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St. Canice's Cathedral
St. Canice's Cathedral in Kilkenny is the second-largest medieval cathedral in Ireland and a memorable example of Early English Gothic architecture. Built in the 13th century on a site that has been a center of Christian worship since the 6th century, it is dedicated to St. Canice, the patron saint of the city. The cathedral is noted for its grand nave, soaring arches, and beautiful stained glass, including a replica of the famous 14th-century East Window. A unique feature of the site is the adjacent 9th-century Round Tower, one of only two in Ireland that visitors are permitted to climb, offering panoramic views of Kilkenny. Inside, the cathedral houses an exceptional collection of 16th and 17th-century stone monuments, many carved from local black Kilkenny marble, depicting figures such as the Earls of Ormond. As the seat of the Bishop of Cashel and Ossory, the cathedral remains a vital place of worship and a key testament to Ireland's ecclesiastical heritage.
- Location: Ireland
- Top sights: Saint Canice's Cathedral · Saint Canice's Cathedral Round Tower · Saint Canice's Church
- Nearby: Muine Bheag (21 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 91 | 70 | 72 | 65 | 70 | 81 | 85 | 93 | 78 | 104 | 104 | 101 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The cathedral is the second longest in Ireland, measuring roughly 212 feet.
- The 9th-century Round Tower is 100 feet tall and was built for defense and bells.
- St. Kieran's Chair, used for enthroning bishops, dates back to the 13th century.
- Cromwell's troops smashed the original medieval stained glass in 1650.
- The cathedral contains the largest collection of medieval monuments in Ireland.
- The building was constructed using local limestone from the Black Quarry nearby.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town St. Canice's Cathedral (10)
The Watergate Theatre
Cinema in County Kilkenny, Ireland.
Freren Gate
Last surviving town gate in Kilkenny.
St. Francis Abbey
Franciscan abbey building ruins located in Kilkenny, Ireland.
Angel's Well
Well within a stone structure.
Black Abbey
Dominican friary in Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland.
Saint Francis' Well
Former holy well in Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is St. Canice's Cathedral located?
Can you climb the round tower?
How old is the cathedral?
Is there an entrance fee?
What is St. Kieran's Chair?
St. Canice's Cathedral: where is it located?
St. Canice's Cathedral: what is there to see?
St. Canice's Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
Nearby cities
