It’s starting to feel like summer in Kilkenny – and with it comes the launch of two delightful Complimentary Guest Experiences at Butler House & Garden.
Meet the Gardener
Every Saturday morning, guests are invited to gather at Reception at 11am to meet Tommy Falsey, Head Gardener, and Tommy will bring you on a relaxed walk exploring this charming Georgian Walled Garden of Butler House, the historic dower house of Kilkenny Castle home to Lady Eleanor Butler.
The garden was imaginatively restored to its former glory in 1999 and is on a continuous programme of rejuvenation now since 2023 under the direction from Robert Miller of Altamont Walled Garden, Ballon. Learn more about the history of the garden and plans to showcase seasonal planting, bringing year round interest to the garden. Hear Tommy’s insights and experience of working in this garden and tales of times past.
Meet the Maker
Every Saturday morning, guests are invited to gather at Reception at 10am to meet one of the Craft Makers of Kilkenny Castle Yard and the Craft Maker will take you on a relaxed stroll into the garden and through the garden gate to the old stable yard of Kilkenny Castle.
The yard is now home to more than a dozen design & craft studios that open to visitors, the National Craft Gallery which hosts year round exhibits, currently the wonderful Orla Kiely – A Life in Pattern exhibition (till 19th July). The yard also houses the headquarters of the Design and Craft Council of Ireland and the Kilkenny Design shop immediately opposite the iconic Kilkenny Castle.
Your host and tour guide will be a Maker from one of the craft studios – Denise O’Connell from My Skin Integrity, aromatherapy specialist and maker of soap and skincare or Michelle Brady, Bunting Fairy who crafts memories in linen or Doug of Wired Irish Crafts hand poured, eco soy candles infused with vegan fragrances. Each host workshops on selected dates – you can check out their social pages for more information.
They will share their insights on working life in the Castle Yard and introduce you to the extraordinary history of the Castle Yard, its history as part of the Kilkenny Castle estate since 1790, how it evolved and became the focal point of Irish design from the 1960’s to its importance as a craft hub today, in a city that has World City of Craft designation.
Please note: These complimentary tours are exclusively for guests staying at Butler House & Garden. We’re delighted to offer these unique experiences as part of your stay with us.
Both Butler House & Garden and Kilkenny Castle Yard are managed by Kilkenny Civic Trust, a not for profit organisation, whose mission is to protect, enhance and promote these heritage sites in Kilkenny with a view to creating living heritage for visitors to the properties under their care.
For more information, please contact Reception, Butler House on 056 7722828 or email res@butler.ie