History Comes Alive in Kilkenny

St. Canice’s Cathedral has been an important site of Christian worship since the 6th Century. Take a self-guided audio tour or a guided tour with one of the experts to hear centuries of history of this beautiful cathedral. As well as that, there is a 100 foot tall stone round tower on-site – just one of two towers in Ireland that you can climb to the top of. If you can manage the 121 steps to the top, you will be treated to incredible panoramic views of Kilkenny city.

Castlecomer was an important mining town in Kilkenny and when the mines closed in 1969, an important local industry was lost. The Coal Mining Museum & Exhibition at Castlecomer Discovery Park honours the coal mining heritage of the town through an interactive digital tour experience. This extensive tour covers everything from the formation of coal over 300 million years ago to the 300 years of mining history in Castlecomer, including the stories of locals who worked the mines.

Built between 1594 and 1610, Rothe House and Garden is Ireland’s best preserved late medieval merchant house. Walk through the cobbled courtyard to the only urban garden of this period which is open to the public and marvel at the urban oasis in the middle of the city. The house itself can be discovered on guided or self-guided tours to see three stories of period furniture, clothing and antiquities.

Consecrated in 1857, St. Mary’s Cathedral is a focal point in Kilkenny city. Give yourself time to explore the Capuchin Friary and the breathtaking stained glass windows in the Black Friary. Scan the QR code to take a self-guided interactive tour to learn about over 160 years of the rich legacy of sacred art, design and prayer in this Gothic cathedral.

Located on the 13th-century site of St Mary’s cruciform church and graveyard, uncover 800 years of history under one roof at the Medieval Mile Museum. There are a variety of tour options including a self-guided audio tour, a guided tour and the Medieval Mile Trail walking tour which takes in a number of historical sites along Ireland’s Medieval Mile. Don’t miss the Kilkenny Room in the museum which has a huge glass window overlooking the city.

Dunmore Cave is a series of limestone chambers formed over millions of years, containing some of the most impressive calcite formations found in any underground structure in Ireland. The cave has been known for many centuries and is first mentioned in the ninth-century Triads of Ireland, where it is referred to as one of the ‘darkest places in Ireland’. Guided tours through the chambers will take you deep into the earth and the past.

Shankill Castle began life as a tower-house built by the powerful Butler family during the medieval period and in 1708, the house was rebuilt by Peter Aylward. Take a guided tour of the castle led by a member of the current residents – the Cope family. Visit the public rooms upstairs where the Aylward family entertained. Then, take a look downstairs at the servants’ stairs and the basement which provide insight into how the house would have been run in the past. Explore the extensive gardens at Shankill Castle, from the Victorian walled garden, to the sweeping lawns, moated garden and woodland walks.

Sitting on the banks of the River Nore in Kilkenny city, Butler Gallery is a vibrant contemporary art gallery which boasts one of the finest exhibition spaces in Ireland. The gallery is located in the historic Evans’ Home and extensive works have transformed the existing building, its gardens and boundary walls into a destination for art, archaeology and history. St John’s Priory also overlooks the outdoor café space to the rear of the gallery.

Founded in the 12th century, Jerpoint Abbey is one of the best examples of a medieval Cistercian Abbey in Ireland. It is renowned for its detailed stone sculptures found throughout the monastery. Tour the abbey to hear tales of saints, patrons, knights, exotic animals and mythological creatures. There is also a visitor centre to learn even more about the impressive structure’s extensive history.

Jerpoint Park is home to The Lost Town of Newtown Jerpoint founded in the 12th century, just west of the Abbey. Uniquely, the Tomb Effigy of St. Nicholas is located in Jerpoint Park and is believed to be the burial site of St. Nicholas who inspired Santa Claus. Daily guided heritage tours retrace the footsteps through the medieval town and sheep dog herding demonstrations also take place.

Situated in MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre – the site of the former Kilkenny Union Workhouse – Kilkenny Famine Experience tells the heartbreaking story of those who lived within these walls during the Great Irish Famine. The award-winning audio-visual tour is free and self-guided at key points throughout the centre. While the stories may be solemn, it is an incredible tour demonstrating resilience that will stay with you long after the tour.

Kilkenny is a city steeped in brewing tradition and none is more prominent than Smithwick’s. The brewing history of this site dates back as far as the monks who settled on St. Francis Abbey during the 13th century until Smithwick’s as it is now brewed was started by John Smithwick. Nine generations of Smithwick men worked all their lives facing adversity to brew the iconic red ale to the highest standards. Each pint tells this story so enjoy the interactive tour of Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny which features a sensorial experience and a tasting paddle of ales.

The jewel in the crown of Kilkenny is Kilkenny Castle – the focal point along the River Nore. Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, the castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years. Journey into the past on a guided or self-guided through the rooms which are largely remodelled to represent the Victorian era. Afterwards, stretch your legs as you explore the formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and a man-made lake which were added in the 19th century.