Historic courtyard with Butler Gallery, perfect for cultural stays near Kilkenny attractions.
Guests exploring scenic historic stone gallery with inviting entrance on sunny day.
Stone hotel exterior with red doors, historic architecture, blue sky, central location near cultural landmarks.

The Butler Gallery is one of Ireland’s leading contemporary art galleries and museums, located in the historic Evans’ Home on John’s Quay in Kilkenny. Established in 1943, the gallery showcases a diverse programme of contemporary exhibitions by Irish and international artists while also housing an important permanent collection of Irish art. Housed in a beautifully restored nineteenth-century building, the Butler Gallery combines historic architecture with modern gallery spaces, offering visitors an engaging cultural experience through exhibitions, educational programmes, workshops, and community events.

Something for everybody

Butler Gallery caters to people of all ages, offering creative and educational programmes for children, young people, adults, families, and older adults. Children can participate in hands-on workshops and art-making activities, while youth and teens are encouraged to explore creativity through dedicated projects and festivals. Adults can engage in lifelong learning through art classes, talks, and creative programmes, and older adults are supported through inclusive initiatives such as dementia-friendly activities. Family-friendly tours and intergenerational events further ensure that people of all ages can connect with art, culture, and creativity in an accessible and welcoming environment.

Guests explore interactive digital art display in hotel's modern gallery space, admiring vibrant, local artworks.
Art gallery with framed paintings and soft lighting for a tranquil hotel experience.

what’s on

At the moment, Butler Gallery in Kilkenny is presenting Meantime, a solo exhibition by photographer and filmmaker David Stephenson, running until 26 July 2026. Visitors can also explore the ongoing Butler Gallery Collection Exhibition and works from the O’Malley Collection, showcasing significant Irish art from the gallery’s permanent holdings. Alongside its exhibitions, the gallery hosts a range of talks, workshops and community events, making it one of the leading centres for contemporary visual art in the south-east of Ireland.