St Canice's Cathedral

Lonely Planet review

Ireland's second-largest medieval cathedral is a magnificent edifice in Gothic style. Legend has it the first monastery was built here in the 6th century by St Canice, Kilkenny's patron saint. Records show a wooden church on the site burned down in 1087. The existing structure was raised between 1202 and 1285. In 1650, Cromwell's forces defaced the church.

The church has a long and fascinating history, including a series of catastrophes and resurrections. The first disaster, the collapse of the church tower in 1332, was the consequence of one of the city's more intriguing events. Dame Alice Kyteler was convicted of witchcraft along with her maid. William Outlawe, Dame Alice's nephew, was also implicated. The unfortunate maid was burned at the stake, but Dame Alice escaped to London and William spared himself by offering to re-roof part of St Canice's Cathedral with lead tiles. Town officials unwisely took him up on the offer and the new roof proved too heavy, bringing the church tower down with it.

Outside the cathedral, a 30m-high round tower rises amid an odd array of ancient tombstones and is the oldest structure within the grounds. Climb to the top and admire a fine view.