Category: What’s On

Discover what’s on at the Medieval Mile Museum in Kilkenny – from exhibitions and tours to family events, talks and seasonal celebrations

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A Sensory Journey Through the Museum

An Evening of Renewal, Reflection and Holistic Self-Care

This spring, we invite you to experience its historic spaces in a completely new way. In partnership with Festina Lente, this unique evening of holistic self-care offers a guided Renewal Trail through the museum’s most iconic zones.

Designed to restore balance, encourage reflection and awaken the senses, the experience blends history, nature and mindful practice within the calm and atmospheric surroundings of St Mary’s Church.

 

Experience the Medieval Mile Museum like never before.

During this event, participants will move gently through a series of curated spaces, each offering a restorative activity inspired by renewal, wellbeing and the season of spring.

This guided journey encourages stillness, creativity and connection, allowing you to slow down and engage with the building and its stories in a meaningful and personal way.

Your Renewal Trail Experience
Your ticket includes a guided journey through six historic zones:

  1. Grand Nave – Mindful breathwork grounded in the ancient foundations of the church.
  2. North Aisle – Private one-to-one Nature Card readings offering clarity and reflection.
  3. Rothe Chapel – Hand-binding aromatic herbal smudge sticks using natural materials.
  4. Kilkenny Room – Blending revitalising Easter teas while enjoying views across the city.
  5. The Chancel – Creating therapeutic bath salts and fresh-flower corsages.
  6. The Garden – Sowing microgreen “intentions” in portable, sustainable pots to nurture at home.

A Seasonal Kit to Take Home
Participants will depart with a complete handcrafted seasonal kit, created during the experience. Each item serves as a tangible reminder of renewal, intention and self-care, offering a gentle anchor for the weeks ahead.

Event Details

Date: 2 April 2026
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Price: €45 per person

Places are limited and booking is essential.

Click Here to Reserve Your Place
Renewal in a Historic Setting

The Medieval Mile Museum, housed in the beautifully restored St Mary’s Church, offers a peaceful and reflective setting for this journey. Surrounded by centuries of history, participants are invited to pause, breathe and reconnect with themselves, with nature and with the changing season.

In Partnership with Festina Lente


This event is presented in partnership with Festina Lente, a Wicklow-based social enterprise dedicated to wellbeing, sustainability and inclusive horticulture. Their work encourages people to reconnect with nature through therapeutic gardening, environmental awareness and mindful practice.

 

Begin a New Chapter

Join us for an evening of calm, creativity and renewal. Whether you are seeking rest, inspiration or simply a meaningful seasonal experience, this guided sensory journey offers a gentle way to welcome spring.

Reserve your place and begin your renewal journey.

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

Click here to book your visit today.

 

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

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Easter Floral Wreath-Making Workshop

floral Easter wreath

A Mindful Evening of Creativity and Spring Renewal

As the first signs of spring begin to appear across Kilkenny, we invite you to welcome the season with creativity, calm, and a little floral beauty of your own.

This spring, the Medieval Mile Museum invites you to slow down, create and celebrate the season of renewal at our Easter Floral Wreath-Making Workshop, presented in partnership with Festina Lente.

Taking place in the calm and historic surroundings of St Mary’s Church, this special evening offers a chance to welcome spring through creativity, nature and gentle reflection.

spring wreath workshop

Celebrate the Season in Bloom

As the days grow longer and the first signs of spring appear, this workshop offers a meaningful way to mark the Easter season. Participants will craft their own beautiful floral wreath using sustainably sourced blooms and natural materials. You can choose between a traditional single-tier wreath or an elegant two-tier design, creating a piece that reflects your own style while embracing the colours and textures of spring.

 

A Mindful and Sensory Experience

This is more than a craft workshop. It is a restorative experience designed to nourish creativity and wellbeing.

Your evening includes a sensory garden walk, floral journaling inspired by Kilkenny’s rich heritage, and expert guidance throughout the wreath-making process in a tranquil setting. Herbal teas will be served to soothe and inspire.

Together, these elements create a peaceful and reflective atmosphere, allowing participants to slow down and reconnect with nature and creativity.

Event Details

Date: 26 March 2026
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Price: €45 per person

Places are limited, and booking is essential.

All materials are ethically and sustainably sourced, honouring both the environment and Kilkenny’s tradition of craftsmanship and connection to the land.

Click Here to Book Your Ticket

 

In Partnership with Festina Lente

This workshop is delivered in partnership with Festina Lente, a Wicklow-based social enterprise renowned for promoting wellbeing, sustainability and inclusive horticulture. Their work combines therapeutic gardening, environmental education and community engagement, encouraging people to reconnect with nature in meaningful and restorative ways.

