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Kilkenny Castle, which was one of the most important seats of power in Ireland for over 800 years, is still being restored to its former glory. But the tour of the sections of the castle, which have already been renovated, is so informative about Irish history and the foibles of high society throughout the ages, that it is definitely worth a visit. The Norman knight and conqueror, Richard Strongbow built the first castle on the strategic position overlooking the River Nore in 1172. His son built the medieval castle, of which three of the original fours towers are still there. The Anglo-Norman Butlers of Ormonde, who had acquired their name, and a lucrative levy on all wine shipped into England and Ireland, from being appointed chief royal coronation butlers, bought the castle in 1391 and added to it over the centuries. The Butlers always hadclose links to the English crown. Queen Elizabeth I called Black Thomas Butler her 'Black Husband' and was even rumoured to have borne him a child. James Butler, the Twelfth Earl of Ormonde went into exile with Prince Charles after King Charles I was executed and they toured the Royal courts of Europe together for ten years before returning together so that Charles could claim his title as King Charles II. James Butler was lucky to have a castle to return to, because his wife Lady Ormonde had managed to persuade Cromwell that the castle and its grounds were her property from her inheritance and could not legally be confiscated. Queen Anne Boleyn (mother of Queen Elizabeth I and related to the Butlers), King George V, Kaiser Wilhem and King William of Orange were among the dignitaries who stayed at the castle over the years. (William stayed at Kilkenny just after winning the Battle of the Boyne). The castle fell into disrepair in the 18th century, but Walter Butler, a friend of the Prince Regent, married an heiress Anne Wandesford and used her money to revamp the castle, plant the extensive grounds and build the Butler House (now a hotel) and the stables and courtyards across the road (which now house artists workshops and the Kilkenny Design Centre). The Victorian Butlers built the luxurious long art gallery, and the interior of the castle has been restored in Victoria style as it was during the last great era of the family. The 24th Earl of Ormonde sold the dilapidated castle to a Castle Restoration Committee for £50 in 1967 and auctioned its contents in 1967 and it is now being restored by the Office of Public Works. Most of the extensive collection of portraits and many of the hangings were donated back to the castle. The two most interesting rooms are the Long Gallery, where a huge Carrara marble double breasted fireplace is carved with the history of the Butler family, and the elaborately furnished Victoria drawing room. Kilkenny Castle's 50 acres of grounds and terraced rose garden are freely open to the public and the west wing is currently being turned into a convention centre. The Butler Gallery also hosts contemporary art exhibitions. (Tel: 056 21450. Entry to castle IR3. Grounds free. The Castle tours are very popular in summer so be prepared to queue).
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inis@irishnews.com or Tel: 01232 322226 |
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