Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a visit to Butler House & Garden is part of the pleasure of staying in the heart of Kilkenny City. Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about accommodation, dining, accessibility and visiting the city. If you need any further assistance, our team will be delighted to help you prepare for your stay. 

 

Location & Access

 

Where is Butler House located in Kilkenny?

Butler House is located in the heart of Kilkenny City beside Kilkenny Castle, with direct access through a private garden gate onto The Parade and the Castle Yard craft area.
Postcode/Eircode is: R95 YY43 
Coordinates: 52.6489°N, 7.2509°W.

 

Who owns/runs Butler House?

Butler House & Garden was purchased in the 1980’s from Kilkenny Design Workshops, for the people of Kilkenny and is now under the care of the Kilkenny Civic Trust, who operate and manage it on their behalf.  The Trust’s role is to protect, enhance and promote the historic buildings in its care, and to create living heritage and visitor experiences for locals and our visitors from around the world.

The Kilkenny Civic Trust is a not-for-profit organisation, so what we earn is invested back into the upkeep and we eat what we shoot. The heritage buildings have a huge appetite for restoration and continuous investment. Effectively, every stay, every cream tea goes back into the pot to preserve these beautiful, historic buildings that have been at the heart of the Kilkenny community for hundreds of years – since the 18th century.

 

Is Butler House within walking distance of Kilkenny attractions?

Yes. Butler House is within walking distance of Kilkenny Castle, the Medieval Mile Museum, St Canice’s Cathedral, Smithwick’s Experience, the National Design & Craft Gallery, shops, cafés and restaurants.

 

How do I get to Butler House from Dublin?

Kilkenny is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Dublin by car via the M9 motorway. Regular train and bus services operate daily between Dublin and Kilkenny City.

 

What is the nearest airport to Butler House?

Dublin Airport is the closest international airport and is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Butler House by car.

 

What is the nearest train station to Butler House?

Kilkenny MacDonagh Train Station is approximately a 10–15 minute walk from Butler House, or a short taxi journey. The airport bus stops just around the corner from the hotel.

 

 

Parking & Arrival

 

Is parking available at Butler House?

Yes. Butler House provides complimentary parking for residents, one parking space per bedroom in a private car park located beside the house within the Kilkenny Castle grounds.

 

Does Butler House have an EV charging Station?

No. But EV charging stations are available nearby in Kilkenny City. Please ask the reception for the closest charging locations.

 

What time is check-in at Butler House?

Check-in at Butler House is from 3.00 pm.

 

What time is check-out at Butler House?

Check-out is at 11.00 am.

 

Can I arrive early or leave luggage after check-out?

Yes. If you arrive earlier or wish to explore Kilkenny after check-out, Butler House is happy to store your luggage for you.

 

Can I check in late at Butler House?

Late arrivals can be accommodated. Guests are asked to contact reception in advance to arrange late check-in.

 

Can I check in earlier or check out late?

We will make every effort to accommodate your request, but early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability and a charge.

 

 

Accommodation

 

How many bedrooms does Butler House have?

Butler House has 17 individually designed guest bedrooms combining Georgian character with modern comfort.

 

Does Butler House offer special accommodation packages?

Yes. Butler House offers curated stay packages including the Signature Escape, Kilkenny Castle Experience and Smithwick’s Experience Break.

 

Is Butler House suitable for couples visiting Kilkenny?

Yes. Butler House is ideal for couples seeking a peaceful city-centre stay with garden views, heritage surroundings and relaxed dining experiences.

 

Is Butler House suitable for group bookings?

Small group bookings can be accommodated depending on availability. Guests are welcome to contact Butler House directly to discuss group stay options.

 

Is Butler House dog-friendly?

Yes. We are pet lovers at Butler House and are delighted to offer a dog-friendly package in a superior double bedroom with direct garden access. Due to the house's intimate nature, it is suitable only for small, family-friendly dogs. To book, contact reception by phone or email.

 

Does Butler House have air conditioning?

No, due to the heritage nature of this 18th-century house, we don’t have air conditioning. Should you wish to avail of it, all of our bedrooms have a fan.

 

In Room Amenities

 

Does Butler House have safes in the rooms?

Yes, each room has a safe.

 

Does Butler House have hair dryers in the rooms?

Yes, all of our rooms have hairdryers.

 

Can Butler House provide a crib/extra bed?

Yes, we can provide a travel cot for a child up to 2 years old.

 

Does Butler House offer a babysitting service?

No, we do not.

 

 

Dining & Afternoon Tea

 

Does Butler House serve breakfast?

Yes. Breakfast is a special part of every stay at Butler House. Guests can enjoy a freshly prepared Full Irish breakfast each morning in the Lady Eleanor Restaurant overlooking the gardens from 8 am to 10 am.

