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

What's On

Illuminated Manuscripts Workshop at the Museum

Post author By sgoss@kilkennycivictrust.ie
Post date June 2, 2026
No Comments on Illuminated Manuscripts Workshop at the Museum

Discover the Art of Illuminated Manuscripts in Kilkenny

Looking for creative workshops in Kilkenny or a cultural evening experience with a difference?

Experience the vibrant and captivating world of medieval art at the Medieval Mile Museum through our Illuminated Manuscripts Workshop, which is part of the Six After 6 Summer Cultural Series.

Led by artist Jade Butler, this inspiring evening invites participants to explore the artistry and symbolism behind some of Ireland’s most celebrated medieval treasures while creating their own illuminated-style artwork in the remarkable surroundings of St Mary’s Church.

The Beauty of Medieval Illumination

The illuminated manuscripts of the medieval world remain among the most admired and recognisable artworks in history.

Created by skilled scribes and artists, these beautifully decorated pages combined storytelling, symbolism and extraordinary craftsmanship. Ireland became internationally known for its distinctive Insular artistic style, most famously represented by the Book of Kells and other richly decorated manuscripts produced by medieval monks.

Through intricate lettering, decorative borders and vibrant colours, illuminated manuscripts transformed written words into works of art. This workshop offers participants the opportunity to learn about these remarkable traditions and experience the creative techniques behind them.

Learn with Artist Jade Butler

Artist Jade Butler will guide participants through the history and methods of medieval illumination while helping them create their own illuminated-style canvas inspired by Ireland’s artistic heritage. Whether you are interested in medieval history, enjoy drawing and painting or simply want to try something creative, this workshop welcomes all skill levels and provides a relaxed and engaging evening of learning and making.

Participants will leave with:

Their own illuminated-style artwork
New artistic skills and inspiration
A deeper appreciation of medieval Irish creativity

Event Details

Date: Friday, 26 June
Time: 6 pm
Location: Medieval Mile Museum, Kilkenny
Tickets: €15 per person | 15 places available | 18+

Click Here to Book Your Place

All materials included. Places are limited and advance booking is recommended.

Book now and create your own medieval-inspired artwork in the heart of Medieval Kilkenny.

Six After 6 Summer Cultural Series

The 6 After 6 Summer Cultural Series offers a unique opportunity to enjoy creative workshops and evening cultural experiences in Kilkenny within some of the city’s most historic and inspiring settings.

Featuring 36 free and ticketed events from June to early September, the Six After 6 – Summer Cultural Series brings many of Kilkenny’s leading visitor attractions to life after hours, creating memorable evenings for both locals and visitors throughout the summer.

The six attractions taking part in the series are:

◆ Medieval Mile Museum
◆ Butler House & Garden
◆ Smithwick’s Experience
◆ Rothe House
◆ St Canice’s Cathedral
◆ Butler Gallery

Whether you are seeking a new hobby, a cultural evening out or simply looking for something different to do in Kilkenny, the Six After 6 programme offers a rich mix of creativity, heritage and discovery across the city.

At the Medieval Mile Museum, our workshops provide an inspiring opportunity to connect with medieval history through making, learning and creativity in the remarkable surroundings of St Mary’s Church.

The Six after 6 – Summer Cultural Series is supported by Kilkenny County Council, Fáilte Ireland – Ireland’s Ancient East and the Kilkenny Night Time Economy Pilot.

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

What's On

Nålbinding & Cordage Workshop at the Museum

Post author By sgoss@kilkennycivictrust.ie
Post date June 2, 2026
No Comments on Nålbinding & Cordage Workshop at the Museum

Looking for creative workshops in Kilkenny or something different to do this summer?

Join us at the Medieval Mile Museum for a fascinating evening exploring one of the oldest textile traditions in human history as part of the Six After 6 Summer Cultural Series.

Led by experimental archaeologist Madison Blankenship, this hands-on Nålbinding & Cordage Workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn historic craft skills within the remarkable surroundings of St Mary’s Church, right in the heart of Ireland’s Medieval Mile.

What is Nålbinding?

Dating back to approximately 6500 BCE, nålbinding is an ancient yarn-working technique that predates both knitting and crochet. Found across many cultures throughout the ancient world and often associated with Viking Age Nordic clothing, nålbinding was used to create warm, durable textiles long before modern knitting needles existed.

During this workshop, participants will also learn the traditional craft of cordage making, using a mixture of nettle and alpaca fibres to understand how strong ropes, ties and lacing were created by cultures across the world. This engaging workshop offers more than a craft lesson. It provides an opportunity to slow down, learn historic skills and experience how creativity and practical knowledge shaped everyday life centuries ago.

