News from Kilkenny Castle Demesne

A Seasonal Collection of Stories, Events, Heritage & Local Moments from the Heart of Kilkenny

Welcome to Civic Times, a broadsheet created to share a seasonal collection of stories from behind the walls of the heritage properties cared for by the Kilkenny Civic Trust.

The Trust is privileged to steward some of Kilkenny City’s most treasured landmarks, including Butler House & Garden and the Kilkenny Castle Yard. As a not-for-profit organisation, our mission is to protect, enhance, and promote these remarkable buildings and spaces within the Kilkenny Castle Demesne, ensuring they remain vibrant parts of our living heritage.

Each season brings its own atmosphere and rhythm to the city, and we hope these pages encourage you to discover your own connection with Kilkenny as you explore the Castle Demesne. A visit may begin at the iconic Kilkenny Castle before leading you across the road to the former stable yard, now the Castle Yard - a tranquil creative quarter synonymous with design and craft and where working craft studios continue a long tradition of making in this space.

Beyond a modest garden gate lies the secret walled garden of Butler House, enclosed in part by the ancient city wall. Here, paths open into a peaceful oasis where visitors can wander, linger, and uncover stories layered through the landscape, including the fascinating connection between the garden pond and Dublin’s former Nelson’s Pillar.

As summer gives way to autumn, the scenery changes with it. Blooming borders soften into richer tones, climbing roses give way to fruit-laden trees, and the first golden hues of the season begin to settle across the gardens and parkland. We hope you will spend time with us, meet the makers and craftspeople who bring these spaces to life, and enjoy the warm welcome and hospitality that await at Butler House and throughout the wider demesne.

Thank you for joining us, and we hope you enjoy this edition of Civic Times.

First Edition

Civic Times – Summer/Autumn 2026

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Civic Times, a seasonal collection of stories, events and local moments from the heart of Kilkenny!

In this first edition, discover summer events at Butler House & Garden, including Evening Garden Tours, Cream Tea Experiences, Summer BBQ evenings and special celebrations marking 240 years of Butler House. Explore the story of the Sir Basil Goulding Art Collection, meet the talented makers of Kilkenny Castle Yard, enjoy seasonal recipes and food inspiration from Chef Ben Davis, and find out what is happening during Kilkenny Arts Festival and across the wider Castle Demesne.

You will also uncover local heritage stories, garden features, cultural highlights, walks through Kilkenny Castle Park and insights into the people who help preserve and care for these remarkable places.

Click below to read the first edition of Civic Times and discover the people, heritage, events and experiences that bring Kilkenny Civic Trust to life.