Just a few steps through the Butler House garden gate, you’ll find yourself in one of Kilkenny’s most historic and creative spaces, the Castle Yard, once part of the original Kilkenny Castle stables and today a thriving centre of Irish craft and design. Together, Butler House and the Castle Yard form a living piece of the Kilkenny Castle Demesne, where heritage and creativity meet.
Butler House itself was built in the 18th century as the dower house to Kilkenny Castle, and remains an integral part of the original Castle Demesne. The estate that once stretched from the Castle itself, across formal gardens, stables, orchards, and down to the River Nore. Today, both the House and the Kilkenny Castle Yard are under the care of the Kilkenny Civic Trust, working to preserve and share this living heritage with the public.
Together, Butler House and the Kilkenny Castle Yard form a rare and richly historic corner of the city, where heritage and creativity meet, just a stone’s throw from Kilkenny’s medieval heart.
This summer, the Kilkeny Castle Yard Craft Experience invites you to join a series of hands-on evening workshops, hosted by some of Kilkenny’s finest makers. Whether you're a curious local or a visiting guest, these events offer a relaxed and enjoyable way to connect with traditional and contemporary Irish crafts.
Part of the national Night-Time Economy initiative, proudly supported by Kilkenny County Council, the Summer Craft Nights bring the historic Kilkenny Castle Yard to life after hours, offering a truly unique way to experience this beautiful part of the city. Running on Thursday evenings throughout June and July (6.30pm – 8.30pm), these workshops are designed for adults, young adults, and teens, with each evening focused on a different traditional or contemporary craft.
From block printing to soap making, oil painting to sewing, each session blends skill-building with fun in an inspiring, relaxed setting.
Workshop Schedule – Summer 2025
Bunting Fairy
- 5th & 12th June – Teenage Sewing Workshop, 6.00pm–8.30pm
- 3rd July – Adults Block Printing Workshop, 6.00pm–8.30pm
👉 Booking: www.buntingfairy.ie
Geraldine Walsh Art
- 26th June – Oil Painting Workshop, 6.00pm–8.30pm
- 10th & 31st July – Oil Painting Workshops, 6.00pm–8.30pm
📞 Tel: 087 236 1793
My Skin Integrity – Denise O’Connell
- 19th June – Soapmaking Workshop, 6.00pm–8.30pm
- 17th July – Natural Skincare Workshop, 6.00pm–8.30pm
- 24th July – Soapmaking Workshop, 6.00pm–8.30pm
📞 Tel: 087 131 5947 | Email: info@myskin.ie
These workshops form part of the ‘Six After 6’ evening experiences happening across Kilkenny this summer, with other exciting late-night offerings from Smithwick’s Experience, Rothe House, St. Canice’s Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum. Come along to learn a new skill, meet the makers, and enjoy the creative buzz of the Castle Yard in the evening light.
And afterwards, why not round off your evening with a bite to eat? Join us back at Butler House for our evening menu including drinks, cream tea, cheese board, seasonal hot pot, Butler’s dips & nibbles, served in the Garden View Room or out on the patio, where you can relax and reflect on your creative experience.
Whether you're staying at Butler House, exploring the grounds of Kilkenny Castle, or simply looking to try something new on a summer evening, the Castle Yard Summer Craft Nights are not to be missed.