 

Does Butler House serve Afternoon Tea?

Yes. Our renowned Afternoon Tea is served on selected dates throughout the year in elegant Georgian surroundings overlooking the walled garden and Kilkenny Castle.

 

Can visitors come to Butler House for lunch or Cream Tea?

Yes. Non-residents are welcome to enjoy Cream Tea, light lunch and seasonal dining in the Garden View Room.

 

What food is served during the day at Butler House?

Breakfast (for residents only) is served between 8.00 am and 10.00 am. We will reserve a table for you at a time that suits you best. This allows us to minimise any wait time for breakfast. Should you need to depart early, we can arrange a continental breakfast to go. 

Daytime dining includes freshly baked scones, Cream Tea, soups, sandwiches and a selection of seasonal lunch dishes served in relaxed surroundings.

               Lunch – 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm

               Cream Tea – 11.00 am – 9.00 pm

               Evening Menu – from 3.00 pm

 

Does Butler House serve dinner?

No, we do not serve dinner in-house. We do, however, serve our Evening Menu in the Garden View Bar from 3 pm till, with tempting lighter bites - everything from Beef & Guinness Hot Pot, Soup & a Toastie to an Irish Cheese Plate or Butler House Dips selection, a homemade dessert or maybe just some cocktail nibbles.

If you would like something more substantial, we offer a dinner package Sunday to Thursday with our near neighbour, the award-winning Ristorante Rinuccini.  Located on The Parade opposite Kilkenny Castle. See our website for details or enquire via Reservations.

 

Are there restaurants near Butler House?

Yes. Butler House is located in the centre of Kilkenny City within walking distance of many restaurants, cafés and traditional pubs.

 

Does Butler House have a bar?

Yes. We have a well-stocked bar. The Garden View Bar serves drinks daily, including seasonal cocktails and locally produced spirits such as Ballykeeffe Gin.

 

Does Butler House cater for vegans?

Yes, we offer a full vegan breakfast menu.

 

Accessibility

 

Is Butler House wheelchair accessible?

The majority of Butler House is wheelchair accessible. Bedrooms on the first and second floors can be reached by lift, and Butler House also has one accessible bedroom with an accessible bathroom.

 

Does Butler House have a lift?

Yes. Butler House has a lift that provides access to the bedrooms on the upper floors.

 

Does Butler House offer a laundry service?

No. We don’t offer an in-house laundry service, but there is a launderette close by that does.

 

Does Butler House have international adaptors?

Yes. Reception should be able to offer you one, subject to availability.

 

Can Butler House store my luggage?

Yes, we can.

 

Does Butler House offer an over-65s discount?

No, we do not offer an age-specific discount. We do have special offers available on our website.

 

 

Weddings & Private Dining

 

Does Butler House host weddings or private dining events?

Yes. Butler House hosts small weddings, private dining experiences, family gatherings and special celebrations in elegant Georgian surroundings.

 

How can I enquire about weddings or private dining at Butler House?

You can contact Butler House through the website enquiry form or by email to speak with the events team about availability and options.

 

 

Gift Vouchers

 

Can I buy a Butler House gift voucher?

Yes. Butler House gift vouchers are available online and can be used for accommodation stays, Afternoon Tea and dining experiences.

 

Does Butler House accept Ireland’s Blue Book vouchers?

Yes. Butler House is a member of Ireland’s Blue Book and accepts Blue Book gift vouchers.

 

Does Butler House accept Ireland’s Hotel Vouchers?

Yes.

 

How do I use a voucher to make a reservation for Butler House?

You can make a booking as usual via our website, and we will redeem your voucher at check-out. Please remember to bring a copy of your voucher with you.

 

 

Visiting Kilkenny

 

Is Butler House near Kilkenny Castle?

Yes. Butler House is located within the Kilkenny Castle estate beside the Castle Yard and overlooks the castle parklands.

 

Is Butler House near the St Patrick’s Day parade route in Kilkenny?

Yes. Butler House opens directly onto The Parade where the Kilkenny St Patrick’s Day parade takes place each year.

 

Is Butler House close to the Kilkenny Christmas market?

Yes. Butler House is located beside The Parade, where the Yulefest Christmas Market takes place each December.

 

When is the best time to visit Kilkenny?

Kilkenny is a wonderful destination year-round, with festivals, gardens, heritage attractions, and cultural events taking place in every season.

 

What is the cancellation policy for bookings at Butler House?

If your plans change and you need to cancel your room, we offer a 7-day cancellation policy. If you notify us before noon, 7 days prior to your arrival, we will refund you. We will also remind you of this in your confirmation email, which is sent automatically. 

 

If you have any further questions, please call us on +353 56 7722828 or email res@butler.ie

For more information, visit www.butler.ie