Let Your Creativity Bloom

Join us for an evening of creativity, calm and seasonal celebration. Whether you come alone or with a friend, you will leave with a handcrafted wreath and a renewed sense of connection to the season.

Book your place and welcome spring in a meaningful way.

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

 

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Learn to Be a Knight Workshop

learn to be knight
A Children’s Workshop at the Medieval Mile Museum

Calling all young heroes.
This St Patrick’s weekend, children are invited to train like real knights in a lively, hands-on workshop set within the historic walls of the Medieval Mile Museum.

learn to be knight

Learn to Be a Knight is a fast-paced, imaginative experience designed for children ages 4–9, though all ages are welcome. Through games, crafts and friendly challenges, young participants will explore medieval life while building confidence, teamwork and creativity.

Workshop Details

Date: Monday, 16 March 2026
Times: 11:00 am, 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm
Tickets: €10 per child

Spaces are limited, so booking in advance is recommended.

Click Here to Book Your Ticket

 

What Is a Knight?

The workshop begins with a short, interactive introduction to medieval knights. Children will learn what knights wore, the armour they used, and the weapons they carried, as well as the importance of manners, rules and chivalry. This gentle introduction helps set the scene and gets everyone ready for training.

Knight Training Begins

Once training starts, young knights are put to the test with a series of playful activities designed to encourage listening, cooperation and movement. Games include castle-themed challenges, following orders and preparing armour for battle, all inspired by medieval life and adapted for safe indoor fun.

Creative Craft Time

Each child will decorate their own pre-made sword, choosing colours and designs inspired by medieval heraldry. This creative section allows time to slow things down, express individuality and prepare for the games ahead.

Let the Games Begin

With helmets on, the action really starts. Children will take part in a series of energetic medieval games, including:

  • Walking a castle wall and testing balance
  • Tossing balls into a dragon’s mouth
  • Stealing dragon eggs in a playful team challenge
  • A mini jousting tournament, where knights ride their trusty horses and try to hook rings with their swords

All games are designed to be safe, supervised and age-appropriate, with plenty of encouragement and laughter along the way.

The Grand Finale

At the end of the workshop, each child is officially knighted and presented with a certificate to mark their achievement. Prizes are awarded, and there’s time to celebrate new knights before the session concludes.

What’s Included

All materials and equipment are provided, including swords, helmets and game props. Our guides will be in costume and on hand throughout to lead activities, encourage participation, and ensure a fun and safe experience for everyone.

A Memorable Family Experience

Learn to Be a Knight workshop is a wonderful way for children to experience history through play, imagination and movement. It’s lively, friendly and full of medieval fun, creating memories families will take home long after the day is over.

The workshop starts promptly. Please arrive on time so your young knight doesn’t miss a moment of the adventure.

Spaces are limited, so booking in advance is recommended.

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

Click here to book your visit today.

 

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

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A Clever Cat & A Brave Rat Puppet Show

A Clever Cat & A Brave Rat Puppet Show

Date: 19th, 20th & 21st February | 12: 00 & 14:00

This February midterm, the Medieval Mile Museum invites families to enjoy a delightful puppet adventure with A Clever Cat & A Brave Rat, a heart-warming story created especially for younger audiences.

Join our friend Malice on a brand-new journey filled with wit, courage and an unexpected friendship. Through gentle humour and imaginative storytelling, this charming show celebrates brains over brawn, bravery in all shapes and sizes, and the simple joy of working together. Bursting with colour, character and playful moments, it’s a performance designed to spark curiosity, laughter and young imaginations.

Taking place in the Kilkenny Room, the puppet show offers a lovely introduction to storytelling and theatre for children under 10, set within the historic surroundings of the Medieval Mile Museum. Families can enjoy the show as part of a wider visit, exploring 800 years of Kilkenny’s history before or after the performance, making it a relaxed and enjoyable day out during the midterm break.

Whether you’re local or visiting Kilkenny for the holidays, this is a wonderful opportunity to slow down, share a story together and create a special midterm memory.

Show Details
Date: February 19th, 20th & 21st
Time: Two shows daily at 12 pm and 2 pm
Price: €7.50 per child

Suitable for children under 10 years old.

Advance booking is recommended, as spaces are limited.

Book Your Ticket Here.

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

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Science Week at the Museum

STONEMASONRY

Science Week at the Medieval Mile Museum

November 10th, 11th & 13th 2025

This November, the Medieval Mile Museum is bringing Ireland’s ancient ingenuity to life with a week of fascinating workshops for Science Week. Kindly supported by SETU, the South East Technological University and delivered by the School of Irish Archaeology and the McDonald Family of stonemasons, these free events invite both children and adults to explore how early innovation shaped our history, from the first farmers of the Stone Age to the stonemasons who built Kilkenny’s finest landmarks.

