Tuesday, Day Three in Ireland! Part 1–Kilkenny Castle

11/5/2019

Dear Family and Friends,

Donna and I are on day three of our Scythian Grand Irish Castle Tour and today we visited Kilkenny Castle which was originally built in 1273 replacing a wooden structure from the 12th century and for over 500 years was owned by the Butler Family of Scotland and Ireland. (1391-1966)

The photo above appears to have an open courtyard. However during the attack of Cromwell in 1650 canons were used to destroy the way behind the dry moat that destroyed the east wall and damaging the NE Tower. As the castle began to recover from this destruction, the Butler family decided the castle needed a “modern” (think 1660’s) update. As our guide said, “the Butlers through updating took a ancient fortress from a castle into a house.

The castle is now owned by the city of Kilkenny and is open to the public for tours. It was sold by the Butler Family to the City for 50 British pounds.

The loving work of restoring the beauty of this castle is remarkable. The Butler family downsized in the 1930’s and many of the original furnishings were sold at auction. The castle was vacant until it was sold in 1966. Using photos from the the early 1900’s great efforts have been made to duplicate the original character of the castle.

See Photos:

Castle exterior photos

Entrance and two of the towers of the castle. The lower left is from the 1200’s.

Details of the castle walls. Notice the window slot for shooting arrows at the enemy.

Family areas including the grand picture gallery. BW photo was used to recreate the rooms in this area.

My favorite room…The nursery. Such a cool room!

The River Nore’s location to the castle helps realize why it was strategically placed at this location

Today was so full that I am breaking this post into two parts. Part two will not be as long, but it is exciting as we went out into the country to a sheep farm!

Ellen