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Welcome to St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower

The Red Book of Ossory on public display for the first time

Visitor Information

Whether you’re planning a family day out or a trip with your school, you won’t be short of things to see and do at the Cathedral. Take a look at our events section to see a list of upcoming services, special performances, talks, workshops and more.

  • May-September

    Mon-Sat: 9am - 6pm

    Sun: 1pm - 6pm

    October-April

    Mon-Sat: 10am - 5pm

    Sun: Closed

    LAST ADMISSION 30mins BEFORE CLOSING

  • It's free to worship at the Cathedral, but sightseeing is ticketed. The cost of entry starts at just €6.50 per person.

    Visit our page on ticket types and prices for more information.

  • Sightseeing tickets can be booked online or in person.

  • The address of the Cathedral is:

    Saint Canice’s Cathedral

    The Close, Coach Road,

    Kilkenny City, R95 V63H, Ireland

    Click to view us on Google Maps.

Tickets

Visit Saint Canice’s Cathedral and immerse yourself in a place of history and worship.

Experience St Canice’s

St Canice’s Cathedral has been an important site of Christian worship since the 6th Century. For both pilgrim and tourist alike, the Cathedral remains both a hallowed place, and one of significant historical interest. Additionally, St Canice's is the mother church of a bishopric which includes six dioceses and eight counties. It continues to be used as a place of prayer and pilgrimage by those who seek the challenge, comfort, and consolation of God.

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round tower
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kilkenny castle

  • Definitely one of the best attractions in the town of Kilkenny, great place to both have living worship as well as enjoy historical significance and architecture. The tower is a must see as it gives you an amazing view of the small town and former medieval settlement

    Alexander Romano- Google Review- June 23

  • Definitely a must see! St. Canice Cathedral has such a wealth of history and it would be such a shame not to learn about & experience it. From the tombs, history it has with the town (the famous Kyteler witch for example), the female hermits whom were locked away beside the alter, the beautiful architecture and stunning wooden roof to the people whom have graced the Cathedral for hundreds of years - this Cathedral holds a rich, deep and fascinating history. If your in Kilkenny, make sure you show your appreciation by visiting here!

    Corbett Fertip- Google Review- Jan 24

  • Well preserved cathedral with a printed guide to features.Great view from the top of the tower if you are prepared to climb the 126 steps. A great way to see the city of Kilkenny.

    Marazan- Trip Advisor Review- Mar 24

  • Astonishing medieval cathedral. The tombs and the other architectural details in the church are beautiful. A must see in Kilkenny!

    Fabrizio Romanelli- Google Review- Sept 23

  • Loved the timber ceiling. Husband and son got great views from the tower

    Catherine Gillespie- Google Review- May 24

  • We walked the medieval mile from Kilkenny castle to the Cathedral. Up a few steps and welcomed by the round tower, which you can go up to the top of for five euro's. Entrance to the Cathedral was also five euro's each and an informative guide leaflet is provided. Full of history, we enjoyed an informative visit, a lovely ancient Cathedral.

    Andydjp- Trip Advisor- May 24

  • If you have the rare opportunity to be in Kilkenny when a choir concert is scheduled at St. Canice, I'd highly recommend it. We had the great pleasure of enjoying a Wednesday evening choir concert highlighting the local choir as well as a high school choir from the USA. I've been to evensongs in the UK: St. Paul's and Westminster Abbey in London, York Minster, St. George's Chapel in Windsor; Wells, Ely, Exeter, and Chichester Cathedrals. As well as choir services at Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and Notre Dame in Paris and I can say St. Canice's ranks high on the list! It a heavenly way to experience the cathedral the way it was initially intended to be - a place to experience His presence.

    Lita L- Trip Advisor- May 24