The audio guide can be found by clicking HERE as well as on AbartaHeritage.ie where it can be downloaded for free. It is also available on all major podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Acast and Sound Cloud. This means anyone can easily and instantly access the stories of Kilkenny for free anywhere in the world, without having to download apps. All you have to do is to search Kilkenny Tour or Abarta Heritage and the guide should appear. Making the tour available on people’s own smartphones removes the need for shared handsets or environmentally unfriendly single-use disposable audio players.

The tour begins at Kilkenny Castle, before travelling along the Medieval Mile and nearby attractions. The story of Kilkenny begins all the way back in the 6th century, when a monastery was founded by St. Canice. It is from this ancient saint that the city takes its name – Cill Chainnigh – the ‘Church of Canice’. Kilkenny developed through the centuries, from an ancient monastery and royal seat of the Mac Giolla Phádraig Kings of Ossory, to the base of William Marshal, one of the most powerful medieval magnates of the 13th century and the home of the wealthy Butler family, Earls of Ormonde. The city has had its hard times too, the Black Death cast its shadow over Kilkenny, it faced dire threat while under siege by Oliver Cromwell’s army, and like much of Ireland it suffered tragedy and torment through the dark days of the Famine. We will hear all of these stories on our tour.

But for all its weighty history, Kilkenny doesn’t take itself too seriously, this is a place where craic is as important as culture – a place renowned for fun comedy festivals, a city proud of its vibrant music and arts scene, a city of creative industry, culinary class and sporting heroes. Get under the skin of this storied city and join us on our Medieval Kilkenny Tour!

This audio guide was produced by Tipperary-based Abarta Heritage, on behalf of Kilkenny County Council. The story was written by Neil Jackman and Tara Clarke, narrated by Gerry O’Brien, and recorded at Bluebird Studios with sound engineer Declan Lonergan and producer Róisín Burke.