The Medieval Mile triangulates St. Canice’s Cathedral, Butler Gallery and the iconic 12th century Kilkenny Castle and everything in between. There’s no experience quite like it.

In addition winding your way through the centuries at Butler Gallery, on Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile 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 at Rothe House, climb the 9th century St. Canice’s Tower (only one of two 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.

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 all 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.

Remember, Butler Gallery is FREE to visit!

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Clock Icon Opening Hours

Monday: closed (except Bank Holidays when Sunday hours apply)
Tuesday-Saturday: 10.00–17.00
Thursdays: Late Night 10.00–20.00
Sunday: 11.00–17.00
Last admission is 30 mins before closing times