Shankill Castle

Dating from the 17th century, Shankill Castle has some wonderful features such as the ornamental canal, which has been recently restored. It is the home of a very distinguished Irish painter, Elizabeth Cope, and her family and is at the heart of a large farm. Originally the castle started of as a Butler tower-house, near the ruins of a church. In 1708 it was rebuilt and set as a formal landscape with a vista to the front and a canal to the rear, by Peter Alyward who bought the land from his wife’s family. In the 19th century it was enlarged and castellated, serpentine bays were added to the canal, a gothic porch was also added carrying the Alyward crest on the front, and a wonderful conservatory was also added.

The garden boasts remnants of 18th century Lime Alles, 19th century laurel lawns, and some Victorian favorites such as the gigantic Sequoias and some self-grown Ash trees. The moated garden, which was once a rose garden, is now a spring garden and the graveyard (which is close to the church) blooms all year round.

Shankill Castle is open to the public as well the gardens, and the facilities are as such; toilets, teas for groups by appointment, and the studio can be opened upon request. The castle is situated near the N9-N10 junction at Paulstown, 12 miles from Carlow, and 10 miles from Kilkenny.

Shankill Castle and grounds boasts an air of romance and decadence and is a wonderful peaceful place where all ages can enjoy.

Opening Hours
June- August: 14:00 pm- 17:00pm
Other times or groups can be made by appointment

Contact
Geoffrey Cope,
Shankill Castles and Gardens,
Paulstown (Whitehall),
Co. Kilkenny,
Tel: +353 59 972 6145