The Annual Day Trip Away will take place on Sunday July 19th when we visit the city of Kilkenny , where we will have guided tours of the famous Kilkenny Castle , one of the most instantly recognised buildings in Ireland. The castle has been an important site since Strongbow constructed the first buildings there shortly after his arrival in Ireland . In the 12th century. William the Earl Marshall, Ist Earl of Pembrooke ,built the first stone castle on the site, which was completed in 1213. This was the seat of the Butler family who bought the Castle in 1391 and lived there until 1935. They were Earls, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde and lived in the castle for over five hundred years .
The property was given to the people of Kilkenny in 1967 , and major restoration works were carried out , the central block now includes a library, drawing room, and bedrooms decorated in 1830's splendour, as well as the beautiful Long Gallery. A suite of former servant's rooms is the Butler Art Gallery, which mounts frequently changing exhibitions of contemporary art. The Parade Tower is the Castle's conference venue . Kilkenny Castle is one of Ireland's most visited sites
For further information on Kilkenny Castle visit www.heritageireland.ie/en/South-East/KilkennyCastle/
We also have a guided tour of the Rothe House , the tudor mansion built in 1594 by John Rothe , a wealthy merchant . The building has been restored magnificently and is now home to Kilkenny Archaeological Society and the national headquarters of the Heritage Council. Within the house are various exhibitions from folk to costume and accessories.
