Beyond the bustle of Kilkenny’s streets lies a quieter side of the city, where hidden pathways, historic surroundings and gentle greenery invite you to slow the pace. At Butler House & Garden, evenings unfold a little differently, offering space to linger, listen and enjoy moments that feel relaxed, welcoming and memorable. Set within the original Kilkenny Castle estate in the heart of Kilkenny, Butler House has long been loved for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and warm hospitality.
Butler House Garden Tour and Cream Tea
Discover the history and horticultural character of Butler House during a relaxing guided tour of its charming Georgian Walled Garden.
Led by the Head Gardener, Tommy Falsey, this walk-and-talk experience explores the story of Butler House, the former dower house of Kilkenny Castle, and the development of its historic garden. Reimagined by Arthur Shackleton in 1999, the garden is now undergoing an extensive programme of rejuvenation under the direction of renowned garden designer Robert Miller of Altamont Walled Garden, working closely with the Butler House Garden Team. Tommy’s knowledge and passion for the estate bring another layer to the experience, sharing stories and insights that connect visitors with the heritage, character and history of Butler House.
Cream Tea in the Garden View Room
Following the tour, guests can enjoy a traditional cream tea in the elegant Lady Eleanor Room. Served on a tiered stand, the cream tea includes homemade plain and fruit scones with Butler House strawberry jam and cream, accompanied by tea or coffee.
It is a relaxed, welcoming way to conclude the evening and enjoy one of Butler House’s most-loved experiences.
Guests often speak about the comfort of Butler House, from its friendly atmosphere and historic charm to its location beside Kilkenny Castle and beautifully maintained surroundings. This evening experience brings those elements together in a gentle balance of heritage, hospitality and local discovery.
The Garden Tour and Cream Tea experience lasts about two hours and is available to private groups and gardening clubs of 10 to 40 people.
Dates: 27th August & 24th September
Tickets cost €22 per person and include the guided garden tour and cream tea.
Advance booking is essential. To arrange a visit, call Butler House on 056 772 2828 or email res@butler.ie.
Art and Music at Butler House During Kilkenny Arts Festival
Butler House will once again form part of Kilkenny’s vibrant cultural programme during Kilkenny Arts Festival, with exhibitions and intimate musical performances taking place in its historic surroundings.
The festival exhibitions at Butler House will include Road Home by artist Eugene Conway and Back Home by sculptor Patrick O’Reilly. Together, the exhibitions offer visitors an opportunity to discover the work of two respected artists with strong connections to Kilkenny and the Irish creative landscape.
The popular Secret Garden Music Series will also return, presenting a surprise selection of leading Irish and international musicians. These short pop up performances take place in some of Kilkenny’s most distinctive spaces, adding an element of discovery to a day at the festival.
Secret Garden Music Series:
Thursday, 13 August at 4 pm
Friday, 14 August at 4 pm
Saturday, 15 August at 3 pm
Each performance lasts approximately 15 minutes and is subject to weather conditions.
Plan Your Stay at Butler House
To stay at Butler House is to take part in something larger than a visit. Every overnight stay, every lunch in the Garden View Room, and every Afternoon Tea contribute directly to preserving the house, its gardens and the wider heritage work of the Kilkenny Civic Trust across the city. Whether you are exploring Kilkenny’s medieval streets, walking through the Castle Yard craft studios or pausing beside the garden pond beneath the castle walls, Butler House offers a rare opportunity to experience a living heritage house that continues to serve its community just as it has done for more than two centuries.
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Plan your stay at Butler House & Garden, where you don’t just visit history, you stay within it, while helping preserve Kilkenny’s heritage for future generations.
For more information, call us on +353 56 7722828, email res@butler.ie or 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.