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20 Ormonde Rd. 5 1 Kilkenny Castle: 7 Medieval Mile prison in 1566. 18 Black Freren Gate: Museum It became a courthouse at the end of the 18th Black Freren Gate (also known as Black Friar’s Gate) A 12th century castle set in extensive century. It features as part of Kilkenny City Historic Unearth 800 years of Irish History at is located in close proximity to the Black Abbey. parklands, built for William Marshall and remodeled in Walking Tour. the Medieval Mile Museum. This landmark is the sole existing remnant of the Victorian times. This was the principal seat of the Butler Kilkenny’s newest visitor attraction is located in entrance gates from the Abbey to the medieval city’s family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. the heart of the city and the centre of ’s Smithwicks Hightown. The castle park and gardens are accessible free of 13 Medieval Mile. charge while daily tours of the castle are available. Experience Kilkenny Set in the 13th century St Mary’s church and Tour App available and an audio tour can be purchased graveyard we tell the stories of Kilkenny’s With over 300 years of brewing 19 St Mary’s Cathedral: at the attraction. experience, let your senses come to Welcome to Kilkenny. powerful patrons and inspired creators through the monuments and artefacts they left behind. life as you immerse yourself in the St Mary’s Cathedral a towering ’s favourite Ale. Go back in time to 186-feet cut-limestone structure Once the medieval capital of Ireland, the city has a 2 Butler Gallery: the 1300s, walk with the monks of St. Francis Abbey was built between 1843 and 1857 rich medieval heritage visible through its narrow and discover how the beer was first born. Get a One of Ireland's most vibrant contemporary art spaces, by William Deane Butler based on the design of streetscapes; its historical buildings and flavour for how our famous beer is made, from Gloucester Cathedral. the Butler Gallery is central to Kilkenny’s cultural life. 8 Tholsel Town Hall: feeling the heat of the first malt to savouring the last landmarks. The cathedral is accessible from the Black Abbey via It houses an excellent calendar of exhibitions from drop of a refreshing pint. The city's origins predate existing medieval renowned Irish and International artists and is free of The name Tholsel comes from two Black Mill Street. landmarks. Saint Canice (who gives Kilkenny its charge. It offers a year-round innovative education old English words ‘toll’ meaning tax Highlights, including the massive Gothic façade, are name) founded a monastic settlement here in the programme for all ages. Some of its permanent and ‘sael’ meaning hall and is fondly referred to as Rothe House & Garden: an Italian marble high altar, relics of St Cosmos and the Town Hall. 14 6th century. The 9th century round tower beside collection is based in public, civic and hotel venues St Damian and Benzoni’s statue of Our Lady. Constructed in 1761 using local limestone, it the wonderful stone cathedral of St Canice’s, is a throughout the city. Built in 1594 by John Rothe, this served as custom house, guildhall, courthouse and 17th century merchant’s townhouse remaining monastic landmark. Built in the 13th today is a seat of local government and tax 20 consists of three houses with Talbot’s Tower: century and a showcase to ornate stonemasonry collection. A favourite spot for busking musicians 3 courtyards. Over 2,500 artifacts from Talbot's Tower and its adjoining walls are the best skills, St Canice’s is the second longest Cathedral Kilkenny Castle Yard: and street art exhibitions! Kilkenny’s history are displayed here in its museum, preserved section of the city's medieval defenses. In in Ireland. Built in 1790, this unique complex of while the garden is a reconstruction of a 17th 1989, a section of the walls collapsed. In 2006, a Strongbow, the legendary Norman invader, built a stone buildings in a courtyard setting century urban garden on a Burgage plot. flagship conservation project to stabilise the was once the stables/coach houses of 9 building began. The fallen walls were restored and fort in the 12th century on the site where Kilkenny Hole in the Wall: The Museum and Garden are open to visitors and the Castle. the tower updated to present as a public amenity. Castle stands today. William Marshall also house an archaeological library, a gift shop & Housing a centre of creativity and design since 1960’s, A 16th Century tavern in Ireland’s The restored tower and adjoining archaeological (Strongbow's son-in-law, 4th Earl of Pembroke) book collection and a genealogy service. attracting leading designers from Europe, it has helped oldest surviving townhouse. To park are accessible to the public. fortified the city walls, built a stone castle on the Kilkenny become recognised as a centre of design gain access from the High St to the rear of the site and consolidated the Norman's position of excellence. inner house, a hole was punched in the wall, thus power in the city. giving it its name. Explore the courtyards and visit the National Craft St Canice’s Cathedral 21 County Hall: Ireland’s only witch trials took place in Kilkenny Gallery, Kilkenny Design Craft Centre and some craft Today this venue hosts an array of cultural events, 15 in 1324 (supposedly Europe’s first witchcraft workshops which form part of the Kilkenny Craft Trail. from literature, to music, dance and other artistic & Round Tower: Dating from 1666 and serving as the offices to the Local Government, , the trials). Dame Alice Kyteler (Innkeeper and forms. A ‘treasure chest’ of character and A site for Christian worship led by 4 characters.... A truly hidden gem! St Canice in the 6th century, the