Many travelers make it a point to include Kilkenny Castle, and the community surrounding it, in their tour of Ireland. Killkenny City is about a two-hour drive from Dublin and is known as the medieval capital of the country.

The castle was built in the twelfth century by William Marshal, first Earl of Pembroke. It was a symbol of Norman occupation. The castle was remodeled during the Victorian period. More recent restorations have preserved the library, the drawing room, bedrooms and the gardens to their early 1800s condition. It is now managed by the Office of Public Works.

The grounds, gardens and view of the Nore River are beautiful at Kilkenny Castle. You can stroll through the property on the paved path and take photographs of the castle from many viewpoints.

When I visited Kilkenny, I took a tour of the castle. I love to take the castle tours when I visit Ireland. The tour guides not only describe the local history, but also add bits of fascinating fact. For instance, on the tours of the bedrooms, our guide pointed out the short beds. He explained that, for many years, people sat up in bed because of the lung problems caused by living in damp, moldy conditions.

When you take a tour of the castle, you will enjoy the former servants’ quarters that have been converted to a large, open art gallery where a variety of modern works are shown. Summer visitors can also enjoy the tea room that operates from the old castle kitchen.

The bookstore at Kilkenny Castle is very extensive. I found many books that helped with my study of Irish castles.

The importance of the arts is reflected in the nearby town of Kilkenny. You will find works created by jewelers, woodworkers, crafters who specialize in pottery and a number of other artisans who work in the area. Plays are performed in the city and the annual arts festival always attracts large crowds.

In addition to a tour of Kilkenny Castle and a visit to the local art galleries, you will want to explore the neighborhood pubs and restaurants.

There are other attractions in Kilkenny that you may want to visit. The tudor style Rothe House on Parliament Street is now a museum. It dates from the 1590s when it was a meeting place for the leaders of the Confederation.

Golfers will find plenty of choices at the Kilkenny Golf Club, the Castlecomer Golf Club and the Mount Juliet Conrad Hotel golf course.

There are many other nearby attractions. Dunmore Cave is located on the Castlecomer Road. It consists of a series of chambers that were formed over millions of years. Jerpoint Abbey is a nearby monastic ruin. The abbey was founded in the second half of the 12th century. Nore View Folk & Heritage Museum in the village of Bennettsbridge is not far from Kilkenny.

You will want to arrange part of your trip to Ireland around a visit to Kilkenny Castle. Kilkenny offers a unique perspective into the history of the country and to the southeast region of Ireland.

Copyright, Patricia McKinney-Lins. All rights reserved.