Kilkenny Civic Trust
Did you know?...That Butler House & Garden was purchased in the 1980’s 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, visitor experiences for locals and our visitors from around the world.
The 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.
At the same time as they acquired the dower house of the Castle Estate, Kilkenny Civic Trust took on the management of the stable yard of Kilkenny Castle – known as the Castle Yard. It’s home to craft studios that open to allow you meet the makers and discover their crafts. In the crescent shaped building, there’s the National Craft Gallery – current exhibition is …. The Yard is a major hub of Irish Craft and houses the headquarters of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland. Kilkenny is designated as a world city of craft, by the World Craft Council – one of only 4 cities in Europe to get the recognition.
You can access it via our garden gate and walk on through and across the road to Kilkenny Castle. When you stay and visit Butler House you’re staying on the original Kilkenny Castle Estate; the demesne that extends from the River to our front door on Patrick Street, just inside the original medieval city wall (which runs through our garden).
Kilkenny Civic Trust
Guardians of Kilkenny’s Living Heritage
Did you know that Butler House & Garden is owned by the people of Kilkenny?
In the 1980s, this historic gem was purchased for public benefit and is now lovingly managed by the Kilkenny Civic Trust. As a not-for-profit organisation, the Trust’s mission is to protect, enhance and promote the historic buildings in its care — creating living heritage experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Every stay, every cream tea enjoyed at Butler House contributes directly to the ongoing preservation and restoration of these treasured properties. The upkeep of heritage buildings is a labour of love — and a constant investment. As we say, we eat what we shoot — every euro earned is reinvested into maintaining the buildings that have stood at the heart of Kilkenny since the 18th century.
A Legacy Beyond Butler House
Alongside Butler House, the Kilkenny Civic Trust also manages Castle Yard, the historic stable yard of Kilkenny Castle. This vibrant hub is home to artisan craft studios, where you can meet the makers and explore Irish craftsmanship firsthand.
Castle Yard also houses:
• The National Design & Craft Gallery – showcasing contemporary craft exhibitions.
• The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland headquarters – supporting Ireland’s thriving design community.
Kilkenny is internationally recognised as a World Craft City — one of only four in Europe — by the World Crafts Council. You can explore this creative district just steps from Butler House, via our garden gate and across the road from Kilkenny Castle.
Butler House: A Historic Heartbeat
Originally the dower house of the Kilkenny Castle Estate, Butler House was home to the Earls of Ormonde, who also built the adjoining stables and coach houses. Today, it offers:
• 17 elegant boutique bedrooms
• Charming tea rooms and meeting spaces
• Weddings, conferences, and cultural events
• The stunning Butler Gardens, ideal for ceremonies and seasonal celebrations
Staying at Butler House is not just a visit — it’s an immersion in history. Nestled within the original castle demesne, and framed by Kilkenny’s medieval city wall, you’re truly staying in a living part of Kilkenny’s heritage.