There is something quietly special about staying at Butler House. Step through the garden gate and, within moments, you find yourself in one of Ireland’s most creative corners, the historic Castle Yard Craft Studios, where centuries of history and creativity meet in the shadow of Kilkenny Castle.

Here, working studios, contemporary Irish design, and the gentle rhythm of crafts still made by hand sit comfortably within the original castle estate. Just beyond the castle walls lies the Castle Yard, where makers still work by hand, studios feel personal rather than polished, and Kilkenny’s reputation as a World Craft Council Craft City becomes something you can truly experience.

A Shared Story: Kilkenny Castle, the Castle Yard and Butler House

The story of the Castle Yard begins in 1790, when the Duke of Ormonde commissioned what was then known as the Kilkenny Castle Stableyards. The stone crescent-shaped courtyard, built directly opposite the castle entrance, was designed to house the castle’s horses, carriages and grooms and the daily workings of the estate life. Its elegant Georgian service architecture, distinctive circular windows and copper-domed tower remain one of Ireland’s finest surviving examples of Georgian service architecture.

Archaeological discoveries in the 1990s revealed that the current Yard sits on much older ground. Beneath its surface lie traces of even earlier activity, including sections of the original 13th-century castle ditch and evidence of medieval craft production, reminding visitors that this has long been a place of making.

In 1963, the yard entered a remarkable new chapter when it became home to the Kilkenny Design Workshops, the world’s first government-supported national design initiative. Established to strengthen Irish craft and manufacturing, the workshops welcomed designers from across Europe who worked alongside Irish makers in textiles, ceramics, silver and wood. Although the workshops formally closed in 1988, their influence continues to shape Kilkenny’s reputation as one of Ireland’s most important craft centres.

Photo: Kilkenny Castle Yard 1963-1965

Today, that legacy lives on through the working studios of the Castle Yard, the National Design & Craft Gallery, and Kilkenny Design Centre, which continues to champion Irish designers and makers through carefully curated collections of contemporary craft, textiles, ceramics, jewellery and homewares. Together, they form a vibrant creative quarter just steps from Butler House & Garden and Kilkenny Castle.

Just beyond the courtyard, Butler House & Garden itself was built in 1786 as the Dower House for Kilkenny Castle, a residence created for Lady Eleanor Butler. Together, the castle, the yard and the house form a connected historic landscape that guests can still experience exactly as intended, on foot and at their own pace.

A Living Craft Quarter at the Heart of Kilkenny

The Castle Yard remains one of Ireland’s most distinctive creative destinations, where craft is not merely displayed but actively made. The Castle Yard is home to the headquarters of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, the National Design & Craft Gallery, Kilkenny Design Centre, and a range of design and craft studios, including gold and silversmiths, potters, candle and soap makers, and leather workshops, among others.

The Castle Yard Craft Studios

The Castle Yard Craft Studios occupy what were once the original stable buildings of the castle estate. Over time, these historic structures evolved into a working creative quarter that continues to support Irish designers and craftspeople today.

The atmosphere here is different from a typical shopping street. Studios are active, doors are open, and conversations with makers happen naturally. Guests often remark that it feels less like browsing and more like discovering.

Among the studios you may encounter during your visit:

Castlearch Ceramics - Ray Power’s sculptural lighting pieces are instantly recognisable. Each porcelain form is carefully constructed and illuminated from within, creating objects that feel both architectural and delicate.

JMK Jewellery - This studio blends contemporary Irish design with traditional craftsmanship. Many visitors enjoy selecting a piece that becomes a lasting reminder of their time in Kilkenny.

MySkin.ie by Denise O’Connell - Working with natural botanicals and carefully sourced ingredients, Denise creates skincare inspired by the Irish landscape.

Other Castle Yard studios and makers continue to work across ceramics, textiles, print, wood and design. Each visit offers something slightly different, which is part of its charm.

Meet the Makers of the Castle Yard

One of the pleasures of visiting the Castle Yard is that it remains a working creative courtyard, not simply a place to browse but a place to encounter craft in the making. Many studios are still active Monday to Friday, when visitors may catch glimpses of work in progress and meet the makers behind the pieces.

Among the craftspeople you may encounter during your stay:

• Jimmy and the team at JMK Gold & Silversmith create finely crafted jewellery and silver pieces shaped with precision and tradition.
• Ray at Castle Arch Pottery produces ceramics that reflect both function and artistry rooted in Kilkenny’s long ceramic heritage.
• Denise O’Connell of My Skin Ireland creates botanical skincare inspired by natural Irish ingredients.
• Tammy and Patrick at Brennan Knives craft beautifully balanced, handmade knives using traditional techniques.
• Tracey at Wired Irish Crafts creates distinctive decorative pieces inspired by Irish wildlife and landscape.
• Michelle of The Bunting Fairy produces colourful, handcrafted bunting designed to bring warmth and personality to homes and celebrations.
• Ken Foley Leather Workshop produces timeless leather pieces, combining heritage skill with contemporary design.
• David Dowling of The Star Hurley continues Kilkenny’s proud hurling tradition through handcrafted ash hurleys.
• Rosemarie Ryan of Rambling Rose Eclectic curates characterful vintage-inspired decorative pieces.
• Des Byrne Silversmith creates elegant, handcrafted silver objects shaped with quiet precision.

