Summer in the Garden at Butler House
Summer at Butler House & Garden is special. The Georgian Walled Garden bursts with colour, and the evenings by Kilkenny Castle are longer. The house becomes a place for relaxed seasonal events, shared meals, and memorable moments in the heart of Kilkenny city. Set within the Kilkenny Castle estate and surrounded by garden calm, Butler House offers a rare opportunity to enjoy summer evenings in a setting guests often describe as peaceful, while still being close to everything Kilkenny has to offer, making these garden gatherings a lovely addition to the many things to do in Kilkenny in summer.
This summer, Butler House invites guests and visitors to enjoy a series of carefully planned garden events, from elegant long-table dining to relaxed summer BBQ evenings and a special celebration marking 240 years since Butler House was built in 1786 as the Dower House of the Kilkenny Castle demesne.
Whether you are planning an evening with friends, marking a special occasion, or simply looking for something different to enjoy during a summer visit to Kilkenny, the gardens overlooking Kilkenny Castle provide a memorable setting to spend time together.
Summer in the Garden BBQ Evenings
Few things capture the spirit of summer in Kilkenny like a BBQ evening gathering in the garden at Butler House & Garden. Each Summer BBQ evening begins with an arrival cocktail and canapés, followed by a generous selection of grilled favourites, seasonal salads and dessert, all enjoyed in the calm surroundings of the Georgian Walled Garden. As the light softens across the lawns and the castle grounds beyond, these evenings offer a relaxed way to spend time together outdoors in one of Kilkenny’s most unique historic settings.
BBQ Dates for Summer 2026
- Saturday 13 June | 6 pm – 8 pm
- Saturday 4 July | 6 pm – 8 pm
- Friday 14 August | 6 pm – 8 pm
These are intimate garden evenings and availability is limited for each date. Early booking is recommended
Celebrating 240 Years of Butler House with A Garden Party
In 2026, Butler House marks 240 years since its construction in 1786, when it was created as the Dower House of the Kilkenny Castle estate. To celebrate this milestone, Butler House will host a relaxed afternoon Garden Party in the Georgian Walled Garden, bringing together visitors, families and garden lovers for a special summer gathering in one of Kilkenny’s most historic settings. Surrounded by carefully maintained lawns and framed by the architecture of the castle estate, the afternoon reflects the long tradition of hospitality that has shaped the house across generations.
The afternoon includes:
• a guided garden tour led by Robert Miller of Altamont Walled Garden
• garden insights from Shirley Lanigan, author of The Open Gardens of Ireland
• contributions from Tommy Falsey, gardener at Butler House
• a Teddy Bear’s Picnic with storytelling for younger visitors
This is a free but ticketed event, and advance registration is required. To register your interest, please contact events@butler.ie
Private Summer Parties on The Garden Terrace
Summer evenings at Butler House also offer a beautiful setting for private celebrations, client gatherings, and small-group events in Kilkenny City. The Garden Terrace provides a relaxed outdoor space overlooking the manicured gardens within the castle walls, ideal for informal entertaining while enjoying the atmosphere of the Georgian garden.
Options include:
• Drinks and Bites from €22 per person
• Sit-down Menus and BBQ Evenings from €49 per person
Whether planning a team evening, a family celebration or a relaxed gathering with friends, the Butler House events team will help create a memorable occasion in our beautiful garden setting.
A Summer Setting Beside Kilkenny Castle
Located within the original Kilkenny Castle demesne, Butler House & Garden offers one of the most distinctive summer event settings in Kilkenny City. From shared dining experiences to relaxed garden evenings and special anniversary celebrations, this year’s summer programme offers many opportunities to enjoy the atmosphere of Butler House at its most welcoming. Its setting within the castle estate and garden landscape creates a relaxed atmosphere that guests frequently describe as one of the most memorable parts of their time in Kilkenny.
For bookings and enquiries, contact the Butler House Events Team: Tess Kavanagh, call 086 145 2928 or email events@butler.ie
Purchase a Butler House Gift Voucher or use your Blue Book Voucher today!
Plan your stay at Butler House & Garden, where you don’t just visit history, you stay within it, while helping preserve Kilkenny’s heritage for future generations. View Our Current Offers Here.
For more information, call us on +353 56 7722828, email res@butler.ie or visit www.butler.ie