As Heritage Ireland says, Kilkenny Castle is a “12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde.” Learning about the Butlers was quite interesting, as they came up over and over later in the trip.
I confess that I wasn’t properly “into” Kilkenny Castle, as I was fighting a chill (having been soaked the day before at the Rock of Cashel, alas).
I did, however, take note of the library (of course), whose interior decoration is meant to be a faithful recreation of the furnishing style of the mid to late 19th century.
As the panel says:
The claret silk damask curtains, also based on originals, were made in Ireland.
One of the 9 massive curtain pelmets is original and an Irish firm of master gilders faithfully reproduced matching gilt reproductions.
The bookcases were reproduced based on one original bookcase which is now in the right end corner.
Well done on the restorations.
The castle also had gorgeous cast iron radiators.
Kilkenny Castle is museum no. 86 in my #100museums challenge (see 100 Museums Challenge).