Kilkenny Museums

(Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland)



Rothe House photo, home of the Kilkenny Archaeological SocietyKilkenny is almost an archaeological museum in its entirety with its amazing collection of fabulous old buildings, several of which contain fascinating art and artefacts from ancient times up to the last century.

The traditional crafts of the land are well represented, and include traditional Celtic and modern jewellery, glass, weaving, carving and much more. In the villages surrounding the city of Kilkenny are quaint museums, often in heritage buildings, which offer a glimpse into the life and differing cultures of townspeople and rural dwellers in olden times.


Further image of the Rothe House

Rothe House / Kilkenny Archaeological Society

Address: Parliament Street, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 056 772 2893
A unique early 17th-century merchant's townhouse, the Rothe House complex contains three buildings, one of which is designated as a history museum. Exhibits range from Stone Age tools and pre-Christian monuments to art, old clothing, costumes and much more, all in a spectacular heritage setting. Rothe House is owned and maintained by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society and is known for its stylish Renaissance architecture. Outside, the formal garden has been restored to its period appearance.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:30 to 17:00, Sunday 15:00 to 17:00, April to October; November to March; Monday to Saturday
- 10:30 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discount for groups

Nore View Folk Museum

Address: Danesfort Road, Bennetsbridge, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 056 772 7749
The Nore View Folk Museum is located a few kilometres from Kilkenny and resides on the very edge of this beautiful Bennetsbridge village. Featuring fine view across the river valley, this venue displays artefacts of Irish historical interest harking back to long-ago rural life, as well as several room settings including a kitchen, carpenter's workshop, country pub and forge.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts for families and groups

Brod Tullaroan photo

Brod Tullaroan / Heroes of Hurllng

Address: Curragh House, Tullaroan, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 056 776 9017
Located in the small village of Tullaroan and just a short drive away is this interesting museum, which is housed in a 17th-century thatched mansion, restored to its late 19th-century grandeur. Brod Tullaroan is a unique attraction and celebrates great local players in the Gaelic sport of hurling. Particular highlights include a trophy room, a traditional craft shop and refreshments, which are served in the Old Dairy.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Tullaherin Folk Museum

Address: Tullaherin, Bennetsbridge, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 056 772 7211
This is another small but interesting folk museum which demonstrates the often difficult lives of Country Kilkenny farming folk in earlier times. Just a 15-minute drive away, this cultural attraction was established in the early 1980s by the Duchas Tullaherin Heritage Society and unfortunately has very limited hours, being open on Sundays during the summer months only.
Open hours: June to September, Sunday - 15:00 to 17:00,
Admission: charge

Cityscape Exhibition

Address: Shee Alms House, Rose Inn Street, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 056 51 5500
This unusual museum displays a miniature scale model of 17th-century Kilkenny, as well as a selection of other model houses by local artist Sean Brett. While you're visiting the tourist office in the Alms House, take time out to stop by the Cityscape Exhibition, to see these perfect miniatures and learn a little about the city's past appearance.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free