Butler Gallery at Evans' Home
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Butler Gallery

4.7
·223 reviews·Kilkenny, Ireland

A free-entry gallery in Kilkenny showcasing dynamic Irish & international contemporary art, with beautiful gardens and a charming cafe.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Vibrant market atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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Butler Gallery at Evans' Home

Butler Gallery

Best Time

Weekends

Vibrant market atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free-entry gallery in Kilkenny showcasing dynamic Irish & international contemporary art, with beautiful gardens and a charming cafe.

4.7
(223 reviews)

"A Kilkenny gem and a must visit, with a beautiful exhibition and a really well-curated display."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission Gem

Enjoy incredible art without spending a euro! The Butler Gallery is free for everyone. :moneywithwings:

☕ Cafe Delights

Grab a coffee and cake at the Wild Flower Cafe. Their outdoor garden seating is a lovely bonus. :coffee:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Constantly Changing Exhibitions

Constantly Changing Exhibitions

Main Gallery Spaces

Discover fresh perspectives with diverse modern art from Irish and international artists. Always something new to see!

Tranquil Gardens

Tranquil Gardens

Rear of the Gallery

Escape to a peaceful oasis with natural landscapes and serene views. A perfect spot for reflection.

Wild Flower Cafe

Wild Flower Cafe

Gallery Premises

Savor delicious coffee, cakes, and savory treats in a charming setting with outdoor seating.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, Priceless Art

Enjoy world-class Irish and international art without breaking the bank. The Butler Gallery offers free admission, making it an accessible cultural gem in Kilkenny. Plan your visit to coincide with special events or exhibitions for a richer experience.

Beyond the Canvas: Gardens & Cafe

Don't miss the tranquil gardens surrounding the gallery, a perfect spot for a peaceful break. The Wild Flower Cafe offers delicious coffee, cakes, and savory options, with a lovely outdoor seating area. It's a great place to relax after exploring the art.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Vibrant market atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful art appreciation
Crowd
Low
When
During special events
Why
Unique performances & talks
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I always knew my family had Irish roots, but I never expected to find my family’s last name all over a 13th-century castle🏰😳 Kilkenny Castle was home to the Butlers from 1391 to 1936, and standing inside, seeing my family’s last name on portraits, plaques, and records, made it all feel real. My great-great-great-grandfather spent years tracing our lineage, creating a book that mapped out our hist...
@thebucketlistvagabond
13.5K likes • 255.8K views

🎯 Free Admission Gem

Enjoy incredible art without spending a euro! The Butler Gallery is free for everyone. :moneywithwings:

☕ Cafe Delights

Grab a coffee and cake at the Wild Flower Cafe. Their outdoor garden seating is a lovely bonus. :coffee:

Another beautiful Irish day #grateful #outdooractivities #ireland #zipline #kilkenny #adventure #holidays #dayout
@castlecomerdiscoverypark
6.3K likes • 302.7K views
We're delighted to have work from the Butler Gallery Permanent Collection on display at the stunning Mount Juliet Estate as part of our cultural partnership established in 2022. This collaboration is part of a dedicated initiative to further enhance guests’ experience at the hotel and provide an opportunity to be immersed in the rich Irish culture that Mount Juliet Estate and Butler Gallery has to...
butlergallery
109 likes • 4.8K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the beautiful gardens and river views behind the gallery. Perfect for a relaxing stroll. :park:

📅 Check Exhibition Schedule

Exhibitions change regularly. Visit their website to see what's on before you go! :calendar:

37 Reasons to Be Blue to be performed on October 2nd, 6 pm, the Butler Gallery, Kilkenny. #butlergallery #butlergallerykilkenny #destroycapitalism #stopthewar #peacenow #makelovenotwar 37 Reasons to Be Blue is a performance work that examines how distraction, isolation, and the pressures of constant productivity under late capitalism severely restrict our ability to think, feel, and act. The per...
ki_mcbride
31 likes • 384 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission Gem

Enjoy incredible art without spending a euro! The Butler Gallery is free for everyone. :moneywithwings:

