The Butler Gallery has a central role to play in the cultural life of the city and county of Kilkenny. We are synonymous with a respected quality of visual arts programming, and one of our roles is to maintain that standard. Another role is to continue to act as a resource, and a meeting point, for the visual arts community and the general public.  Through our diverse exhibition programming, our important collection, and our far-reaching education initiatives, we actively promote and a value of arts to society.

Our brief is wide, and we have always accomplished so much more than one might expect from a small organisation. The Butler Gallery exists on site and off site, as a place of interaction between artists and the public – a contemporary space within a non-contemporary setting. We realise our goals by being creative in our partnerships, and by pooling our resources to gain the most from our programmes. In this way, we deliver to a wide and varied audience. We are realistic about the funding climate at large, but will aim to continue to retain our programme and the staff required to achieve our goals.

The Butler Gallery is dedicated to remaining at the forefront of artistic excellence. We see no reason why we cannot compete with the best in Ireland, and abroad, in bringing contemporary art to the non-contemporary setting of Kilkenny Castle. We believe in these challenging times, the arts more than ever, can enlighten and stimulate our everyday lives. We ask for your continuing support, and help play a part in the Butler Gallery’s future.

Anna O’Sullivan, Director

The Butler Gallery

An Historical Note
The Kilkenny Art Gallery Society was founded in 1943 by George Pennefeather. He, his wife Helen and Dr. R.A. Walshe, the then CEO, inspired a group, interested in the arts, to start a permanent collection. The aims of the society were to 'purchase works of art, organise lectures in Kilkenny, to pay the gallery expenses, to insure the paintings and to promote interest in Art generally.' The Collection was moved into the present gallery provided by the Office of Public Works in Kilkenny Castle in 1976 which was later named 'Butler Gallery' to honour Susan Butler for her devoted service to the Kilkenny Art Gallery Society since its formation.

The Kilkenny Art Gallery is unique in Ireland. In the Butler Gallery it has one of the finest exhibition spaces in the country. The gallery serves not only as a particularly handsome and versatile venue for visiting touring shows, but also originates some formidable exhibitions itself. In amassing its impressive, representative collection of nineteenth and twentieth century Irish art, the Society has also benefited enormously from numerous gifts, loans and, in recent years from the Arts Council joint purchase Scheme. As with all of its activities, the Society has assembled its collection with the minimum of financial resources. The Butler Gallery itself is funded by an Arts Council grant. Any income generated goes directly into purchases for its collection.

Kilkenny Art Gallery Society is a model of what enthusiastic commitment can achieve. Its collection, built on modest means, provides a creditable account of the evolution of 20th century art in Ireland, and its exhibitions have put Kilkenny firmly on the artistic map. Most importantly, it provides proof positive that regional organisations have a major part to play not only in terms of their own environment, but in enriching the cultural life of the country as a whole.

The Butler Gallery is located in the heart of medieval Kilkenny City. The gallery is actually positioned within Kilkenny Castle. To visit us simply go through the Castle gates and follow the signs. Whilst with us why not take the time to discover the story behind the castle - one of Ireland's most revered landmarks. Enjoy the Butler Gallery, Kilkenny Castle, the Castle grounds, rose garden and tea rooms - all in one visit!