Discover the Charm of Kilkenny from an Elegant Base at Butler House
If you’re planning a summer break in Ireland, Kilkenny has everything you could want: history, culture, great food, and a vibrant atmosphere that’s lively without ever feeling hectic. Right in the heart of it all lies Butler House, a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse offering a rare blend of elegance, peace and a prime Kilkenny location.
Part of the original Kilkenny Castle Demesne, Butler House is the former dower house to the Castle itself, today offering guests the chance to stay within a storied estate, just steps from everything Kilkenny city has to offer. With individually styled rooms, stunning gardens, and warm, discreet hospitality, it’s a quiet sanctuary in the middle of a medieval Irish city.
The Butler House walled garden offers its own serene charms: an ideal spot for morning coffee on The Patio in the orchard, or a haven for book-worms to read a chapter in verdant surrounds. Guests are also welcome to join our complimentary Saturday morning guided experiences, including Meet the Gardener and Meet the Maker tours, where notable locals share their insights into the heritage and creativity captured in Butler House & Garden and the Kilkenny Castle Yard and estate.
Stroll, Cycle and Soak it all in
When you’re ready to explore, it’s all outside your door. Rent a bike and take a leisurely spin to Bennettsridge, along the scenic River Nore, with stops for coffee or a picnic along the way. Or stay closer to home with a stroll through Kilkenny Castle Park, which stays open into the evening during the summer months, for a romantic twilight wander or rest beneath centuries-old trees.
Five minute’s walk from Butler House, The Medieval Mile Museum offers an engaging overview of Kilkenny's history, heritage, and development over the past 800 years. Housed in a restored church, this museum brings Irish history to life, through interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and unique artifacts like medieval tombstones and the Kilkenny Cathedral Bells.
Further along Kilkenny’s renowned Medieval Mile, is Rothe House, a meticulously preserved complex of merchant townhouses where visitors can catch a unique glimpse into 16th and 17th-century urban life in Kilkenny.
At the foot of the Mile, visit St. Canice's Cathedral, completed in 1285, where a 90-foot round tower offers sweeping views of Kilkenny city and its surrounds.
The Smithwick’s Experience – Just Around the Corner
Just a short stroll from Butler House, at The Smithwick’s Experience, visitors can explore one of Ireland’s most beloved brewing traditions. Learn about the story behind the red ale that helped put Kilkenny on the map, complete with fresh ale tastings and fun, information exhibits.
Guests of Butler House receive a special discount when booking tickets for the Smithwick’s tour, so it’s well worth adding to the itinerary during your stay. Ask at Reception for details or help with booking.
Eat, Drink and Take Your Time
After a day exploring, enjoy seasonal Evening Bites Menu in the Garden View Room, or out on the Garden Patio where the scent of summer blooms and the late evening light creates a magical atmosphere. From local cheeses, House Dips and a traditional Hot Pot served with freshly baked bread to the Huse Signature Drink, our menu is rooted in simple Irish flavours, served in beautiful, historic surrounds.
During the day, indulge in Cream Tea in the Garden View Room or treat yourself to Miss Sarah’s Picnic in the Tea Rooms, served classically on a 3 tiered stand, it’s a refined and delicious way to relax between visits to galleries or boutique hopping in Kilkenny town.
Stay Where Heritage Lives
Butler House isn’t just beside Kilkenny Castle, it is part of it. The house, gardens, and Castle Yard next door are all part of the Kilkenny Castle Estate, now under the care of Kilkenny Civic Trust – a ‘not for profit’ whose role is to protect, enhance and promote this wonderful piece of living heritage. Wander through the Castle Yard and explore working craft studios, the National Design & Craft Gallery, and the iconic Kilkenny Design shop, all within a short stroll from your room.
Evenings in Kilkenny buzz with music in great local pubs and venues throughout the city, contemporary restaurants much loved by locals and great theatre, late gallery openings and evening craft workshops…there’s always something on. And when the nightspots of ‘The Marble City’ close their doors, retreat to the calm of Butler House, and the refined comfort of a home that’s been welcoming visitors to Kilkenny for generations, since 1786.
Book Your Summer Break
Kilkenny is calling this Summer and Butler House is the perfect place to stay. We have a range of seasonal offers, including our Signature Break, Midweek Escapes, and discounted access to local attractions like Kilkenny Castle and Smithwick’s. Whether you're after a short sojourn or a longer stay as part of your tour around Ireland, we’d love to welcome you.
Click here to view our current offers and book your stay.