Saint Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower

Saint Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower St Canice’s Cathedral &Round Tower is part of the heritage of the vibrant medieval city. Climb the tower and see Kilkenny in all its glory!
(258)

This ecclesiastical site was founded in the 6th century and today it is one of Kilkenny's must see attractions. St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower are an essential part of the structural heritage in the vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny. This ecclesiastical site was founded in the 6th century and named after St Canice. Cill Channigh is the Gaelic for the Church of Canice, the church that origin

ally stood on the site in the 6th century.The Round Tower is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny City. Visitors can enjoy climbing the Round Tower capturing great views of the city (weather permitting). St Canice’s Round Tower is one of only two Round Towers that people can climb in Ireland.

Calling All Teachers! 🕊️Looking for a fun and meaningful way to wrap up the school year? Help St Canice’s Cathedral crea...
08/06/2026

Calling All Teachers! 🕊️

Looking for a fun and meaningful way to wrap up the school year? Help St Canice’s Cathedral create a breathtaking installation by renowned artist Peter Walker, featuring thousands of suspended peace doves soaring above the Cathedral crossing, carrying messages of peace, hope and kindness from our community.

Be part of a powerful community project that will inspire thousands of visitors.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/4tNUGAw

📸 The Peace Doves created by Peter Walker Sculptor

Kilkenny.ie Visit Kilkenny Ireland's Ancient East Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board - KCETB Discover Ireland

🕊️ Our Peace Doves installation is beginning to take shape, with members of the community adding messages of peace, kind...
07/06/2026

🕊️ Our Peace Doves installation is beginning to take shape, with members of the community adding messages of peace, kindness and hope to thousands of handmade doves.

This September, these doves will transform the 800-year-old interior of St Canice's Cathedral into a breathtaking community art installation by renowned artist Peter Walker.

A special thank you to Freddie Greenall for capturing these wonderful images of the project in progress.

Would your school, community group or organisation like to get involved? We'd love to hear from you.

https://bit.ly/4tNUGAw

Visit Kilkenny Kilkenny.ie Ireland's Ancient East

Illuminated Futures: Reimagining the Red Book of Ossory Through Making!Today sees the opening of the Cruinniú na nÓg exh...
06/06/2026

Illuminated Futures: Reimagining the Red Book of Ossory Through Making!

Today sees the opening of the Cruinniú na nÓg exhibition at St. Canice’s Cathedral, showcasing the creative work of sixth-class pupils from St. Canice’s Co-Ed Primary School, Kilkenny.
Over a series of workshops led by visual artist Mary Conroy and hosted by St. Canice’s Cathedral, the students explored the history and heritage of the Red Book of Ossory and the model, currently on display in the Cathedral.
The children experimented with a wide range of techniques, including rubbings, photography, natural inks, willow pens, paper making and bookbinding. The project culminated in the creation of their own handmade books, that became quires as part of the overall assembled and bound book.

Illuminated Futures: Reimagining the Red Book of Ossory Through Making! celebrates creativity, learning, heritage and place, while encouraging young people to engage with local history and culture in meaningful and imaginative ways.
The exhibition opens today as part of Cruinniú na nÓg and will remain open to the public over the coming days.

📍 St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny
This project has been kindly funded and supported by Creative Ireland, Kilkenny County Council.

Take the climb at St Canice’s Round Tower ✨ Standing tall for over 800 years, St Canice’s Round Tower is one of the fine...
06/06/2026

Take the climb at St Canice’s Round Tower ✨

Standing tall for over 800 years, St Canice’s Round Tower is one of the finest surviving round towers in Ireland - and one of the only ones you can still climb today.

Make your way to the top and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across Kilkenny city, the River Nore and the surrounding countryside. A unique experience and a must-see when visiting Kilkenny.

