Kilkenny Heritage

Once the medieval capital of Ireland, Kilkenny City has a rich heritage, visible through its narrow streetscapes, historical buildings and landmarks. The city’s origins predate existing medieval landmarks.

St Canices' Cathedral Kilkenny in 1600 AD
Illustration from one of the fascinating signboards to be found outside the Cathedral

The Cathedral was built in the 13th century and is a showcase to ornate stonemasonry skills. Saint Canice (who gives Kilkenny its name) founded a monastic settlement here in the 6th century. The 9th century round tower is a remaining monastic landmark (and which you can climb).

The impressive 13th century St Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny
The impressive 13th century St Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny

The Black Abbey was established in 1225 as one of the first houses of the Dominican Order in Ireland who wore black, hence the name. Among the highlights are sepulchral slabs, stone carvings and sculptures. Also of note is the great rosary window. Today, visitors can view the buildings, which date from the 13th to the 16th Century.

You can walk from the Black Abbey to St Canice’s Cathedral – see our walks page

Black Abbey, Kilkenny. photo by James Burke
The Black Abbey, Kilkenny.

Kilkenny Castle
Strongbow, the legendary Norman invader, built a fort in the 12th century on the site where Kilkenny Castle stands today. William Marshall (Strongbow’s son-in-law), fortified the city walls, built a stone castle on the site and consolidated the Norman’s position of power in the city. See drone footage here

kilkenny castle, ireland, butler court guest accommodation, rick steves recommended, downtown, central, city centre, accommodation, lodgings,
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle, Butler Court Guest Accommodation, lodgings, downtown Kilkenny,
Rose Garden, Kilkenny Castle

See Medieval Mile location map here

The Tholsel – built in 1761

Today, the city prides itself on its lively culture and entertainment scene with a range of live music and theatre events available throughout the city’s pubs and music venues.

Irishtown. Some of the many great traditional pubs in Kilkenny.

Kilkenny Festivals: An array of festivals and event programmes are hosted annually, including the renowned Kilkenny Arts Festival (August) which features a variety of classical music events, art exhibitions, literary readings, workshops, jazz & folk sessions. Other festivals include Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots Festival – Music Festival (May); Kilkenny Cat Laughs – Comedy Festival (June); International Gospel Choir Festival (Aug/Sept); Savour Food Festival (Oct) and Kilkenomics Festival (Nov). All events subject to Covid guidelines.

kilkenny accommodation, lodgings, central, downtown, guesthouse,
16th century Rothe House, seen from Smithwicks Brewery Tour entrance.

 

 

 

 

Kilkenny is also renowned as a world class craft centre, which has its origins in the Design workshops of the late 1960s’, the story of which can be explored in the Castle Yard site, opposite the Castle.

One of the best and unique features of Kilkenny City is its compactness, allowing you explore everything it has to offer on foot. Just be sure to allow yourself enough time to experience it all. Enjoy our city!

Historic Patrick Street Kilkenny, Butler Court Guest Accommodation, Kilkenny
Patrick Street Kilkenny c1900

Kilkenny's new Medieval Mile Museum

Kilkenny’s new Medieval Mile Museum

Click for website
Rothe House Kilkenny
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Nestled in the centre of Ireland’s Medieval Mile, Rothe House and Garden is one of Kilkenny’s hidden gems. Built between 1594 and 1610, this was the home of the renowned merchant, landowner and Mayor of Kilkenny City, John Rothe Fitz Piers. Rothe House is the only remaining example of it’s type in Ireland and the last Burgage Plot & garden to survive within the city walls.


The Old Courthouse (Grace's Castle), Kilkenny
The Old Courthouse (Grace’s Castle)

The courthouse is in the historical centre of the town. It was originally built over, and incorporated the remains of, a sixteenth century castle and an eighteenth century Gaol. It was converted to a courthouse in c.1792 and remodelled in c.1828 and extended to the rear in c.1870.

Medieval St Kieran's Street, Kilkenny
Medieval St Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny

Recommended Kilkenny City places to visit. (More information is available at Butler Court) Linked websites are underlined.

  • The Black Abbey (1225)
  • Rothe House (1594) – Original merchant’s house & gardens, open to visitors.
  • Shee Alms House (1582)
  • The Tholsel (1761)
  • The Old Courthouse (Grace’s castle)
  • Medieval ‘slips’ (alleyways) between High Street / Kieran Street.
  • Smithwicks Experience Brewery Tour (temporarily closed).
  • Butler Gallery (behind riverside library).
  • Medieval Mile Museum  – (great for rainy days).
  • St Canice’s Cathedral – 800 years old.

    Read more at Historic Kilkenny website

County Kilkenny:

Weepers - tomb carvings, Jerpoint Abbey, county Kilkenny. Photo by James Burke
Weepers – tomb carvings, Jerpoint Abbey, county Kilkenny
Jerpoint Abbey, county Kilkenny
Jerpoint Abbey, county Kilkenny

Jerpoint Abbey is a ruined Cistercian abbey, founded in the second half of the 12th century, near Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Ireland. It is noted for it’s stone carvings and has a good visitor centre and seasonal guided tours. From Kilkenny take the R700 south to Thomastown. Then cross the bridge and take the R 448 south. Jerpoint Abbey is 2 kilometres on your left. GPS: 52.510898, -7.157764

A few more places to visit:

  • Jerpoint Abbey – 12th C – see above
  • Kilfane Church & crusader effigy
  • Kells Priory – Extensive Monastic site, founded in 1193AD
  • The Edmund Rice House, Callan (traditional thatched farmhouse)
  • Dunmore Caves – 10km from Kilkenny City
  • Duiske Abbey, Graiguenamanagh. Beautifully restored 13th-century Cistercian monastery in this picturesque riverside town. Cushendale Woolen Mills nearby. 30mins drive from Kilkenny on the R700 Bennetsbridge Road.
  • Bennettsbridge – 7km from Kilkenny City. Nicholas Mosse pottery and Moth to a Flame candles, both located beside the river.
Edmund Rice House, Callan
Edmund Rice House, Callan. A traditional Irish thatched farmhouse which has been beautifully restored.

Drone video, filmed at the amazing Kells Priory in County Kilkenny, built in 1193 AD. Defensive structures were added in the turbulent 15th Century.

 

Kilkenny is home to Oscar-winning animation studio Cartoon Saloon. Here’s some local scenes, providing inspiration for their animators:


Crafts in Kilkenny:

Kilkenny is noted for the concentration of craft makers. Here are just a few worth visiting. Kilkenny Craft Trail linked here

Moth to a Flame handmade candles, heritage candles, ireland, round tower, oratory, beehive huts, kilkenny,
Moth to a Flame handmade candles

 

Jerpoint Glass (glassblowers, with weekday demonstrations)

Moth to a Flame – candle makers in Bennetsbridge (beside the bridge). Wonderful handmade candles which make perfect Irish gifts (see photo).

Nicholas Mosse (world-famous Irish tableware). A lovely place to visit and buy gifts. Also in Bennetsbridge, County Kilkenny.

See Nicholas Mosse video below:

 

Patrick Street Kilkenny, Butler Court, B&B, Kilkenny, accommodation, lodgings, downtown, central, boutique,
Patrick Street Kilkenny, from an old postcard. St Mary’s, the church in the background, is now the Medieval Mile Museum (though the spire has gone).

Local craftspeople. Lovely video by Kilkenny goldsmith Chris Hertzel:

Rock of Cashel, Rick Steves, Kilkenny accommodation, lodgings, downtown,
The impressive Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary, 45 mins drive from Kilkenny.
Butler Court Guest Accommodation