Saint Canice's Cathedral | Kilkenny

St. Canice's Cathedral is a 13th-century Gothic cathedral located on Irishtown, Kilkenny. It is the second-longest cathedral in Ireland and serves as the seat of the Bishop of Cashel and Ossory.

Visual Characteristics

The building is a prime example of Early English Gothic architecture, constructed from local limestone. Key visual markers include:

The Round Tower: A 9th-century free-standing bell tower located adjacent to the south transept.

Internal Masonry: Features extensive stone carvings and the St. Kieran’s Chair, a 13th-century stone bishop’s throne.

Floor Slabs: The floor contains a significant collection of 16th and 17th-century black marble tombstones, many featuring high-relief effigies of the Butler and Grace families.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Coach Rd, Irishtown, Kilkenny (R95 AK54).

Position: Situated at the northern end of the "Medieval Mile."

Transit: 1.2km northwest of Kilkenny MacDonagh Station.

Parking: Limited on-street parking on Dean Street; the nearest large public car park is Market Yard (0.6km).

Admission: Entry fees apply for both the cathedral interior and the climb of the Round Tower.

Historical Origin

Foundation (6th Century): Originally a monastic site founded by St. Canice.

Current Structure (1202–1285): The present cathedral was built primarily in the 13th century.

Cromwellian Damage (1650): Oliver Cromwell's forces used the building as a stable, smashing the stained glass and removing the roof, leading to extensive 19th-century restoration.

Key Highlights & Activities

Round Tower Climb: One of only two medieval round towers in Ireland that the public can climb. It offers 360-degree views of the Kilkenny skyline.

The Library: St. Canice’s Library (located nearby) contains over 3,000 volumes dating back to the 16th century.

Stained Glass: Notable modern windows, including the Great East Window, which replaced the medieval glass destroyed by Cromwell.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Accessibility: The cathedral floor is generally level and accessible via the west door. The Round Tower is not accessible for those with mobility issues, as it requires climbing a series of steep internal ladders.

Sanitation: Basic restroom facilities are available for visitors.

Connectivity: Solid 4G and 5G signals in the surrounding yard; signal strength may drop inside the thick stone nave.

Best Time to Visit

Operating Hours: Typically Monday–Saturday 10:00–16:00, Sunday 14:00–16:00. Tower access is subject to weather conditions.

Photography: Morning light provides the best illumination for the west facade and the Round Tower’s silhouette.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical oddity: during the 17th-century restoration, a stone was found with the inscription of the date 1285, confirming the completion of the main structure. Local legend suggests a tunnel once connected the cathedral to Kilkenny Castle, though no archaeological evidence supports this.

Nearby Landmarks

Black Abbey – 0.4km South

Rothe House – 0.5km Southeast

Medieval Mile Museum – 0.7km Southeast

Smithwick’s Experience – 0.6km Southeast

Kilkenny Castle – 1.0km Southeast