
Kilkenny Castle, 2004.
See full size.
Kilkenny Castle, 2004.
See full size.
Kilkenny Castle.
Public domain image from
Wikimedia Commons.
See full size.
- Kilkenny
buildings
- Kilkenny
- Kilkenny Castle (and here)
- Kilkenny Design Centre is in the old stables, opposite the castle.
