View MapView Map
HomeDestinationsKilkennyKilkenny CityThe National Design & Cra ...
The National Design & Craft Gallery
Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny
Family friendly
Rainy days
Free to visit
The National Design & Craft Gallery was established by the Crafts Council of Ireland in 2000 and is Ireland's leading centre for contemporary craft and design.

Established by the Crafts Council of Ireland in 2000, the National Craft Gallery is Ireland’s leading centre for contemporary craft and design. They inspire appreciation, creativity and innovation through their exhibition, event and education programmes and play a critical role in building understanding of craft and material culture in Ireland.

The National Craft Gallery is located in the former stable yard of Kilkenny Castle, in the centre of the medieval city of Kilkenny. The National Craft Gallery is one of the most exciting, artistic venues in the country. A commitment to excellence and innovation allows them to showcase some of the finest examples of contemporary craft. The gallery is the Crafts Council of Ireland’s flagship exhibition space. Talented makers and imaginative curators are responsible for their critically acclaimed exhibitions programme. Textiles, glass, ceramics, jewellery, furniture, baskets, this major public space stimulates practitioners and captures the imagination of visitors.

See website for details of upcoming events.

Tips from locals

Explore more at a workshop themed around the current exhibition, or at one of their organised Meet the Maker events.

Contact details
The Castle Yard, The Parade, Gardens, Kilkenny, Ireland
Visit duration

We recommend planning to spend 1 hour here.

More to discover
City breaksKilkenny Castle

Few buildings in Ireland can boast a longer history of continuous occupation than Kilkenny Castle. Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, the castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years.

City breaksKnight for Hire

Knight for Hire gives you a chance to tour Kilkenny City, with a jovial medieval knight as your guide. Especially suited to families, the tour involves a little bit of walking, a little bit of history, and a whole lot of fun for all ages.

City breaksBoattrips.ie

Enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the River Nore in Kilkenny City with Boattrips.ie. Trips run daily and are suitable for all, from the very young to the young at heart.

Mail Icon SVG

Subscribe now to receive destination inspiration, travel tips, upcoming events and all the best things to do around Ireland.