Throughout the week, visitors will uncover the creativity and skill that defined our ancestors, discovering the science hidden within age-old crafts.

STONEMASONRY

Monday, November 10th

10:00 am & 12:00 pm
Begin the week with a journey back to the Stone Age and experience life as Ireland’s first farmers. Children will get hands-on with Stone Age pottery making, inspired by Neolithic art and symbols, learning how these early people expressed their connection to nature and community.
The morning continues with a Stone Age axe-making workshop, where participants explore the science behind toolmaking and discover how ingenuity helped our ancestors survive and thrive.

 

Tuesday, November 11th

10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm
On Tuesday, the focus turns to passage tombs and rock art, a chance to uncover the stories carved into Ireland’s ancient stones. Participants will learn about the famous Knowth kerbstones and the meanings behind Neolithic patterns and spirals.
Children will then create their own clay tablets, decorated with these symbols, to take home as a personal piece of prehistory.

 

Thursday, November 13th | 6:30 pm
The week concludes with an evening dedicated to the timeless craft of stone masonry. Led by the McDonald family of stonemasons, this session offers a rare insight into the techniques, tools, and traditions that have shaped Ireland’s architecture for centuries.
Through live demonstrations and shared stories, visitors will see how ancient knowledge continues to influence craftsmanship today.

Click here to book your place.

Join us to celebrate history, creativity, and the science of human imagination.

All Science Week events are free to attend, kindly funded by SETU and supported by:

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

 

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A Cat’s Christmas Tale

puppet show
A Cat’s Christmas Tale Puppet Show

Date: 7th, 14th, 21st & 22nd December |12:30pm & 4:00pm

This Christmas season, the Medieval Mile Museum will be filled with magic, laughter, and just a hint of mischief as A Cat’s Christmas Tale takes the stage, a brand-new puppet show created especially for Yulefest Kilkenny that brings local legend to life.

Reimagining the tale of Alice Kyteler and her clever cat Malice, this enchanting performance combines mystery, mischief, and Christmas spirit in equal measure. Told through beautiful puppetry, engaging storytelling, and a dash of festive sparkle, it’s a treat for children and grown-ups alike.

Bring the whole family and enjoy a festive experience filled with laughter, light, and a little feline magic. A Cat’s Christmas Tale is a heart-warming story that celebrates Kilkenny’s legends and the joy of Christmas in the city’s most historic setting.

Perfect for families with children aged 3 to 10 year old, the show runs for around 20 – 30 minutes, just long enough to capture imaginations and fill the room with laughter and wonder.

puppet show

Show Details:
Dates: Sunday 7th, 14th, 21st, & Monday 22nd December

Times: 12:30 pm & 4:00 pm

Tickets: €5

Join us this Christmas as the museum fills with laughter, light, and a little feline magic. It’s a charming story that celebrates Kilkenny’s legends, and the joy of Christmas in the heart of our Medieval City.

Book Your Ticket Here.

 

This event is organised in partnership with Yulefest Kilkenny and Kilkenny County Council.

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

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Festive Wreath Making Workshop

wreath workshop
Festive Wreath Making Workshop

Date: 4th & 7th December 2025

Get into the Christmas spirit with a magical wreath-making workshop at the Medieval Mile Museum this December, held as part of Yulefest Kilkenny in collaboration with Festina Lente.

Surrounded by twinkling lights and seasonal cheer, you’ll be guided in  creating your own beautiful wreath using sustainably foraged natural greenery from their own sensory garden.

Festina Lente is a delightful creative space nestled in the heart of Bray, County Wicklow. Their beautifully maintained Victorian walled gardens, dating back to the 1780s, are designed to engage all the senses, offering a rich tapestry of textures, scents, and colours that inspire creativity and calm.

The greenery used in our wreath-making workshop is freshly gathered, eco-friendly, and sustainably foraged from these gardens, bringing colour, texture, and the scent of Christmas while inspiring creativity and calm. By the end of the workshop, you’ll take home a handcrafted wreath brimming with festive spirit and tradition.

wreath workshop

Choose from an adults-only evening workshop for a relaxed night of creativity and sparkle, or join one of our Sunday family sessions, where adults and children can craft together and share in the joy of the season.

Dates:

  • Thursday, 4th December – Adults Workshop
    Time: 18:30
    Tickets: €40
  • Sunday, 7th December  – Family Workshops (up to 4 people/1 wreath per family)
    Time: 13:00, 14:30 & 16:00
    Tickets: €40

Spaces are limited! Book your place now and make this Christmas truly special!

Book Your Ticket Here.

This event is organised in partnership with Yulefest Kilkenny and Kilkenny County Council.

