Kilkenny Castle – Kilkenny, Ireland
Kilkenny Castle stands prominently along the banks of the River Nore at the edge of the historic city of Kilkenny. Originally built in 1195 by the Norman lord William Marshal, the castle served for centuries as the principal residence of the powerful Butler family, Earls of Ormond.
The castle’s massive stone walls and towers were designed to control the important river crossing and surrounding lands. Over the centuries the fortress was gradually transformed into an elegant aristocratic residence with landscaped gardens and parkland surrounding the building.
Today the restored castle and its grounds remain one of Ireland’s most impressive historic estates.
