Strongbow reportedly built a first castle, probably wooden, in the 12th century, and Anglo-Normans established a castle in 1173. The first stone castle was completed in 1260, square with a tower at each corner, and 2019 excavations found a great gatehouse built by William Marshal in the early 1200s. The article names no architect.
The Butler family remodeled it as a château in 1661. The siege of Kilkenny damaged the east wall in 1650. In the 19th century it was restored toward its medieval appearance, the north wing was rebuilt, and further extensions followed in 1854. It was damaged in the Irish Civil War in 1922.
Arthur Butler, 6th Marquess of Ormonde, sold it in 1967 to the Castle Restoration Committee. The Office of Public Works manages it, and the castle and grounds are open to visitors.
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