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

 

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Toil and Trouble on the Mile

Zoë Conway and John McIntyre
Toil and Trouble – An Evening of Fire, Light, Storytelling and Music

Date: Saturday, 1st November | Time: 18:45 – 21:00

This November, step inside the Medieval Mile Museum after dark for a night unlike any other. As part of the Kilkenny Home of Halloween Toil and Trouble programme, we’re opening our doors for an evening woven with fire, folklore, and music that promises to be both magical and memorable.

Candlelit tales

The night begins outdoors with a dramatic spectacle of fire and drumming, lighting up the evening sky and setting the perfect tone for what’s to come. From there, audiences will be welcomed into the museum’s historic surrounds, where the renowned Candlelit Tales will take centre stage. Known for their spellbinding performances, Candlelit Tales bring witches, ghosts and eerie folklore to life, blending ancient stories with live music in a way that captivates every listener.

As the evening draws on, the atmosphere will shift once more, lifted by the extraordinary talents of Zoë Conway and John McIntyre. This dazzling fiddle and guitar duo, deeply rooted in Irish tradition yet fearless in their creativity, have earned acclaim as “one of the best folk duos on the planet.” Their music will close the night on a high note, leaving audiences both enchanted and energised.

Zoë Conway and John McIntyre

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind Halloween experience at the Medieval Mile Museum. It promises to be an unforgettable evening in one of Kilkenny’s most atmospheric spaces.

Ticket: €7.50 per child | €15 per adult

Tickets are limited, so be sure to book yours now and join us for this one-of-a-kind Halloween experience.

Book Tickets Here

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

 

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Savour Kilkenny

Savour Kilkenny
Celebrate Savour Kilkenny with Free Entry & Live Music

Sunday 26th October | From 11am | Lady Desart Choir at 2pm

To celebrate this year’s Savour Kilkenny Festival, the Medieval Mile Museum is opening its doors to the local community completely FREE of charge for one special day.

Enjoy free access to the museum throughout the day, explore Kilkenny’s rich medieval past, and discover the treasures within one of the city’s most atmospheric heritage sites.

At 2pm, enjoy a special live performance by the acclaimed Lady Desart Choir. Based right here in medieval Kilkenny, this contemporary SATB choir is made up of 75 singers aged 25 to 82. With a joyful and dynamic repertoire that spans pop, classic rock, folk, musical theatre, and full classical choral pieces, the choir has performed at top festivals and venues across the city.

Savour Kilkenny returns from 24th to 27th October 2025, transforming the city into a vibrant celebration of food, flavour and the Irish feast of Samhain. Set against the majestic backdrop of Kilkenny Castle, the festival features over 100 market stalls, free cookery demos, street food, children’s entertainment, and special dining events across the city. With over 68,000 visitors in 2024, this year’s festival promises even more to savour.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning with friends and family, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the museum in celebration of one of Kilkenny’s most vibrant weekends.

No booking required, just drop in and enjoy.

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

 

 

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Magic & Mischief on the Mile

Event at the Medieval Mile Museum
Magic & Mischief on the Mile – SOLD OUT

October 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st

This October, the Medieval Mile Museum is summoning a season of magic and mischief to the heart of Kilkenny.

halloween at the medieval mile museum

From 28th to 31st October, families with children aged 4 to 14 are invited to step into a world of enchantment with Magic & Mischief at the Medieval Mile Museum. Delivered in collaboration with Home of Halloween and Kilkenny Tourism, this spooktacular event is tailor-made for curious children and brave parents alike.
Step inside the ancient stone walls of the Medieval Mile Museum where shadows whisper and secrets linger… the perfect setting for a Halloween adventure steeped in folklore, fun and frightful surprises.

Each 60 – 75 minute session tricks up:

Spooky Storytelling with The Grim Chronicler, spinning eerie tales of witches, folklore and ghostly goings-on from Kilkenny’s medieval past. Expect flickering lanterns, goosebumps, and a tale or two you’ll never forget. Secure your place… before the witches do!

Potion-Making Workshop, where little witches and wizards can brew their own bubbling concoctions. There’s just enough mystery in the mix to spark wide-eyed wonder.
Claim your potion-making pass while supplies last!

Halloween Scavenger Hunt – Creep through the museum’s nooks and crannies on a quest filled with strange clues and chilling giggles, ending in a trick-or-treat surprise for every child.
Book now… if you dare step inside the Mile!

With spot prizes, themed décor and plenty of frightful fun, Magic & Mischief is set to be one of Kilkenny’s most memorable Halloween happenings. Sessions run twice daily at 10:30am and 2:30pm, but beware, spaces vanish fast, with just 25 children per session.

Tickets: €7.50 per child
Daily Times: 10:30 am and 2:30 pm
Ages: 4–14 and their families (children must be supervised).

Book your spooky spot before it disappears into the mist!

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