building was once referred to as . Moneylender) was accused of using poison and Former students included the renowned author National Craft Gallery: Cathedral was erected in the 13th sorcery against her four husbands, having and the world travelled philosopher 10 century. One of only two medieval round towers in amassed a fortune from them. Before she could Established in 2000 by the Design Crafts Council of The Butter Slip: (after whom, Berkeley University, Ireland, this is Ireland’s leading centre for Ireland that can be climbed, the 9th century tower, be tried, Alice fled to England, but her maid was With its arched entry and stone steps, the ‘Butter USA is named). contemporary craft and design. offers the best views of the city. flogged and burned at the stake. Slip’, a narrow and dark walkway connecting High The 1.6km riverside boardwalk from Maudlin Street The Gallery brings together the best and brightest of St with St Kieran's St (previously called Low Lane) Daily tours are available of both attractions, while a to Ossory Bridge, linking to the Nore Valley Walk The city prides itself on its lively culture and small scale model of 1640s Kilkenny is on display in Irish and international designers, artists and makers is the most picturesque of Kilkenny's many can be accessed from here. entertainment scene with a range of live music the Cathedral. through exhibitions exploring issues of material narrow medieval corridors. It was built in 1616 and theatre events available throughout the city’s culture in interesting and accessible ways. It hosts an and once provided a market location for the stalls pubs and music venues. An array of festivals and annual programme of talks, performances, children’s of butter vendors given its naturally cool 22 St John’s Priory: event programmes are hosted annually, including activities, workshops and weekly free tours. temperatures. 16 the renowned Kilkenny Arts Festival (August) The Bishop’s Palace: Built in the 13th Century by the Augustinians who remained there until the mid 15th century when which features a variety of classical music events, In 1350, after the Black Death, under the rule of Henry VIII it was handed over to art exhibitions, literary readings, workshops, jazz 5 Butler House and Gardens: 11 Kyteler’s Inn: construction of the original Bishop’s the state. & folk sessions. Other festivals include: Palace began using stone from The original priory is a ruin, while the Lady’s Butler House (once a dower house to Kilkenny Castle) First established by Dame Alice Tradfest (St Patrick’s Day), Kilkenny Roots (Music three demolished churches in Kilkenny. The works Chapel which underwent renovations in the 1800s, was home to the Earls of Ormonde, who built the Kyteler in the 13th century, Festival - May); Kilkenny Cat Laughs - Comedy were directed by Bishop Richard Ledred, a is used today for worship. The Chapel features stables and coach houses. Kyteler’s Inn is one of Ireland’s (June); Savour Food Festival (Oct), Kilkenomics controversial figure, who led the first ever witchcraft many spectacular windows and stained glass oldest inns. Alice, daughter of a Norman Banker, Reinstated to its former glory and operating as a trials in Europe, including the trial of Dame Alice works. (Nov), Subtitle (Nov) and Yulefest (Dec). married four times amassing a fortune, while each guesthouse, this Georgian residence features sweeping Kyteler. Kilkenny is also renowned as a world class craft husband died supposedly under suspicious staircases, marble fireplaces and a walled garden. National Headquarters of The Heritage Council, circumstances. Alice was accused of witchcraft in centre, which has its origins in the Design The garden is free to visitors, accessible through the visitors can enjoy the restored walled garden. 23 workshops of the late 1960s’, the story of which what’s understood to be Europe’s first witchcraft Magdalen Castle: pedestrian gate at the rear of castle yard courtyard. trial and was sentenced to be burned. Her can be explored in the Castle Yard site. Magdalen Castle is understood to have been one of connection to local gentry ensured her escape to three tower houses built by Sir William Marshall in One of the best and unique features of Kilkenny is England. the 13th century. its compactness allowing you explore everything 6 Shee Alms House: 17 The Black Abbey: it has to offer on foot, just be sure to allow 12 Court House – The surviving structure, 25m high, on Maudlin St is thought to date to post 1500, and formed part of the yourself enough time to experience it all. Founded in 1582 by Sir Richard Shee, Grace’s Castle: Founded in 1225 by Sir William a wealthy city merchant, the purpose Marshall (Earl of Pembroke) for the Hospital of St. Mary Magdalen. Enjoy ouourr cicity!ty! Kilkenny Courthouse formerly of the Alms House institutions was Dominican Friars, the Abbey features The name 'Maudlin' or 'Magdalen' is associated known as Grace's Castle is to take care of the poor by providing bed and board for a tower and some magnificent windows dating from with spittle hospitals built to house lepers. used for sittings of the Circuit work. It is one of the few remaining Tudor Alms houses its original structure. At the Abbey’s entrance, there and District Courts. in Ireland. is a series of monumental slabs and stone coffins Originally the town house of the wealthy Grace dating from the middle ages. In 1978 Kilkenny Corporation purchased and restored family, it was built in 1210 and converted to a In the mid 19th century, it became a place of public Shee Alms House to its original condition and it is now worship. home to our Tourist Information Office. www.discoverireland.ie

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