Visit the castle to learn the history of the Butler and Aylward families, who transformed the castle over centuries from a medieval tower house to a Queen Anne historic house. On a guided tour personally led by a member of the Cope family, view the array of eclectic antiques, admire the luxurious drawing room, notice the coal oven in the old kitchen, and walk through the dining room, which overlooks the peaceful pond and Ireland’s only polyhedral sundial.

Explore the charming, moated garden and Victorian walled garden where espaliered heritage apple and pear trees from a bygone era continue to fruit. Wander the sweeping lawns with their elegant topiary and towering sequoias, stroll through scenic woodland trails and spot ancient ruins and fairy gardens among the forest. See cows and donkeys peacefully grazing in the surrounding organic farm.

Stop in at the Coach House Café, housed in the 300 year old stable yard, and indulge your palate with homemade, artisan food, organically grown and locally sourced. Enjoy a seasonal, wholesome menu based on produce grown in the walled garden.

See the fruit of artist Elizabeth Cope’s unrestrained creativity exhibited on the walls of the castle, the café, and the stable yard’s tack room. Infusing Shankill’s tranquil greenery and stately corridors with a confident multitude of colours, her paintings add a burst of modernity amongst the antique tables and vintage vases.

Located just 20 minutes from both Kilkenny City and Carlow Town, and 90 minutes from Dublin, Shankill Castle is a gem of Ireland’s Ancient East, conveniently located just off the M9 motorway.