Kilkenny Landmarks and Monuments

(Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland)

Kilkenny is one of the most famous centres for heritage, culture and the arts in the whole of Ireland, with the majority of its plethora of historic buildings, museums, monuments and landmarks clustered together in the ancient city centre.

The limestone traditionally used in the construction of churches, mansions and monuments gives an aura of permanence and dignity to the structures, and their location makes it easy for visitors to tour the district on foot. Kilkenny landmarks worth looking out for include two cathedrals (St. Canice's and St. Mary's), medieval city walls and characterful old bridges.

St. Canice's Cathedral

Address: Irishtown, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 056 776 4971
The second-largest cathedral in Ireland, this stunning medieval landmark was constructed 800 years ago, is a major visitor draw, and has been in regular use since its founding. Careful restoration over the years has ensured that the cathedral remains well-preserved. Situated next-door is a 9th-century Round Tower, which measures around 30 metres / 100 feet in height and when climbed, gives magnificent views of the city and surrounding countryside. Of note, the Bishop's Palace is close by, residing on the eastern side of St. Canice's Cathedral.
Open hours: June to August - Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 18:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 17:00; October to March - Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 13:00, 14:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 16:00; April, May and September - Monday to Saturday -10:00 to 13:00, 14:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for families and groups

Kilkenny Design Centre

Address: Castle Yard, The Parade, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 056 772 2188
Originally built as the stables for Kilkenny Castle, this amazing semi-circular limestone structure was completed in 1800 and is now host to many exhibitions, including the annual Arts Festival each August. The Design Centre is a great place to purchase some Celtic holiday souvenirs and quality Irish handicrafts, such as pottery, glass, crystal, china, knitwear and jewellery. An onsite restaurant provides tasty homemade food each day.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

The Tholsel

Address: High Street, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, IE
Built in 1761, the Tholsel has been variously a customs house and guildhall, and its arcaded frontage provided shelter for a covered market and meeting place. Nowadays, the Tholsel serves as the Town Hall and its distinctive octagonal clock tower can be seen all across the city. This is a popular spot for street buskers and seasonal carol singers.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

St. Mary's Cathedral

Address: James Street, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, IE
St. Mary's is Kilkenny's Roman Catholic cathedral and was completed in 1857, during the Irish famine, at a total cost of some £25,000. An imposing limestone landmark, its 60-metre / 200-foot tall tower is a prominent feature on the skyline and is spectacularly illuminated at night. Of interest, it is said that the design of St. Mary's Cathedral was inspired by Gloucester Cathedral.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Kilkenny City Walls

Address: Abbey Street, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, IE
Medieval Kilkenny was surrounded by city walls, complete with gates and defensive towers, of which enough remain to be of interest. Talbot Tower (Talbot's Bastion) and the Black Feren Gate, the only surviving gate, are on the High Town circuit close to the Abbey Street walls, and another stretch of wall runs through the brewery's grounds. The city walls define the structure of the medieval city and are now part of a heritage conservation project.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Kilkenny Bridges

Address: River Nore, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, IE
Kilkenny has two famous landmark bridges, both built originally in medieval times and rebuilt many times since because of flood damage. Green's Bridge (the Great Bridge) dates as far back as 1766 and was renovated in 1835, while John's Bridge was constructed in 1910 on the site of the original 13th-century structure. Both of these bridges span the River Nore, with Green's Bridge being known for its carved limestone features.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free