Author: mariemedieval

The Medieval Mile Museum is delighted to welcome Grace Rinehart Macrae as Assistant Manager with responsibility for Education and Curation.

Supporting Education and Curation at an Exciting Time for the Museum

Grace joins the team at an exciting time for the museum as we continue to develop our educational programmes, exhibitions and public engagement, and as we look ahead to the opening of the Museum of Medieval Kilkenny in 2027. In her new role, Grace will work closely with Debbie Mangan, Chief Operations Manager at the Medieval Mile Museum, to support the continued growth of the museum’s educational and curatorial work and help shape future visitor experiences.

Academic Background and Research in Medieval Heritage

An archaeologist and historian, Grace holds an MSc in World Heritage Management and Conservation from University College Dublin, a UNESCO-accredited programme that prepares specialists to care for and interpret heritage of international significance. She is currently completing her PhD at UCD, where her research explores medieval heritage and the role of myth and legend in heritage tourism.

 

Teaching, Conferences and Public Engagement

Alongside her academic research, Grace has contributed to teaching and guest lecturing at UCD and was nominated for a Teaching and Learning Award in 2024, becoming the only non-faculty staff member to receive a nomination that year. Her work reflects a strong commitment to sharing knowledge and making heritage accessible to wider audiences.

Grace has also organised sessions at the European Association of Archaeologists annual meeting and has participated in conferences internationally. She regularly contributes to public discussion on archaeology and heritage through podcasts such as Digging Up Ancient Aliens, academic platforms including H-Net, and educational YouTube channels including Archaeodeath and Melissa In DeNile.

 

A Passion for Making Heritage Accessible to All

At the heart of Grace’s work is a passion for helping people understand how to experience and protect historic places responsibly. Her approach to education and interpretation strongly supports the museum’s mission to bring Kilkenny’s history to life for visitors of all ages.

Looking Ahead to the Museum of Medieval Kilkenny in 2027

As the Medieval Mile Museum continues to grow and evolve, we are delighted to welcome Grace to the team and look forward to the important role she will play in supporting Debbie Mangan and the wider museum team as preparations continue for the opening of the Museum of Medieval Kilkenny in 2027.

Discover the Museum of Medieval Kilkenny

The Museum of Medieval Kilkenny will introduce an exciting new way to explore Ireland’s medieval capital through the stories of the real people who lived here centuries ago. Set within the remarkable surroundings of St Mary’s Church and The Tholsel, the experience will bring visitors closer to the lives of merchants, mayors, rogues and ordinary citizens through immersive interpretation, underground spaces and panoramic views from the city’s historic Clock Tower.
Click here to find out more.

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Discover more about Medieval Kilkenny through our
guided tours, immersive exhibits, and special events.

Click here to book your visit today.

For more info
Visit: www.medievalmilemuseum.ie
Call: 056 781 7022 | Email: info@medievalmilemuseum.ie

Planning a family visit to Kilkenny? The Medieval Mile Museum is full of discoveries that capture young imaginations and bring history to life in fun and unexpected ways. From interactive experiences to hidden characters and real archaeological finds, there is plenty to keep little explorers curious and engaged throughout their visit.

Here are five favourites that children especially enjoy when visiting the museum.

1. A Child-Friendly Audio Guide with a Fun Quiz

Children love exploring the museum using the audio guide, which includes a quiz designed especially for younger visitors. It turns the visit into a mini adventure as they listen carefully, search for clues and test their knowledge about medieval Kilkenny along the way.

It’s a brilliant way to help children explore at their own pace while staying fully involved in the experience.

2. The Interactive Medieval Kilkenny Map

The large interactive map of medieval Kilkenny lets children picture what the city looked like centuries ago. Streets, buildings and landmarks appear in ways that help young visitors imagine life in the past.

It’s one of the moments where history suddenly feels real and close at hand.

3. The LEGO Hunt Around the Museum

The LEGO Hunt is always a highlight for families. Children search for ten hidden historical characters placed throughout the museum as LEGO Minifigures.

Each month brings a new theme, so even returning visitors can enjoy a fresh challenge every time they visit.

4. Tombs, Crypt Spaces and the Medieval Graveyard

Young visitors are often fascinated by the tombs, crypt spaces and historic graveyard at the museum. One favourite moment is seeing the monk’s stone coffin up close and exploring spaces filled with centuries of stories.

These areas spark curiosity and plenty of questions as children discover one of Kilkenny’s oldest historic sites.