Plan your visit today and discover Kilkenny from above.

https://bit.ly/4m0wM2C

Kilkenny.ie Visit Kilkenny Ireland's Ancient East

Who was St Canice? ⛪✨St Canice was one of Ireland’s great early saints and a close friend of St Columba (Colmcille), fou...
05/06/2026

Who was St Canice? ⛪✨

St Canice was one of Ireland’s great early saints and a close friend of St Columba (Colmcille), founder of the monastery at Iona. One famous story tells how St Canice rushed from his meal - losing a shoe along the way - to pray for St Columba and his monks who were caught in a violent storm at sea. The storm immediately passed, and his prayers were said to have saved them.

St Canice later established a monastery at Aghaboe, which became the seat of the Bishop of Ossory and helped shape the rich spiritual heritage of the region.

Want to learn more about the fascinating history behind St Canice’s Cathedral? Visit our website to explore the stories, history and heritage of this remarkable site.

https://bit.ly/4x86OQ2

Kilkenny.ie Visit Kilkenny Ireland's Ancient East

Step back in time at St Canice’s Cathedral ⛪✨From its ancient round tower and medieval architecture to the peaceful cath...
03/06/2026

Step back in time at St Canice’s Cathedral ⛪✨

From its ancient round tower and medieval architecture to the peaceful cathedral grounds overlooking Kilkenny, St Canice’s is a place best experienced slowly. Discover over 1,000 years of history, heritage and living tradition in one of Ireland’s most remarkable historic sites.

Our newest blog explores the stories, atmosphere and hidden details that make a visit to St Canice’s so special.

Read the latest blog now and plan your visit: https://bit.ly/4dzfMOz

Kilkenny.ie Visit Kilkenny Ireland's Ancient East

02/06/2026

A coterie of the Cathedral Choir sings psalm 33 and the Dean gives a short reflection as part of the Mothers’ Union 150 psalms for 150 years series.

St.Canice's Cathedral Choir Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory CFO Mothers' Union

Summer Organ Recitals at St Canice’s Cathedral 🎶Join us on Friday, June 6th at 5pm for a special recital with acclaimed ...
02/06/2026

Summer Organ Recitals at St Canice’s Cathedral 🎶

Join us on Friday, June 6th at 5pm for a special recital with acclaimed organist Catherine Olver - Professor and Director of Academic Studies for the Royal Marines School of Music and Assistant Director of Music at St Columba’s Church, Knightsbridge.

An accomplished recitalist and broadcaster, Catherine has performed at venues including Temple Church, Portsmouth Cathedral and Queen’s College, Oxford.

Free entry - all are welcome.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/49ol10U

Kilkenny Live Kilkenny Gig Guide Kilkenny.ie Visit Kilkenny Ireland's Ancient East

Six after 6 – Summer Cultural Series ✨This summer, experience Kilkenny after hours as six of the city’s most iconic attr...
01/06/2026

Six after 6 – Summer Cultural Series ✨

This summer, experience Kilkenny after hours as six of the city’s most iconic attractions come alive in the evening with a vibrant programme of music, culture, workshops and events.

Join us at St Canice's Cathedral for Ceoltóirí concerts as part of the Six after 6 – Summer Cultural Series, running from June through August.

From traditional music sessions and artist talks to craft workshops and garden tours, there’s something for everyone across 36 free and ticketed events throughout the summer.

The six visitor attractions taking part in the Six After 6 - Summer Cultural Series are:
- Butler house
- Smithwick’s Experience
- Rothe House
- St Canice’s Cathedral
- Medieval Mile Museum
- Butler Gallery

Supported by Kilkenny County Council, Fáilte Ireland Ireland's Ancient East and the Kilkenny Nighttime Economy Pilot.

Tickets for Echoes of Ireland- An Evening of Music, Song, Dance & Story are available on eventbrite: https://bit.ly/4wUaAvY

Full event calendar available at https://bit.ly/3V4q8ZW and The Kilkenny App.

Visit Kilkenny Kilkenny.ie Kilkenny Live Kilkenny Gig Guide Department of Culture, Communications and Sport

Address

St Canice's Cathedral, The Close, Coach Rd
Kilkenny
R95V63H

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 1pm - 6pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Saint Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Place Of Worship

Send a message to Saint Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower:

Shortcuts

Share

Category