South East Ireland Tourism
Travel guide to Ireland's south east
Travel guide to Ireland's south east
St. Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny
St. Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny
Saint Canice's Cathedral (Anglican), the second longest of Ireland's mediaeval cathedrals, provides a seminal influence on Kilkenny life. Built on the site of an earlier church, which in turn replaced an earlier timber structure, the major portion of the work that produced the beautiful Gothic structure was carried out by Bishop Hugh de Mapilton in the middle of the 13th Century. Except for the spire, which collapsed in 1332, the present building is largely unchanged from the 13th century.
Features of the cathedral include the fine collection of 16th and 17th century tombstones; black marble monuments to lords, ladies and bishops, and to Edmund Purcell, 16th century captain of the Ormond's notorious gallowglasses, or mercenaries; the 12th century font and St. Kieran's chair, built into the cathedral walls and still used in the enthronement of the bishops of Ossory; the Bishop's Palace and library, founded in 1679 and containing 3000 works from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, as well as the Red Book of Ossory, a 15th century manuscript which chronicles the lives of early saints.
Cityscope, a scale model of the city as it was in 1640, is on view in the south aisle. Also on view are rich carvings worked in both, timber and stone, some dating to the 13th century, colourful stained glass, and everywhere the authentic air of a structure that has served the community for over 800 years.
Outside, the 9th century round tower, once used by the monks for refuge, may be climbed (weather permitting).
Address: Irishtown, Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny
<< Return to Kilkenny page
Features of the cathedral include the fine collection of 16th and 17th century tombstones; black marble monuments to lords, ladies and bishops, and to Edmund Purcell, 16th century captain of the Ormond's notorious gallowglasses, or mercenaries; the 12th century font and St. Kieran's chair, built into the cathedral walls and still used in the enthronement of the bishops of Ossory; the Bishop's Palace and library, founded in 1679 and containing 3000 works from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, as well as the Red Book of Ossory, a 15th century manuscript which chronicles the lives of early saints.
Cityscope, a scale model of the city as it was in 1640, is on view in the south aisle. Also on view are rich carvings worked in both, timber and stone, some dating to the 13th century, colourful stained glass, and everywhere the authentic air of a structure that has served the community for over 800 years.
Outside, the 9th century round tower, once used by the monks for refuge, may be climbed (weather permitting).
Address: Irishtown, Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny
St. Canice's Cathedral Map
<< Return to Kilkenny page