Meeting the makers adds another layer to the experience. Each piece carries a story that begins here in the Castle Yard.

Insider tip: Most makers work in their studios Monday to Friday, so weekday mornings are the best time to see craft in progress and occasionally meet the artists themselves.

The National Design & Craft Gallery

The National Design & Craft Gallery presents exhibitions by leading Irish and international makers, continuing the legacy of the Kilkenny Design Workshops and offering visitors a deeper understanding of contemporary craft in Ireland.

Ireland’s leading centre for contemporary craft and design, the National Design & Craft Gallery supports thousands of artists and makers. Exhibitions change regularly and often feature work by both Irish and international designers working at the highest level of contemporary practice.

During a short stay at Butler House, you'll find something quietly enriching and see how Irish craft continues to evolve while remaining rooted in tradition.

Insider tip: Combine your gallery visit with a walk through the castle parklands afterwards. The contrast between contemporary design and historic landscape makes the experience especially memorable.

Kilkenny Design Craft Centre

Located in the same courtyard, Kilkenny Design Centre has long supported Irish designers and makers. Since the 1960s, it has helped introduce generations of visitors to Irish textiles, ceramics, jewellery and homewares that reflect both heritage and innovation.

Butler House guests can enjoy a carefully curated introduction to Irish craft in one place. Whether you are searching for a meaningful gift or something for your own home, it is an easy and rewarding stop during your visit.

While visiting, look out for:

• handwoven woollen throws and scarves
• contemporary Irish ceramics
• artisan glassware
• jewellery by emerging and established Irish designers
• seasonal collections inspired by Irish landscape and tradition

Many visitors enjoy returning here on their final morning in Kilkenny to choose something to take home, a lasting connection to the city and their stay. And for guests of Butler House, this makes the Castle Yard far more than a collection of shops. It is a living craft destination, where history, design and making still unfold just steps from your room.

From the Courtyard to the Garden Gate

At the rear of the crescent courtyard, an arched stone gateway leads directly into the restored Georgian Walled Garden of Butler House. Passing through this gate feels like stepping from the lively artisan courtyard into a calm garden landscape framed by lawns, gravel paths and the historic Georgian house.

The garden remains open to visitors and offers a peaceful retreat from the vibrant bustle of Castle Yard and Patrick Street. For guests of Butler House, it becomes even more special, a gentle pathway between creativity and quiet retreat. Here, visitors can pause for Cream Tea, Afternoon Tea or a relaxed lunch in the historic Georgian house, enjoying views across the walled garden towards Kilkenny Castle.

Stay Beside Kilkenny Castle and the Creative Quarter

Kilkenny is proudly recognised as a World Craft Council Craft City & Region, nowhere more so than in the Castle Yard. What makes the experience especially rare is its proximity to Butler House. Few places offer the chance to step directly from a historic Georgian residence into a working creative quarter within minutes.

Guests often choose to enhance their stay with carefully designed packages, including:

• Kilkenny Castle Experience - one night B&B with entry to Kilkenny Castle.
• Supper & Slumber - a relaxed overnight stay including breakfast and a seasonal supper in the Garden View Room.
• Cosy Retreat - 2 B&B escape and Cream Tea designed for rest and gentle discovery
• Bed, Breakfast & Bubbles - One Night B&B with chilled prosecco waiting on arrival.
• Signature Escapes - One Night B&B with Signature Drink.

Through the garden gate of Butler House, to the Castle Yard and on to Kilkenny Castle and the medieval streets of Kilkenny, you can discover the city at your pace, and then retreat to a place where the view of the walled garden and Kilkenny Castle offers a quiet pause and relaxation before the next chapter of your visit begins.

Click Here to Explore Our Latest Offers and Plan Your Stay at Butler House & Garden.

Preserved for the Future

Today, Butler House & Gardens and the Castle Yard are cared for by the Kilkenny Civic Trust, a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting the architectural and cultural heritage of Kilkenny. Staying here supports the continued preservation of this remarkable Georgian residence and its gardens for future generations.

For more information, contact us on +353 56 7722828 or email res@butler.ie

For more information, visit www.butler.ie

Butler House & Garden and the adjacent Kilkenny Castle Yard are owned and managed by the Kilkenny Civic Trust, a not-for-profit organisation with the mission of protecting, enhancing and promoting heritage in Kilkenny. Butler House & Garden celebrating 240 years. A member of Ireland's Blue Book.