William Marshal 'The greatest knight who ever lived'

William Marshal — “The Greatest Knight Who Ever Lived”
The Story of William Marshal

This exhibition at Kilkenny Castle explores the life and legacy of William Marshal, widely known as “the greatest knight who ever lived.” Creator of the castle as his fortress and centre of power, William Marshal stands at the heart of this story, presented as part of the 2027 European Year of the Normans.

Set within the castle he built, the exhibition uses artefacts, illustrations, expert insights and narrative to tell the vivid and compelling story of William and his wife, Isabel de Clare. Their marriage, uniting a powerful Anglo-Irish heiress with one of the most renowned knights of the medieval world, forms a remarkable partnership that shapes history.

Together, they leave a lasting legacy that influences society militarily, politically and economically. Their impact remains visible today in castles, towns and abbeys across Kilkenny, Ireland and beyond.


Practical Information
Free admission 
Languages: English with Irish translation

Partners: Office of Public Works, National Museum of Ireland