Learn with Madison Blankenship

Experimental archaeologist Madison Blankenship will guide participants through both techniques, sharing the history, practical uses, and cultural importance of these ancient skills. Whether you are completely new to historic crafts or already enjoy textiles and heritage making, this welcoming workshop is suitable for all skill levels.

Participants will leave with:

Their own starter project
A traditional nålbinding needle
New practical skills to continue at home

Event Details

Date: Friday 12 June
Time: 6 pm
Location: Medieval Mile Museum, Kilkenny
Tickets: €15 per person |15 places available | 18+

All materials included. Places are limited and advance booking is strongly recommended.

Click Here to Book Your Place

Places are limited and advance booking is strongly recommended.

Book now and discover one of the world’s oldest textile traditions in the heart of Medieval Kilkenny.

Six After 6 Summer Cultural Series

The six attractions taking part in the series are:

◆ Medieval Mile Museum
◆ Butler House & Garden
◆ Smithwick’s Experience
◆ Rothe House
◆ St Canice’s Cathedral
◆ Butler Gallery

The Six after 6 – Summer Cultural Series is supported by Kilkenny County Council, Fáilte Ireland – Ireland’s Ancient East and the Kilkenny Night Time Economy Pilot.

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

What's On

What Medieval Kilkenny Was Really Eating?

Post author By sgoss@kilkennycivictrust.ie
Post date May 12, 2026
No Comments on What Medieval Kilkenny Was Really Eating?

A Special FoodCult Talk at the Medieval Mile Museum

What did people living in Kilkenny during the 1500s and 1600s really eat? What can centuries-old teeth reveal about daily life, health and the environment of Medieval Kilkenny?

On Thursday, 29 May, the Medieval Mile Museum will host a fascinating public talk with Dr Robert Power of University College Dublin, exploring how scientific analysis of dental calculus, better known as tooth plaque, can unlock remarkable insights into the lives of people who once lived in Kilkenny.

The dental samples discussed during the talk were taken from individuals buried at St Mary’s Church in Kilkenny, home of the Medieval Mile Museum, offering a unique local connection to this groundbreaking research. Through this analysis, researchers can learn about diet, health, living conditions and even environmental changes experienced by people centuries ago.

The event forms part of the wider FoodCult Project, an international research initiative exploring food culture, heritage, archaeology and environmental history across Europe. The project brings together researchers across Europe to better understand how food shaped communities and societies over time.

Set within the atmospheric surroundings of the Medieval Mile Museum, this talk offers visitors a rare opportunity to combine history, archaeology and cutting-edge scientific research in one engaging evening.

Visitors will also have the chance to connect the research directly to the museum’s own medieval tombs and historic spaces, including the Richard Shee tomb, which dates to the same period explored in the talk.

Event Details
Event: FoodCult Talk with Dr Robert Power
Date: Thursday 29 May
Time: 6 pm
Location: Medieval Mile Museum, Kilkenny
Admission: €5 per ticket

Book your ticket here!

Donations are welcome!

This special event is open to anyone with an interest in history, archaeology, science, or Medieval Kilkenny, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the everyday lives of the people who once walked the city’s streets centuries ago.

Join us for a unique evening of history and discovery at the Medieval Mile Museum, Kilkenny and learn what centuries-old evidence can reveal about the lives, diets and health of the people who shaped Medieval 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

Tags History Museum, Irelands Ancient East, Kilkenny, Kilkenny Museum, public talking, things to do

What's On

Kids Bealtaine Carnival at the Museum

Post author By sgoss@kilkennycivictrust.ie
Post date April 16, 2026
No Comments on Kids Bealtaine Carnival at the Museum

Looking for things to do with kids this May Bank Holiday in Kilkenny? Celebrate the arrival of summer together at the Kids Bealtaine Carnival at the Medieval Mile Museum, a joyful family event specially created for children aged 5 and up. Inspired by ancient seasonal traditions, this lively event brings together storytelling, crafts, music, games and movement in a fun and welcoming setting for young explorers.

Bealtaine marked the beginning of summer in Ireland long ago, a time of gathering, creativity and celebration. At the museum, children can experience a taste of those traditions through hands-on activities designed especially for curious minds and energetic imaginations.

A Morning or Afternoon of Medieval Fun
Young visitors will enjoy a range of activities throughout the carnival, including:

Making their own flower crowns or festival masks
Listening to stories from our Chief Storyteller
Taking part in traditional medieval games
Learning a traditional dance
Helping decorate the colourful Maypole

It’s a wonderful chance for children to learn through play while connecting with Ireland’s seasonal traditions in the heart of Kilkenny’s historic Medieval Mile.

