Butler Garden

This charming Georgian Walled Garden of Butler House, the historic dower house of Kilkenny Castle was restored to its former glory in 1999, and boasts its own private gate to the Castle Yard home to the craft studios and shops, the National Craft Gallery headquarters to the Design and Craft Council of Ireland and on to the iconic Kilkenny Castle.

It was first laid out in the 18th century; the present garden layout is largely the work of garden designer Arthur Shackleton of Fruitlawn garden in Abbeyleix  and keen gardener Susan Mosse of Mosses Pottery renown and Kilfane Glen, Thomastown.

Walkways meander past long borders of perennials and established shrubs and trees like specimen magnolia and flower beds planted with native varieties of seasonal flowering plants from hellebores at Christmas time through to daffodils and bluebells in Spring and leading  you through the garden to the old orchard– a great spot for a picnic or to take a moment of quiet time.

A quince walk divides the garden into a lower and upper section. Originally one of a pair of houses, the wall divided the two gardens and now joined as one, Butler House & Garden is a historic 17 bedroomed guesthouse; operated by Kilkenny Civic Trust and a member of Irelands Blue Book

A pond in the centre forms a focal point and a talking point, encircled by stones that are remnants of the British-built Nelson’s Pillar from Dublin’s O’Connell Street – famously blown up by nationalists in 1966 and somehow making their way to the former Kilkenny Design Workshops (located in the Castel Yard next door) and incorporated in to the design of the walled garden of Bulter House.

A Terrace with attractive Patio furniture gives visitors the opportunity to stop and enjoy hospitality from May to October, serving delicious Cream Tea for which the House is renowned, lunch, a cuppa barista coffees or something a little stronger from the Garden View Bar.

The garden is managed by Kilkenny Civic Trust who are currently undertaking an extensive rejuvenation project led by the garden team under direction from Robert Miller of Altamont Walled Garden, Ballon. The plan will see the garden evolve to showcase seasonal planting, bringing year round interest to the garden