Kilkenny (part of his Earl of Pembroke estate) was significantly improved by William when he went there in 1200. He built a Stone castle with four round towers, a wall around the city, some houses for merchants and a private chapel, St Mary’s
for his families use – not a lot of these remain.
The town became very prosperous and other churches were also built.
The castle stood until the 1600’s when Oliver Cromwell blew up the north wall … it was later
purchased by Earl of Ormond and remained in this families hands until they gave it to the Irish Government in the 1960’s.
There are some photos of one of the towers which has been restored to its originals and I have included some photos of the
newer refurbished rooms in the castle.
St Mary’s was left to fall into ruin but was rescued recently and turned into the Medieval Mile Museum. It is really interesting and focuses on the growth of Kilkenny from William Marshall’s to the
late 1700’s. Apart from the chancel being shortened the chapel is still as William built it.
There are also a couple of photos St Canice’s a 13th century church – and a 9th century round tower. The cathedral also
has some exceptional carved sarcophagus. The t
The tomb of a 13th century bishop and St Canice’s chair an ancient stone seat thought to contain part of the 5th Century bishop’s throne and the original font.
At St Mary’s
there is in the graveyard one grave (this is the only one) that blooms with blue bells every year … they recently found out it was a combined grave for small children!!!!
Enjoy
