This castle was built by William de Clare, Earl Marshal from 1192 to 1207, on the River Nore. The castle was then acquired by the Butler Family, Earls and Dukes of Ormond, who lived here from the late 14C until 1935. Despite modernisation during the 19C, it was in a pitiful state when it was given to the people of Kilkenny in 1967. The entrance hall, paved with Kilkenny marble, the dining room furnished in the style of the 18C and the vast gallery decorated with portraits are worth a visit.