If you haven’t heard, Kilkenny Castle was recently named as one of the most beautiful castles in the world.
The castle, which is already one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland, was acknowledged as one of the most beautiful castles in the world by Architectural Digest.
Also included on the list of the ‘most fairytale-esque castles of the world’ was Windsor Castle in the UK and Chateau de Versailles in France.

Photo by Finn Richards
Tours of the castle
Fancy checking it out for yourself?
Kilkenny Castle is open daily (except for December 24th, 25th and 26th) with guided tours offered throughout the year.
Guided Tours (November – January)
You can take a guided tours of the Period Rooms (takes 45 minutes) during the months of November, December and January.
Self-Guided Tour (February – October)
Explore the castle at your leisure with an information leaflet (available in multiple languages).
Tickets
TYPE | PRICE |
Adult | €8 |
Senior (60+)/Group (20+ Adults/Seniors) | €6 |
Child (12-17)/Student (with valid ID card) | €4 |
Family | €20 |
Kilkenny Castle Opening Hours
October to February | 09:30 – 16:30 |
March | 09:30 – 17:00 |
April and May | 09:30 – 17:30 |
June to August | 09:00 – 17:30 |
September | 09:30 – 17:30 |
You can see the full list right here.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 34 years and has spent most of the last 10 years creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.