Unsurprisingly, it has been described … Here are some beautiful examples, with pronunciations, meanings and even a bit of historical background. get to the castle in Leinster Province, driving is your best bet. It is a genuinely magical picnic experience! Strongbow was one of the devout knights who helped Henry II of England seize control of some regions of Ireland, from 1171 onwards. Some of them are quite large and famous while others are ruins. In fact, so famous is Kilkenny as a master brewing destination that Lonely Planet listed the Smithwick’s Experience as one of the ‘Top 26 Hottest Attractions’ to visit in 2015! ‘The Cats,’ as the county hurling team is known, are the most successful hurling team in Irish history, with an untouchable 107 championship titles. Since then, visitors have been able to explore the grounds and interior of much of Kilkenny Castle, which attracts almost 800,000 visitors every year. If time permits, spend some time walking through the ornamental gardens. The 17th-century tapestries that hang here tell the story of Decius Mus, and they are beautifully handcrafted. Dublin . Kilkenny Castle: 10 Fascinating Facts About an Ancient Structure in Ireland Central Ireland, and the County Kilkenny, is where you will find Kilkenny Castle. Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny, Leinster, Ire. Like many events in our recent history this Valentines will be very different, there will be no romantic weekends away or candlelit dinners in restaurants. Irish Expressions: An Online Irish Experience, Wherever You Are! The Emerald Isle is dotted with hundreds of these incredible structures. In 1999, a large hoard of silver and bronze items were found in a remote part of Dunmore Cave. It is thanks to the powerful Butler family that Kilkenny City has become the vibrant city that it is today. The Long Gallery houses some of this magnificent collection along with some rotating exhibitions. The strategic importance of the site, on a bend in the river, meant that even before William Marshall began building a castle there in 1192 there were earlier defensive structures in place. It is housed within the original Victorian kitchen. That was in 1993 when Kilkenny won 5-19 to 16 points. © Copyright 2019 - 2021 Ireland Before You Die | Trading under, Kilkenny Castle: when to visit, what to see, things to know, The 10 best things to do in Longford, Ireland (County Guide), Duckett’s Grove: when to visit, history, and things to know, Mullingar: what to do, when to visit, and things to know, Spelga Dam: directions, walks nearby, and things to know, Top 10 best things to do in Tyrone, N. Ireland (County Guide), Dialect coach says Gerard Butler’s Irish accent in P.S. This fun, free guide is available to you to download. Read our latest posts below. interior of the castle and admire the art collection on display in the castle's Although guided tours are more expensive, they are totally worth it if you are interested in history. Discover creative ways to use your name to express your love of Irish heritage. As one of the earliest Norman stone castles to be built in Ireland, this ancient castle has a wealth of history to be discovered. Kilkenny have only met neighbours Carlow once in the hurling championship. Kilkenny castle is one of the largest and most important castles in Ireland's history dating from as far back as the first decade of the thirteenth century. Irish Pet Names: An Endearing Way to Express your Irish Side! All Copyrights are the Property of Their Respective Owners Strongbow laid the original wooden Motte and Bailey castle buildings in 1172. …Almshouse dates from 1594, and Grace’s Old Castle, which was used as a jail beginning in 1566, is now a courthouse. Kilbrittain Castle is the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland. Nutan/Tourism Ireland . This historic castle makes up part of Ireland’s Medieval Mile, a discovery trail through Kilkenny City. Relax on a tour that stops at the Wicklow Mountains, admire views of Wicklow Gap and Turlogh waterfall, and visits the ruins of Glendalough along the way.