Explore Ireland’s city of stories with the Medieval Kilkenny Tour audio guide

Welcome to Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s most historic cities where you can encounter a story around every corner. The streets of the city retain much of their medieval charm and every year people flock to see the castle and cathedrals and to enjoy the warm hospitality and vibrant cultural scene that the city is renowned for. Our audio guide will help you to discover all the highlights of the city, while introducing you to some of the many tales that make Kilkenny such a special place.

The story of Kilkenny begins all the way back in the 6th century, when a monastery was founded by St. Canice (where St Canice’s Cathedral stands today). It is from this ancient saint that the city takes its name – Cill Chainnigh – the ‘Church of Canice’. Kilkenny developed through the centuries, from an ancient monastery and royal seat of the Mac Giolla Phádraig Kings of Ossory, to the base of William Marshal, one of the most powerful medieval magnates of the 13th century and the home of the wealthy Butler family, Earls of Ormonde. The city has had its hard times too, the Black Death cast its shadow over Kilkenny, it faced dire threat while under siege by Oliver Cromwell’s army, and like much of Ireland it suffered tragedy and torment through the dark days of the Famine. We will hear all of these stories on our tour.

But for all its weighty history, Kilkenny doesn’t take itself too seriously, this is a place where craic is as important as culture – a place renowned for fun comedy festivals, a city proud of its vibrant music and arts scene, a city of creative industry, culinary class and sporting heroes. Get under the skin of this storied city and join us on our tour!

The Medieval Kilkenny Tour Audio Guide

This audio guide was produced by Abarta Heritage, on behalf of Kilkenny County Council. The story was written by Neil Jackman and Tara Clarke, narrated by Gerry O’Brien, and recorded at Bluebird Studios with sound engineer Declan Lonergan and producer Róisín Burke.