Stories, Heritage & Local Life from the Heart of Kilkenny

Welcome to Civic Times, the official newsletter of Kilkenny Civic Trust, sharing seasonal stories, heritage features, events, local history, culture and visitor experiences from Butler House & Garden, Kilkenny Castle Yard and the wider Castle Demesne.

Each edition offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the historic properties in our care, celebrating the people, places, creativity, and traditions that make this corner of Kilkenny so special. From upcoming events and garden updates to local makers, exhibitions, food, heritage and community stories, Civic Times is your invitation to discover more of Kilkenny's rich cultural and architectural legacy.

Whether you are a regular visitor, a local resident, a guest of Butler House, or simply someone with an interest in Kilkenny's history and heritage, we hope each edition inspires you to explore, connect and enjoy all that the Kilkenny Civic Trust has to offer.

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.

Read the First Edition of Civic Times