Kilkenny Castle

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.
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.

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