Event Details
Event: Kids Bealtaine Carnival
Dates: May 2^nd & 4^th
Time: 11:30 and 15:30
Tickets: €10 per child
Suitable for: Ages 5+

Click Here to Book Your Tickets!

A Celebration Inspired by the Past
Bealtaine was once one of the most important seasonal festivals in Ireland. Communities gathered to welcome longer days, new growth and brighter weather. The Kids Bealtaine Carnival brings a playful version of that spirit to life inside the unique surroundings of St Mary’s Church, offering families a memorable way to celebrate the season together.

Come along, get creative, enjoy the stories, and help us welcome summer the way it might once have been celebrated in medieval 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

Blog What's On

What’s On This Autumn & Halloween

Post author By mariemedieval
Post date September 16, 2025
No Comments on What’s On This Autumn & Halloween

This October, the Medieval Mile Museum is summoning a season of magic, mischief and music to the heart of Kilkenny. Whether you’re chasing chills and thrills with the kids or fancy dancing the night away, there’s plenty to enchant your midterm break.

Magic & Mischief on the Mile

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.

Cost: €7.50 per child
Dates: 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st October
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!

Latin Dance Nights – Bachata & Salsa

If ghosts and ghouls aren’t your thing, swap broomsticks for dance shoes! On Wednesday nights in November, the museum transforms into a dance floor for Latin Dance Nights, presented by The Dance Club Kilkenny and supported by Kilkenny County Council and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

Originating in the Dominican Republic, Bachata is known for its soft, romantic rhythm and close partner connection. It’s expressive, smooth, and easy to learn. Salsa, with its roots in Cuban and Afro-Caribbean traditions, is faster and more energetic full of spins, footwork, and joyful movement that lifts the soul. Whether you’ve danced before or you’re stepping out for the first time, these Latin styles bring people together through rhythm, laughter, and pure fun.

• 6:30pm – Bachata: smooth, romantic and full of flow.
• 7:30pm – Salsa: fiery spins and high-energy moves that will lift your spirits.
No partner required, all levels welcome, just bring your best moves (and maybe a little courage).
Cost:
• €12 for one class
• €18 for both classes on the same night
• €45 for all six classes
Dates: 5th, 12th, 19th November

Reserve your spot now and make your November nights sizzle with dance!

A Season of Spells & Steps

This autumn, the Medieval Mile Museum is alive with stories, spirits, and salsa. From eerie legends to sizzling Latin rhythms, we promise a season that’s equal parts spine-tingling and toe-tapping. And as always, our tours continue, whether you choose a guided tour, explore at your own pace with our interactive self-guided experience, or set out on a Medieval Mile walking tour. There’s no better way to encounter history than along the Medieval Mile in the golden glow of the autumn, with plenty of things to do in Kilkenny this autumn.

Dare to join us? Book your tickets now… if you’re brave enough.

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

Tags History Museum, International Museum Day, Irelands Ancient East, Kilkenny, Kilkenny Museum

Blog What's On

Culture Night 2025

Culture Night 2025 at the Museum

This Culture Night, Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile Museum invites you to experience an evening where history, harmony, and heart come together in perfect tune. On Friday 19th September 2025, from 6.30 – 7.30 pm, the museum’s historic walls will resonate with the sublime sounds of the Phoenix Choir, performing a special set in aid of local charity Teac Tom.

The Phoenix Choir is a Kilkenny-based choir with over 30 members singing in four-part harmony. They cover a wide range of music genres including pop, country, and music from the 1960s to the present day. Their passionate and emotive performances promise to bring warmth, joy, and energy to Culture Night, making this a truly special occasion for audiences of all ages.

Teac Tom provides vital mental health support and suicide intervention services to those in need. Their mission as a community and voluntary organisation is to provide affordable and immediate services to help individuals struggling with their mental health or who have been bereaved by suicide. All donations and support from this performance will go directly to helping Teac Tom continue their essential work in the local community.

Expect a night filled with live music, community spirit, and the enchanting atmosphere of one of Kilkenny’s most iconic cultural landmarks. This free event promises to be a highlight of Culture Night, offering families, friends, and music lovers a chance to celebrate creativity, community, and Kilkenny’s rich cultural heritage.

Come along, enjoy the music, and support Teac Tom make this Culture Night one to remember at the Medieval Mile Museum.

For more information, please get in touch with the Medieval Mile Museum:

Phone: 056 779 4180
Email: info@medievalmilemuseum.ie

Tags History Museum, International Museum Day, Irelands Ancient East, Kilkenny, Museum