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Museum · Kilkenny, Kilkenny
Medieval Mile Museum
Museum housed in the church of St Mary, from the 13th century, in the middle of the Medieval Mile, with stone tombs, medieval objects and the history of Kilkenny from its founding to the 17th century.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Medieval Mile Museum
The Medieval Mile Museum occupies the former church of St Mary, built in the early 13th century and extended over the centuries, in the middle of the Medieval Mile between High Street and Parliament Street. The church was closed for worship in the 20th century and restored as a museum, opened in 2017.
The nave houses a set of stone tombs and gravestones from the 16th and 17th centuries of Kilkenny merchant families, such as the Rothe and the Shee, with sculptures of saints, coats of arms and Latin inscriptions. The Rothe chapel, a 17th-century annex, contains the most elaborate tomb. Beneath a glass floor are remains of constructions that predate the church.
The rooms tell the history of Kilkenny: the arrival of the Normans, the Kilkenny Statutes of 1366, which forbade English settlers from adopting the Irish language and customs, the 17th-century Confederation of Kilkenny and the life of the merchants. There is also a copy of the Liber Primus Kilkenniensis, the register book of the medieval city.
The museum runs guided walks along the Medieval Mile during part of the year; they depart from the church and follow the streets to the cathedral.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
At any time, even in rain. The guided Medieval Mile walks run part of the year; check times.
How to get there
It is on St Mary's Lane, between High Street and Parliament Street, in central Kilkenny, a 5-minute walk from the castle.
Tip
Visit the museum before walking the Medieval Mile: the history told there helps you understand what you see in the streets. Look for the Rothe chapel and its tomb.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Medieval Mile Museum
Is the museum inside a church?
Yes, in the former church of St Mary, from the 13th century, restored and opened as a museum in 2017.
What were the Statutes of Kilkenny?
Laws from 1366 that prohibited English settlers from adopting the Irish language, dress and customs. The museum tells that story.
Is there a guided tour of the Medieval Mile?
The museum organizes guided walks for part of the year, departing from the church. Check the times.