One of the most instantly recognised buildings in Ireland, Kilkenny  Castle has been an important site since Strongbow constructed the first  castle, probably a wooden structure, in the 12th century.
William the  Earl Marshall (Strongbow's son-in-law) built the first stone castle on the site, which was  completed in 1213. This was a square-shaped castle with towers at each  corner; three of these original four towers survive to this day