Medieval Mile

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THE STORY

The Medieval Mile Museum is located in the centre of Irelands Medieval Mile Kilkenny once the medieval capital of Ireland, the city has a rich medieval heritage visible through its narrow streetscapes; its historical buildings and landmarks. From Castle to Cathedral and everything in between- explore Ireland’s best-preserved medieval city. Through our interactive map, you can unlock the hidden gems that Ireland’s Medieval Mile has to offer and find out why St Mary’s church Kilkenny played such an important role in Medieval Ireland. The city’s origins predate existing medieval landmarks. Saint Canice (who gives Kilkenny its name) founded a monastic settlement here in the 6th century. The 9th century round tower beside the wonderful stone cathedral of St. Canice’s, is a remaining monastic landmark. Built in the 13th century and a showcase to ornate stonemasonry skills, St. Canice’s is the second longest Cathedral in Ireland.

Strongbow, the legendary Norman invader, built a fort in the 12th C on the site where Kilkenny Castle stands today. William Marshall (Strongbow’s son-in-law, 4th Earl of Pembroke) fortified the city walls, built a stone castle on the site and consolidated the Norman’s position of power in the city.
Ireland’s only witch trials took place in Kilkenny in 1324 (supposedly Europe’s 1st witchcraft trials). Dame Alice Kyteler (Innkeeper and Moneylender) was accused of using poison and sorcery against her four husbands, having amassed a fortune from them. Before she could be tried, Alice fled to England, but her maid was flogged and burned at the stake.

History of Kilkenny City with William Marshal

The city prides itself on its lively culture and entertainment scene with a range of live music and theatre events available throughout the city’s pubs and music venues. An array of festivals and event programmes are hosted annually, including the renowned Kilkenny Arts Festival (August) which features a variety of classical music events, art exhibitions, literary readings, workshops, jazz & folk sessions.
Other festivals include Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots Festival – Music Festival (May); Kilkenny Cat Laughs – Comedy Festival (June); International Gospel Choir Festival (Aug/Sept); Greystock Festival – (Sept); Savour Food Festival (Oct) and Kilkenomics Festival (Nov). Kilkenny is also renowned as a world-class craft centre, which has its origins in the Design workshops of the late 1960s’, the story of which can be explored in the Castle Yard site.

One of the best and unique features of Kilkenny is its compactness allowing you to explore everything it has to offer on foot, just be sure to allow yourself enough time to experience it all. Enjoy our city!