Kilkenny Castle is, without a doubt, the biggest attraction of the Marble City. Its regal stone façade, centred between a beautiful rose garden and rustic woodland, is a perfect representation of the history of the city. If you’re visiting Kilkenny, the castle is an absolute must-see. On the Segway Sights tours, you can visit the castle and see this historic landmark for yourself. But why is it worth seeing? We’ve put together a history of Kilkenny Castle so you can see why this fantastic fortress is something you won’t want to miss. Building Kilkenny Castle What stands today is not the first castle Kilkenny has had. In 1169, Kilkenny was invaded by Anglo-Normans, who were led by Richard Fitzgilbert de Clare (known to history as “Strongbow”). Strongbow built a motte-and-bailey castle in 1172, making it easier to cross the River Nore. A motte-and-bailey castle is a wooden keep and enclosed courtyard (a bailey), surrounded by a raised earth wall (a motte). This style of fortress was very popular in the early medieval era, and gave Strongbow the defensive features he needed to hold on to his new lands. After his death at the beginning of the 11th century, Strongbow’s son-in-law William Marshall re-built the castle in stone. The castle was completed in 1213 and three of the castle’s four towers you see today have survived from this era. Medieval Kilkenny The castle was purchased by James Butler, the 3rd Earl of Ormond, in 1391. The Butler family lived in the castle for almost 600 years, playing a central role in Kilkenny’s political and civil history. For much of the medieval period, the Butler family were loyal to the English monarchy. They were part of the Anglo-Norman aristocracy who had been given large portions of land by Henry II, and
Kilkenny Castle is, without a doubt, the biggest attraction of the Marble City. Its regal stone façade, centred between a beautiful rose garden and rustic woodland, is a perfect representation of the history of the city. If you’re visiting Kilkenny, the castle is an absolute must-see. On the Segway Sights tours, you can visit the castle and see this historic landmark for yourself. But why is it worth seeing? We’ve put together a history of Kilkenny Castle so you can see why this fantastic fortress is something you won’t want to miss.