☕ Cafe Delights

Grab a coffee and cake at the Wild Flower Cafe. Their outdoor garden seating is a lovely bonus. :coffee:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the beautiful gardens and river views behind the gallery. Perfect for a relaxing stroll. :park:

📅 Check Exhibition Schedule

Exhibitions change regularly. Visit their website to see what's on before you go! :calendar:

🚗 Affordable Parking

Park at the Ormonde Street Car Park or Danes Store for easy access. Butler Gallery parking is very affordable. :car:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(223 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Butler Gallery for its free admission, offering access to high-quality modern art exhibitions. The beautiful gardens and the charming Wild Flower Cafe are frequently highlighted as delightful additions, providing a peaceful escape and tasty refreshments. The gallery's central location and the friendly staff also contribute to a positive overall experience.

"Constantly changing exhibitions of the best of modern art, both Irish and International. There’s also a beautiful garden around the back and a great cafe.
And it’s totally free entry for everyone.
The Museum is in a perfectly restored heritage building right in the city centre of Kilkenny."

Lamber De Bie

"Wild Flower Cafe is part of Butler Gallery in Kilkenny, lovely spot for a coffee and cake, savory food also looked great, had a delicious coffee and coconut energy ball. Very nice staff and the cafe has a lovely out door garden, have been to events in the garden during the summer as part if the gallery and its a lovely space to sit take in the art and music."

Niamh Dalton

"Beautiful experience, the grounds are next to the river and some ruins and the collection is very peaceful with several natural landscapes. Moreover, it's free. The best price!"

Ines Pereira

What People Like

Free admission
Quality art exhibitions
Beautiful gardens

What People Dislike

Limited parking information

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Butler Gallery is located in the heart of Kilkenny city centre, making it easily accessible on foot from most accommodations. If driving, the Ormonde Street Car Park or Danes Store car park are recommended for affordable parking within walking distance. Reddit

Yes, there are several parking options. The Ormonde Street Car Park and Danes Store car park are popular choices, offering affordable rates for the day. Reddit

Kilkenny city is well-served by bus routes. If arriving by bus, the gallery is a short walk from the main bus station in the city centre.

The gallery is housed in a restored heritage building. While efforts are made for accessibility, it's advisable to contact the gallery directly for specific details regarding wheelchair access to all areas.

Kilkenny is a very walkable city. Many attractions, including the Butler Gallery and Kilkenny Castle, are within easy walking distance of each other. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Butler Gallery offers free admission to all visitors, making it a fantastic cultural experience that won't cost you a thing. Reddit

Opening hours can vary depending on the season and special events. It's best to check the official Butler Gallery website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Instagram

As entry is free, advance booking is generally not required. However, for special events or performances, it's advisable to check if booking is necessary. TikTok

The gallery hosts a constantly changing program of exhibitions featuring both Irish and international artists. Check their website for current and upcoming shows. Instagram

While the gallery primarily showcases fine art, its free entry and the surrounding gardens can be enjoyable for families. Some exhibitions may be more engaging for older children. Instagram

🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience

The Butler Gallery showcases a diverse range of modern and contemporary art, with a focus on both Irish and international artists. You can expect paintings, sculptures, and various other mediums. Instagram

Information on guided tours is not widely available, but the well-curated displays and clear pathways make self-guided exploration easy and enjoyable. Reddit

The gallery is located in Kilkenny city centre, close to Kilkenny Castle, the Medieval Mile, and various shops and restaurants. The gallery itself also features beautiful gardens. TikTok

Photography policies can vary per exhibition. It's best to look for signage within the gallery or ask a staff member if photography is permitted. Instagram

Information on Wi-Fi availability is not readily provided. It's recommended to have your own mobile data plan for connectivity.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Wild Flower Cafe is part of the Butler Gallery. It's a popular spot for coffee, cake, and light savory meals, with lovely outdoor garden seating. Reddit

The cafe offers a selection of coffees, teas, cakes, and savory items. They are known for their delicious coffee and energy balls. Reddit

The Wild Flower Cafe has outdoor garden seating, making it a pleasant place to enjoy your food and drinks amidst the greenery. Reddit

