The location of Butler House, amidst the charm and relaxed lifestyle of historic Kilkenny City, ensures an experience as rich as the surrounding landscape. An integral part of the Kilkenny Castle estate, Butler House was home to the Earls of Ormonde, who also built the castle, stables and coach houses at the rear. Sweeping staircases, magnificent plastered ceilings, marble fireplaces and a charming walled garden are all features of this notable Georgian residence. In the early seventies, Kilkenny Design refurbished Butler House in a unique, contemporary way. In 1989, the Kilkenny Civic Trust acquired the house, along with its important collection of Irish art. The professional and friendly staff of Butler House are dedicated to providing for their residents' every need.
Butler House boasts thirteen special rooms and suites, all with their own individual character. Designed to provide maximum comfort, each has a modern bathroom, and is decorated with soft coordinated fabrics and furnishings. The balance of old and new is prevalent throughout the rooms - contemporary furnishings are combined with the magnificent original features, which afford guests an impressive sense of comfort and space. The spacious superior rooms and suites have bow windows, which overlook the secluded gardens and Kilkenny Castle.
One can choose from a selection of rooms as follows:
Presidential Suite
Superior Double Room
Standard Double Room
The Presidential Suite is made up of four separate rooms – a very large bedroom, and sitting room, bathroom with tub & kitchenette. The bedroom & lounge have large bow windows with lovely views of the walled garden and Kilkenny Castle.
Superior Double Rooms are very large bedrooms with large bathroom, and all have bow windows with lovely views of the walled garden and Kilkenny Castle.
Standard double rooms are decorated to the same high standard as the superior rooms and including all the same facilities with the exception of the garden view.
In Room Facilities at Butler House include:
Queen Sized Beds
Multi Channel HD TV
Iron/Ironing Board
Hair Dryer
Tea/Coffee Facilities
Telephone
Safe
Complimentary WIFI access
Complimentary Mineral Water
Dining at Butler House
Each morning, breakfast is served in the beautifully refurbished stables of Kilkenny Castle, now home to the Kilkenny Design Centre. The Castle stables and courtyard are located just a short stroll through the garden of Butler House . Here guests will enjoy an extensive buffet of the finest Irish and International cuisine - choose from a range of selected hot and cold foods, accompanied by delicious artisan breads, baked freshly every morning.
Evening meals are not served at Butler House.
History of Butler House
Butler House is the Dower House of Kilkenny Castle and has always been associated with the Butler Family, Dukes & Earls of Ormonde who resided at Kilkenny Castle for 500 years. The house was home to Lady Eleanor Butler who lived here after the death of her husband Walter in 1783. Lady Eleanor Butler was the mother of John, the 17th Earl of Ormonde and her daughter, also Eleanor, was one of the famous "ladies of Langollen".
James, Earl of Ormonde resided in the house while the Castle was under reconstruction in 1831. A soup kitchen was run from here during the cholera epidemic of 1832. The Royal historical and Archaeological Association of Ireland held their meetings in Butler House in 1870.
Coming into the 20th Century, Kilkenny Design, the state design agency, restored Butler House in 1972. The decor and furnishings reflect a certain 1970s Art Deco style, which because of the muted colours and natural fabrics used, proved sympathetic to the original features of the house. In 1989, the Kilkenny Civic Trust acquired both Butler House and the Castle Stables. The house was then opened to the public as a guesthouse and conference centre. In 2000, The Kilkenny Civic Trust had the gardens at Butler House landscaped, in order to return them to their original splendour. The gardens have since become an attraction for the many visitors to Kilkenny.
About Kilkenny City
Kilkenny, or the Marble City as it is known, is one of Ireland's oldest cities, and proud of it. Its array of ancient buildings is unrivalled. It is renowned for being a vibrant cultural center, devoted to the musical and visual arts. Its two most impressive landmarks are Kilkenny Castle, founded in 1172 and privately owned until 1967, and St. Canice's Cathedral. The current structure of the cathedral dates from the 13th century, though this is nowhere near the beginning of its story, which is rich in folklore and legend. There is no shortage of pubs to explore and enjoy in Kilkenny and during the summer the city is always full of life. The summer also sees the city host an Arts Festival and a very highly regarded Comedy Festival called the Cat Laughs.
The following locations are in close proximity to Butler House:
Glendalough (1 hour)
An hour south of Dublin nestled among the Wicklow Mountains lies Glendalough ("The Glen of the Two Lakes"), the site where St. Kevin founded a unique monastic settlement in the 6th century. Most of what remains of the settlement is in ruins but the Round Tower at Glendalough, built as a refuge from marauding Vikings, is over a 1000 years old and is remarkably well preserved. The site itself is set next to two clear water lakes beneath the sheer cliffs of a deep glacial valley. It is one of the most serene and beautiful places in all Ireland and it is easy to see why the monks picked it for a place of prayer and contemplation. There are a myriad of walking trails throughout the area making it a truly invigorating place to spend the day.
Avoca Village (1 hour)
The village of Avoca lies in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. It is here in Avoca where you will find the "Meeting of the Waters", the point at which the Avonmore and Avonbeg Rivers come together to form the Avoca River. Avoca is home to Ireland's oldest woolen mill, Avoca Handweavers, established in 1723. This family-owned craft design company began at the Old Mill where weavers produced the beautifully woven fabrics which became Avoca's hallmark. Recently Avoca has become most famous for being the setting of the popular BBC soap opera "Ballykissangel".
Waterford (1 hour)
Waterford City is the capital of the Sunny South East of Ireland. Waterford City was established in Viking times and it has an exciting medieval flavour and riverside bustle. The City is the home of Waterford Crystal, a lifestyle product of exquisite craftsmanship. Waterford county offers a dazzling coastline, beautiful river valleys and two dramatic ranges of very accessible mountains. A natural playground, Waterford offers the complete holiday experience.
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