St. Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower, Kilkenny (must see)
Saint Canice's Cathedral, also known as Kilkenny Cathedral, holds a storied history dating back to the 13th century. It was built during the Norman period in Ireland and is named after Saint Canice (or Saint Kenny), a renowned Irish saint who lived in the 6th century.
The cathedral is a splendid example of Gothic architecture, characterized by its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and large stained glass windows. The exterior is adorned with ornate stone carvings and intricate details that showcase the craftsmanship of the time.
One of the most distinctive features of Saint Canice's Cathedral is its round tower, which stands adjacent to the main building. This well-preserved medieval tower is over 100 feet tall and was used as a place of refuge and as a lookout point for the local community during times of attack.
The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with a soaring nave, elegant stone pillars, and stunning stained glass windows that depict biblical scenes and saints. The carved wooden choir stalls and the ornate pulpit are notable examples of craftsmanship inside the cathedral.
Saint Canice's Cathedral is home to a collection of high crosses, some of which date back to the early Christian period. These crosses are intricately decorated with biblical scenes and Celtic designs and provide insight into Ireland's early Christian heritage.
Today, Saint Canice's Cathedral continues to play a vital role in Kilkenny's cultural and community life. It hosts various events, concerts, and exhibitions that celebrate both its religious heritage and the broader cultural history of the region.
The cathedral is a splendid example of Gothic architecture, characterized by its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and large stained glass windows. The exterior is adorned with ornate stone carvings and intricate details that showcase the craftsmanship of the time.
One of the most distinctive features of Saint Canice's Cathedral is its round tower, which stands adjacent to the main building. This well-preserved medieval tower is over 100 feet tall and was used as a place of refuge and as a lookout point for the local community during times of attack.
The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with a soaring nave, elegant stone pillars, and stunning stained glass windows that depict biblical scenes and saints. The carved wooden choir stalls and the ornate pulpit are notable examples of craftsmanship inside the cathedral.
Saint Canice's Cathedral is home to a collection of high crosses, some of which date back to the early Christian period. These crosses are intricately decorated with biblical scenes and Celtic designs and provide insight into Ireland's early Christian heritage.
Today, Saint Canice's Cathedral continues to play a vital role in Kilkenny's cultural and community life. It hosts various events, concerts, and exhibitions that celebrate both its religious heritage and the broader cultural history of the region.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kilkenny. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
St. Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower on Map
Sight Name: St. Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower
Sight Location: Kilkenny, Ireland (See walking tours in Kilkenny)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Kilkenny, Ireland (See walking tours in Kilkenny)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Kilkenny, Ireland
Create Your Own Walk in Kilkenny
Creating your own self-guided walk in Kilkenny is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Kilkenny Introduction Walking Tour
Situated some 90 minutes away from busy Dublin, the sleepy town of Kilkenny rests gracefully along the banks of the River Nore in the southeastern part of Ireland, exuding an ambiance of old-world charm.
The town's name is the anglicized version of the Irish "Cill Chainnigh," which means "Church of Canice." It pays homage to Saint Canice, an Ulsterman, a revered figure... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The town's name is the anglicized version of the Irish "Cill Chainnigh," which means "Church of Canice." It pays homage to Saint Canice, an Ulsterman, a revered figure... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles