Kilkenny City Attractions

St. Canice’s Cathedral

Second in size only to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, this structure from the 13th century has endured vandalism and the ravages of time to remain standing as one of the most solemn yet breathtaking churches in the country as well.

The exterior is Early English style, and plenty of renovation was done in 1866. The interior is Gothic, and appears somber but striking due to the use of black marble, taken from nearby quarries. Medieval statuary is plentiful, both on tombstones and as memorials. Some of the figures distinguish themselves by appearing in full suits of armor. Particularly striking and noteworthy is a female figure dressed in a Kinsale cloak.

On the grounds of the cathedral sits perhaps its most unique attraction, the Round Tower, standing 102 feet high and ascendable by wooden stairs. It was originally part of the monastic community at the root of the city, and it is one of the few buildings that still survive. It was built in 847 by King O’Carroll of Ossory. St. Canice’s Library, housing a collection of volumes dating back to the 16th and 17th century, stands nearby.

Black Abbey

Just south of St Canice’s Cathedral, you can find Black Abbey, named after the Dominican order of monks, known for their black capes, who founded it in 1225. The abbey houses the famous five-gabled, stained glass Rosary Window, depicting the life of Christ in gleaming sapphire and ruby glass. Also featuring intricate stone carvings, Black Abbey is a true medieval marvel.

Rothe House

The Kilkenny Archaeological Society houses a collection of costumes, artifacts from the Bronze Age and other relics in this Tudor house built by John Rothe in the years between 1594 and 1610. It also contains a facility dedicated to geanealogical research.

Kyteler’s Inn

The oldest and most richly historic Inn in the town, it is known as the site where Dame Alice Le Kyteler allegedly poisoned four husbands. She was suspected of witchcraft and running a brothel. According to the story handed down for generations, she and her former brother in law, Roger Outlawe, were charged with witchcraft by the bishop of Ossory, Richard de Ladrede.

Dame Alice spent some time in Kilkenny Castle’s dungeons, but eventually engineered an escape to England. Her maid, Petronella de Meath, was burned at the stake for similar crimes, or perhaps as a replacement for her mistress, in 1324. Today, the inn serves as a popular restaurant and pub, complete with a statue of Dame Alice on display in its cellar.

The Tholsel

Also known as the Town Hall, this building houses the town archives and stands on the site where Petronella, the accused witch maid of Dame Alice, was burned at the stake. It boasts a picturesque clock tower and limestone marble entrance portico. Next door is Alice’s Castle, an ornate 18th century town jail named after Dame Alice Le Kyteler.