the medieval castle of Kilkenny, Ireland

Kilkenny Castle

Just a hop, skip, and jump (via train) away from Dublin, Kilkenny, Ireland is a medieval town with an very impressive castle.   

Kilkenny Castle History

Kilkenny Castle was built in 1172 but is more widely known for it's use in the 1650s during the Cromwellian siege.  This battle was the re-conquest of Ireland, after the fallout of the English Civil War and the castle had significance as it was Cromwell's way of marking his dominance over the Catholic Irish Confederate.  His efforts helped to complete the British domination of Ireland and the country became part of the British Commonwealth a few years later. During the battle the castle lost one of it's 4 protective walls and to this day, the castle presents in a U shape, without the 4th wall.  During this period, Kilkenny Castle was owned by James Butler and the Butler family's blood line is very much intertwined in Ireland's history.  A member of the Butler family owned the castle for hundreds of years, from the 1300s all the way through the mid 1960s.  it was sold to the Irish Ministry for Public Works when the family could no longer care for the property.  It is now a park, museum and well known Irish tourist attraction.

Snapshots of Kilkenny Castle

Back in 2003, a few work friends and I walked the grounds and climbed to the top of the tower, overlooking the gorgeous Irish countryside.  

Fun fact, Castle Gould on Long Island, was modeled after Kilkenny Castle.  They look remarkably similar!