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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Click here to book your visit today.
For more info
Visit: www.medievalmilemuseum.ie
Call: 056 781 7022 | Email: info@medievalmilemuseum.ie