KILKENNY CASTLE IS closing early today and into next week due to the high temperature warning.

Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow high temperature warning for 13 counties from 1pm today until 7am on Sunday, and Kilkenny is among these counties.

Temperatures in Kilkenny could rise as high as 29 degrees today, with similar temperatures forecast on Saturday.

There will also be highs of 25 degrees on Sunday and Monday.

As a result, Kilkenny Castle will close at the earlier time of 4pm today, as well as over the weekend and into Monday, 13 July.

The castle’s normal closing time is 5.30pm.

Kilkenny Castle Park will remain open as normal – it’s closing time is 8.30pm.

In a statement on social media, Kilkenny Castle remarked that the “safety of our visitors and staff is our absolute priority”

“Like many historic building, our thick masonry walls can trap intense heat, creating uncomfortable indoor temperatures on extreme days.”

Kilkenny Castle has also noted that there is no shade in the ticket line and members of the public should bring a sun hat and wear sunscreen.

Visitors have also been advised to purchase tickets in advance to avoid unnecessary queuing an to stay hydrated,

Meanwhile, Kilkenny Castle noted that tonight’s Historical Harp Society of Ireland event will still be taking place at 8pm.