5. Real Treasures Found by Archaeologists

The museum’s archaeological displays give children the chance to see real objects uncovered beneath the streets of Kilkenny. From toy soldiers and coins to everyday items and historic weapons, these discoveries help young visitors connect with the people who once lived here.

Seeing genuine finds from the past makes history feel exciting and real.

Plan Your Family Visit

Whether you are visiting Kilkenny for the day or planning a longer stay, the Medieval Mile Museum offers a welcoming and engaging experience for families with children of all ages.

With interactive activities, hidden characters to discover and fascinating stories waiting around every corner, it’s one of the most enjoyable things to do with kids in Kilkenny.

 

Discover more about Medieval Kilkenny through our
guided tours, immersive exhibits, and special events.

Click here to book your visit today.

For more info
Visit: www.medievalmilemuseum.ie
Call: 056 781 7022 | Email: info@medievalmilemuseum.ie

A visit to the Medieval Mile Museum is a journey through centuries of Kilkenny’s story, all within the beautifully restored St Mary’s Church. From remarkable stone carving to royal documents and family-friendly discoveries, there is something here to capture every imagination.

If you’re planning your visit, here are five highlights you won’t want to miss.

1. Rothe Chapel

Ireland’s Best-Preserved Medieval Chantry Chapel

The Rothe Chapel is one of the finest surviving medieval chantry chapels in Ireland. Built by the wealthy Rothe merchant family in the 16th century, it reflects both devotion and civic pride.

Inside, you’ll find richly carved altar tombs and intricate stonework created by master craftsmen of the period. The carvings are exceptionally well-preserved, offering rare insight into merchant life, religious practice, and artistic expression in late medieval Kilkenny.

This quiet space invites visitors to pause and reflect on the families who shaped the city’s history. Around 1560, the Rothes, who were wealthy Kilkenny merchants, built this private chapel.

2. High Crosses of Ossory

Echoes of Ireland’s Early Christian Art

Standing nearly four metres high, the Ossory High Cross replicas celebrate one of Ireland’s most distinctive artistic traditions. The original high crosses once served as teaching tools and sacred markers, illustrating biblical scenes and Christian symbolism through detailed stone carving.

These striking replicas allow visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and storytelling of early medieval Ireland up close. Look carefully and you’ll discover intricate figures, patterns and symbols that reveal the skill and faith of their creators.

3. The Kilkenny Room

Royal Documents and a View Across the City

Modern in design yet rich in history, the glass-walled Kilkenny Room offers sweeping views across the city while displaying some of its most delicate treasures, including books, letters, petitions and leases. Kilkenny holds a unique set of civic records that trace the city’s history back to the 1200s.

Here you can see historic charters issued by monarchs, including King James II and Edward II, documents that reveal Kilkenny’s political importance and civic authority across centuries. These fragile manuscripts provide a direct link to the legal and administrative life of medieval Ireland.

It’s a striking space where past and present meet, framed by Kilkenny’s skyline.

4. The Graveyard

An 800-Year-Old Cemetery

Visitors to the museum will marvel not only at some of Ireland’s finest examples of medieval sculpture, but also at the country’s largest collection of Renaissance tombs. Beyond the museum walls lies a peaceful garden that was once an active medieval cemetery. Used for burials for centuries, this sacred ground has been thoughtfully transformed into a reflective green space for visitors today.

Inside the museum, glass floor panels let you look down at archaeological remains beneath your feet, offering a powerful reminder of the generations who lived, worked, and were laid to rest here.

The graveyard is now also an oasis for wildlife in the centre of the city. Bats, butterflies and bees have made their homes here, as well as a variety of plants.

The garden outside provides a calm place to pause, reflect and take in the atmosphere of this historic site.

 

5. LEGO® Hunt

History Made Fun for Families

The museum’s popular LEGO® Hunt offers an adventurous experience for both younger visitors and curious adults. Hidden throughout the exhibitions are ten LEGO® figures that represent characters from Kilkenny’s past, adding excitement to an already intriguing visit.

Each month introduces a new theme, encouraging families to return and discover different stories and historical figures. It’s a playful way to engage children with history while exploring the museum together.

The activity is free and included in the family admission.

Uncover More During Your Visit

Whether you are drawn by medieval craftsmanship, historic documents, peaceful spaces or family-friendly activities, the Medieval Mile Museum offers layers of discovery at every turn.

Allow time to explore, look closely and let Kilkenny’s stories unfold around you.

Discover more about Medieval Kilkenny through our guided tours, immersive exhibits, and special events.

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Click here to book your visit today.

For more info
Visit: www.medievalmilemuseum.ie
Call: 056 781 7022 | Email: info@medievalmilemuseum.ie