Being in Kilkenny city centre, there are numerous restaurants, pubs, and cafes within a short walking distance of the gallery. TikTok

It's ideal for a quick snack, coffee, or cake, but also offers savory food options that can serve as a light meal. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The tranquil gardens offer beautiful natural light and serene backdrops. The art installations themselves often provide unique photographic subjects. Reddit

Photography rules can vary for each exhibition. Always check for signage or ask gallery staff before taking pictures of the artwork. Instagram

The surrounding Kilkenny city, with its medieval architecture and the River Nore, offers many picturesque locations for photography. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best natural light for photography in the gardens, creating a softer, more atmospheric feel.

Yes, the gallery has hosted photography-based initiatives and exhibitions, such as 'I Am Me – Not Just a Refugee'. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Butler Gallery focuses on fine art, its free entry makes it an easy addition to a family day out in Kilkenny. The tranquil gardens offer a safe space for children to stretch their legs and enjoy the outdoors. Consider visiting during a time when the Wild Flower Cafe is open for a treat. Reddit

Pairing a visit with nearby attractions like Kilkenny Castle or exploring the Medieval Mile can create a more engaging experience for younger visitors. Look out for any family-friendly events or workshops the gallery might host, as these can offer interactive art activities. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

The Butler Gallery is a dream for budget travelers, offering free admission to its impressive collection of modern art. This allows you to experience high-quality culture without any cost. Reddit

Combine your visit with exploring the free-to-wander gardens and enjoying an affordable coffee or snack at the Wild Flower Cafe. For parking, the Danes Store or Ormonde Street Car Park offer budget-friendly options. TikTokReddit

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

For serious art lovers, the Butler Gallery is a must-visit for its ever-changing exhibitions of contemporary Irish and international artists. The gallery is known for its thoughtful curation and its role in showcasing emerging and established talent. Instagram+1

Take your time to absorb the nuances of each piece and consider attending any artist talks or lectures that might be scheduled. The gallery's commitment to modern and international art ensures a stimulating and thought-provoking experience. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry of the Butler Gallery

The Butler Gallery is a cornerstone of Kilkenny's cultural landscape, renowned for its dynamic exhibitions that span both Irish and international contemporary art. Housed in a beautifully restored heritage building, the gallery provides a sophisticated yet accessible platform for artists to showcase their work. Visitors can expect a constantly evolving collection, ensuring that each visit offers a fresh perspective and the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge artistic expressions. Instagram+1

Beyond its exhibition spaces, the gallery is committed to arts education and community engagement. They frequently host talks, workshops, and performances, enriching the visitor experience and fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts. This dedication to making art accessible and interactive is a key reason for its popularity among locals and tourists alike. Instagram+1

The Wild Flower Cafe within the gallery offers a delightful extension to the artistic experience. With its charming outdoor garden seating, it’s the perfect spot to relax and reflect on the art, enjoy a coffee, or savor a light meal. The cafe's ambiance complements the gallery's serene atmosphere, making the entire visit a holistic cultural immersion. Reddit

Exploring Kilkenny's Medieval Charm

The Butler Gallery is ideally situated within Kilkenny city, a vibrant hub steeped in medieval history. Just a stone's throw away is the iconic Kilkenny Castle, a magnificent fortress that has stood for centuries and was once home to the Butler family. Exploring the castle offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland's aristocratic past and the lineage of prominent families. TikTok+1

Beyond the castle, Kilkenny boasts the Medieval Mile, a heritage trail that connects many of the city's most significant historical sites. This walkable route allows visitors to immerse themselves in the city's rich past, discovering ancient churches, historic townhouses, and charming laneways. The city's compact nature makes it perfect for leisurely exploration on foot. TikTok

For those interested in even older history, the surrounding County Kilkenny is dotted with Neolithic sites like the Knockroe passage tomb, offering a journey back to prehistoric Ireland. This blend of medieval grandeur and ancient mysteries makes Kilkenny a destination that appeals to a wide range of history enthusiasts. TikTok

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