Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle is located in Kilkenny, Ireland.  The castle was built for William Marshal, the fourth Earl of Pembroke in 1195 AD and completed in 1213 AD.  The defensive structure was built to control the crossing point of the Nore River.  The castle dominates the “High Tower” of Kilkenny City and serves as a symbol of the Norman occupation.  The original structure was made of wood and designed in the motte-and-bailey style, twenty years passed before the first stone structure was built.  Three of the original stone towers have survived to this day.  The Castle became the home of the powerful Butler family when James Butler, the third Earl of Ormonde, purchased the castle and established himself as a ruler of the area in 1391.  Through the centuries, the castle underwent renovations and additions, making it a structure of many architectural styles.  For nearly 600 years, the Butler family thrived, but by the 18^th century the castle had become rundown as the Butler family suffered financial misfortunes.  In 1967, the sixth Marquess of Ormonde sold the abandoned castle to the Castle Restoration Committee.  In the 20^th century, the castle was restored and opened to visitors.