Discover the Aristocratic Lineage Behind Butler House
Step through the doors of Butler House and into a world where elegance and heritage live side by side. Nestled within the historic Kilkenny Castle Demesne, this beautiful Georgian home is more than just a place to stay, it’s an experience, where Ireland’s noble past comes to life through graceful architecture, luxurious comfort, and a story shaped over centuries.
Butler House was originally built in 1786 as the dower house for Kilkenny Castle, to become the residence of Lady Eleanor Butler, widow of Walter Butler, 16th de Jure Earl of Ormond, and mother to the 17th Earl of Ormonde. It formed part of the wider estate of the Butler family, one of Ireland’s most powerful dynasties, whose influence spanned centuries and stretched from the halls of Kilkenny to the royal courts of England.
The Butlers and The British Crown
The Butler family’s connection to the British Crown began in the 14th century, when James Butler, 1st Earl of Ormonde, was appointed Chief Butler of Ireland by King Edward III. From this appointment grew a remarkable legacy of political, military, and cultural power.
Among the most notable was James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde (1610–1688), a trusted advisor to Kings Charles I and II, who governed Ireland with skill and loyalty as Lord Lieutenant. The family’s ties to the monarchy were not just official, they were personal, with generations educated at court, married into the English nobility, and hosting monarchs in their homes.
Through loyalty and service, the Butlers built not only wealth and power but an enduring legacy that shaped the region’s identity and the vibrant city of Kilkenny that we know today.
Butler House: A Georgian Retreat
Built in the late 18th century as a dower house, Butler House offered comfort and a prestigious home that was befitting of the widowed Lady Eleanor Butler, matriarch of the family and mother to the 17th Earl of Ormonde. Here, she maintained the refined lifestyle of nobility while remaining close to the Castle and its royal legacy.
In the 19th century, Butler House became the residence of the Earl of Ormonde during the restoration of Kilkenny Castle, continuing its role at the heart of the Butler family’s legacy. It also served the community in times of hardship, most notably during the cholera epidemic of 1832, when a soup kitchen was established within its grounds to provide vital nourishment to those affected, a quiet but powerful act of compassion in a time of crisis.
In more recent times, Butler House played a role in Kilkenny’s cultural revival during the Kilkenny Design Workshops era. As the adjacent Castle Yard was transformed into a hub of contemporary Irish craft and design, the house became a gracious base for visiting creatives and a serene space that nurtured innovation, helping to shape Kilkenny’s reputation as Ireland’s design capital.
A Stay with an Elegant Touch
Today, Butler House invites guests to experience the warmth and refinement, reminiscent of gracious living in a truly unique setting. Each room and suite is carefully and individually curated to reflect its Georgian architecture, and contemporary design connections with touches to ensure every comfort is met. The Lady Eleanor and Sir Walter Suites, with their high ceilings and garden views toward Kilkenny Castle through 3 stunning bow windows, offer the ultimate experience in historic elegance.
Step outside into the walled garden, an oasis in the heart of the city and a haven of birdsong, blossoms, and peaceful paths. A private gate leads directly to the Castle Yard and Kilkenny Castle, allowing guests to explore the very seat of the Butler dynasty with ease. This rare connection between heritage and hospitality is what makes a stay at Butler House so special. Stop along the way to visit the National Craft Gallery, to browse the craft studios and meet the makers in their workshops, keeping the tradition of craft alive in this Yard renowned as a hub of Irish design.
Whether you're enjoying cream tea in the Garden View Room, dining on seasonal dishes on the patio, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of your historic suite, you’ll find yourself wrapped in the calm luxury of a home with centuries of stories to tell.
Here, history is not kept behind glass, it lives in the walls, the gardens, the light that filters through sash windows. And while the past is always present, the welcome is unmistakably Irish, warm, attentive, and full of heart.
Book your royal retreat at Butler House today and be surrounded by history, comfort, and the quiet luxury of Ireland’s most storied address.
Contact our reservations team today on +353 56 7722828, email res@butler.ie or click here to book your stay now.