At Butler Gallery · Evans Home, John's Quay, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny
Only the published dates are confirmed for this programme.
Play Space is Butler Gallery’s early years session for the gallery’s youngest visitors, aimed at children from 12 months to 5 years old, and runs on the second Wednesday of every month. The next date is Wednesday 14 October 2026. It is built around self-directed sensory play and simple art-making rather than a structured lesson, so toddlers can wander between activities at their own pace while parents and carers join in alongside them.
The session sets up a small number of sensory and art stations around the gallery’s learning space, using textures, materials and simple mark-making tools suited to very young children rather than anything requiring fine motor skill or instruction. There is no formal teaching element; instead, gallery staff are on hand to support play and answer questions while children explore at whatever pace suits them. Because it runs inside Butler Gallery itself, in the Evans Home, the former stables of Kilkenny Castle, it doubles as an easy first introduction to a gallery space for children who are usually a little young for the main exhibitions. Sessions are free, which makes it a low-pressure outing for parents happy to have their toddler make some noise and mess in a space that expects it.
Butler Gallery is on John’s Quay in Kilkenny city centre, on the castle grounds, a short walk from the bus stops on Patrick Street and from Kilkenny’s MacDonagh railway station. Pay parking is available nearby on Parliament Street and in the castle car park; buggies are easily accommodated around the gallery.
Play Space is a good early-morning start before a longer visit to Kilkenny Castle grounds or a walk along the River Nore, both a short stroll from the gallery. There is more to see in Kilkenny and across Co. Kilkenny.
Heading to Butler Gallery in Kilkenny? Kilkenny has plenty more to see. Read the Kilkenny area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.
We do not yet have a suitable Kilkenny tour in our reviewed collection that starts locally. Use the IrelandMe tour finder to compare bookable experiences for the rest of your trip.