Butler House Gardens

Kilkenny City


The beautiful Butler House gardens are home to an unusual water feature constructed from remnants of the British-built Nelson's Pillar, blown up by nationalists in Dublin's O'Connell St in 1966. Access is via a gate at the back of the courtyard behind the National Design & Craft Gallery. Access is restricted during weddings and other private events.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kilkenny City attractions

1. National Design & Craft Gallery

0.03 MILES

Contemporary Irish crafts are showcased at the imaginative National Design & Craft Gallery, set in former stables across the road from Kilkenny Castle,…

2. Kilkenny Castle

0.08 MILES

Rising above the River Nore, Kilkenny Castle is one of Ireland's most visited heritage sites. Stronghold of the powerful Butler family, it has a history…

3. Butler Gallery

0.1 MILES

The Butler Gallery is one of the country’s most important art galleries outside Dublin. Small exhibitions featuring the work of contemporary artists are…

4. Talbot's Tower

0.14 MILES

One of the surviving corner towers of Kilkenny's medieval city walls.

5. Kilkenny Castle Park

0.15 MILES

These 21 hectares of public parkland extend to the southeast of Kilkenny Castle, framing a fine view of Mt Leinster, while a Celtic-cross-shaped rose…

6. Medieval Mile Museum

0.22 MILES

Dating from the early 13th century, St Mary's Church has been converted into a fascinating modern museum that charts the history of Kilkenny in medieval…

7. Tholsel

0.25 MILES

Kilkenny's Tholsel (City Hall) was built in 1761 on the spot where Dame Alice Kyteler’s maid Petronella was burned at the stake in 1324 for witchcraft …

8. Maudlin Tower

0.32 MILES

One of the surviving corner towers of Kilkenny's medieval city walls.