Ireland’s Medieval Mile

Ireland’s Medieval Mile in Kilkenny city is where history meets the here and now.

It’s a unique discovery trail running through the heart of Kilkenny, linking St. Canice’s Cathedral with the stunning 12th century Kilkenny Castle – and everything in between. There’s no experience quite like it.

Stepping through the centuries, you’ll see historic buildings, streets, and slipways. You’ll pass a 16th century Inn, a 13th century Dominican Abbey blooming with stained glass and the only complete example of an early 17th-century merchant’s townhouse in Ireland.

You can visit a recreated medieval garden, climb the 9th century St. Canice’s Tower (only one of 2 round towers you can climb in the country) and take a glimpse inside the lives of the Butler family and their servants at Kilkenny Castle. Or feel the hairs rise, and your heartbeat, at tales of witchcraft in Kyteler’s Inn ….. here since 1324.

Link all of Kilkenny’s history together with a visit to the Medieval Mile Museum, in the converted St. Mary’s Church, in the centre of the city and of the Mile.

Relax and have a pint of our own Smithwick’s beer in the immersive Smithwick’s Experience and learn about our history of brewing.

Take a walking tour, or a ghost tour, or both! Visit Kilkenny’s Famine Experience and uncover stories of one of the hardest times in Irish history.

But it’s not ancient history! Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s most cosmopolitan and compact cities, with a thriving festival scene, and a warm, creative and fun population. A mosey down the Medieval Mile is as much immersion in the sights, smells and sounds of the modern city as the heritage that set it on its way.

Buy your One Day Medieval Mile Pass here.

Find out more about Kilkenny –where to stay, where to eat, what to do – here.