Tower House
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Maudlin Castle

3.9
·43 reviews·Kilkenny, Ireland

A 16th-century tower house, once part of a hospital, offering a glimpse into Kilkenny's medieval past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer cars, better photos

CrowdLow
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Tower House

Maudlin Castle

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer cars, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 16th-century tower house, once part of a hospital, offering a glimpse into Kilkenny's medieval past.

3.9
(43 reviews)

"An interesting little tower, wish you could go in, but great grounds for a walk."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Best Photo Spots

Try Maudlin Street for exterior shots, but be mindful of parked cars.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the picnic area and the scenic walk along the river and woods.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Tower House

The Tower House

Maudlin Street, Kilkenny

A surviving 25-meter tower house with a rich history, offering a glimpse into medieval architecture.

Informational Plaque

Informational Plaque

Exterior of Maudlin Castle

Learn about the castle's past as part of a 16th-century hospital through a dedicated plaque.

Ample Grounds & River Walk

Ample Grounds & River Walk

Near Maudlin Castle

Enjoy a pleasant walk by the river and through the woods, with picnic areas available.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Maudlin Castle is a tower house in a residential area, making it tricky to photograph with cars often parked nearby. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays for better photo opportunities and a less crowded experience. Reddit

Accessibility & Viewing

While Maudlin Castle is an impressive-looking building, it is not accessible for interior visits. Visitors can view it from the outside and appreciate its historical significance from the surrounding residential area. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer cars, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, early morning
Why
Beat the crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The locals are making my job much easier 😂 #kilkenny #IrishHistory #irelandtiktok #irishtiktok #historybuff
@urbanistariel
102.3K likes • 693.8K views

📸 Best Photo Spots

Try Maudlin Street for exterior shots, but be mindful of parked cars. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the picnic area and the scenic walk along the river and woods. Reddit

Save this Ireland roadtrip itinerary ⤵️ Total: 10 Days, approx. 1,500 kilometers Day 1: Dublin to Kilkenny 🚐 Pick up your roadsurfer! 📍 Castletown House 📍 Powerscourt Estate 📍 Glendalough Day 2: Kilkenny to Waterford 📍 Kilkenny 📍 Kells Priory 📍 Rock of Cashel 📍 Hook Lighthouse Day 3: Waterford to Killarney 📍 Blarney Castle 📍 Killarney National Park Day 4: Ring of Kerry 📍 Ladies View 📍 Kerry Cliffs...
@roadsurfer_com
86.3K likes • 1.6M views
Kilkenny, Ireland 🇮🇪 ☺️ #ireland #kilkennycastle #irelandtiktok
@nikkilb_
11.7K likes • 104.3K views

ℹ️ Learn its History

Look for the informational plaque to understand its past as a 16th-century hospital. Reddit

Save this Ireland road trip itinerary ⤵️ Total: 10 Days, approx. 1,500 kilometers Day 1: Dublin to Kilkenny 🚐 Pick up your roadsurfer! 📍 Castletown House 📍 Powerscourt Estate 📍 Glendalough Day 2: Kilkenny to Waterford 📍 Kilkenny 📍 Kells Priory 📍 Rock of Cashel 📍 Hook Lighthouse Day 3: Waterford to Killarney 📍 Blarney Castle 📍 Killarney National Park Day 4: Ring of Kerry 📍 Ladies View 📍 Kerry Cliff...
@roadsurfer_com
10.9K likes • 195.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Best Photo Spots

Try Maudlin Street for exterior shots, but be mindful of parked cars. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the picnic area and the scenic walk along the river and woods. Reddit

ℹ️ Learn its History

Look for the informational plaque to understand its past as a 16th-century hospital. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(43 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Maudlin Castle is appreciated for its historical presence and the pleasant surrounding grounds, including a river walk and picnic area. While visitors enjoy its impressive exterior, the lack of interior access and frequent car parking can be drawbacks for photography and a fully immersive experience.

"Great location
Ample grounds: picnic area & a nice -not that short- walk by the river and woods"

Cleo Sanchez

"It is a nice little tower in the middle of a residential area."

Kim-Mai Do

"Just and interesting little tower. Wish you could go in. Hard to snap a picture as it usually has cars parked around it."

mo k

What People Like

Impressive tower house
Ample grounds
River walk & picnic area

What People Dislike

Not accessible inside
Cars often parked

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Maudlin Castle is located on Maudlin Street in Kilkenny, Ireland. It's situated within a residential area, making it accessible by car or on foot if you're exploring the city. Reddit

Parking can be challenging as the castle is in a residential area, and cars are often parked around it. It's best to check for street parking availability or use public parking facilities in Kilkenny city center. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Unfortunately, Maudlin Castle is not accessible for interior visits. You can only view the impressive tower house from the outside. Reddit

As Maudlin Castle is an exterior-view-only attraction, there are no set opening hours. You can view it at any time. Reddit

There is no admission fee to view Maudlin Castle from the outside, as it is part of the local landscape. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

To get the best photos without cars obstructing the view, aim for weekdays during the morning or early weekend mornings. Reddit

While challenging due to parked cars, the tower house itself is visually striking. The surrounding residential area and nearby river walk also offer pleasant photographic subjects. Reddit

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

Beyond viewing the castle, you can enjoy the ample grounds, including a picnic area and a nice walk by the river and through the woods. Reddit

Yes, Maudlin Castle is ideal for a quick stop to appreciate its historical architecture and the surrounding natural beauty. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Maudlin Castle offers a brief but interesting stop for families exploring Kilkenny. While kids won't be able to go inside, the imposing tower house can spark their imagination about knights and castles. The real win for families is the adjacent ample grounds, which include a picnic area and a lovely walk by the river and through the woods. This provides a great opportunity for children to burn off energy in a safe and scenic environment after a dose of history. Reddit

Encourage kids to look for the informational plaque and learn a bit about the castle's past as part of a hospital. It's a simple way to weave a bit of local history into a family outing. The surrounding residential area is generally quiet, making it a peaceful spot for a short exploration. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Maudlin Castle presents a unique challenge and opportunity. The 16th-century tower house itself is a striking subject, but its urban setting on Maudlin Street means cars often obscure the view. Your best bet for clear shots is to visit during off-peak hours, such as weekday mornings or early weekend mornings, to minimize vehicle interference. Reddit

Focus on capturing the architectural details of the tower or framing it creatively to work around parked cars. The surrounding residential architecture and the natural beauty of the nearby river walk and woods also offer complementary subjects for your portfolio. Don't forget to photograph the historical plaque for context. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Maudlin Castle

Maudlin Castle, a notable tower house standing at approximately 25 meters, has a fascinating history rooted in the 16th century. It was originally part of a hospital, highlighting its connection to community welfare and religious institutions of the era. While its exact origins and purpose within the hospital complex are not extensively detailed, its survival as a distinct structure speaks to its architectural significance and the enduring legacy of medieval building practices. Reddit

Today, Maudlin Castle stands as a testament to Kilkenny's rich medieval past, even though it's now nestled within a modern residential area. Its presence offers a tangible link to the city's historical layers, inviting visitors to imagine its former context. The informational plaque located on-site provides a concise overview, allowing visitors to grasp its historical importance without needing interior access. Reddit

While the castle itself is not open for tours, its exterior presence is a point of interest for history enthusiasts and those exploring Kilkenny's heritage sites. The surrounding grounds, including a pleasant river walk and picnic areas, complement the historical viewing experience, offering a blend of cultural exploration and natural enjoyment. Reddit

Photography Tips for Maudlin Castle

Capturing the best images of Maudlin Castle can be a rewarding challenge. Due to its location on Maudlin Street, parked cars are a common sight and can often obstruct the view of the tower house. To maximize your photographic opportunities, consider visiting during off-peak hours. Weekday mornings or very early weekend mornings are often the best times to find fewer cars and clearer sightlines. Reddit

Experiment with different angles to find compositions that minimize the presence of modern vehicles. Sometimes, focusing on specific architectural details or using the surrounding greenery can create compelling shots. The informational plaque itself can also be a point of interest for a photograph, documenting the historical context. Reddit

Beyond the immediate vicinity of the tower, the ample grounds offer additional photographic potential. The river walk and wooded areas provide scenic backdrops, and the picnic spots can be incorporated into lifestyle shots if you're documenting a day out in Kilkenny. Remember to be respectful of the residential neighborhood while you're seeking out the perfect shot. Reddit

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