Worship

Worship

Worship at Saint Canice’s

St Canice’s Cathedral has been an important site of Christian worship since the 6th Century. For both pilgrims and tourists alike, the Cathedral remains a hallowed place. It continues to be used as a place of prayer and pilgrimage by those who seek the challenge, comfort, and consolation of God. Regular services are held in St Canice’s Cathedral, and all are welcome to participate.

Service Times

Sunday

8.00 AM Holy Communion (Traditional Language)
11.30 AM Holy Communion (Sung)
3.00 PM Choral Evensong (as advertised)

Wednesday

10.30 AM Holy Communion

Holy Days & Saints Days

10.30 AM Holy Communion

For Full Details of the music list, please click below.

Visit Us

Discover More About Us

seasons

Advent: St. Canice’s Cathedral Close is the best-preserved surviving medieval cathedral close in Ireland. The two most well-known buildings are the Cathedral and Round Tower, but a number of other buildings and monuments also make up this historic site. Keep reading below to find out more.

Christmastide: Christmastide begins with a celebration of Holy Communion by the bishop at midnight on Christmas Eve and extends until January 6th. It is a time of joy when we celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Our services often include familiar carols and music marking the birth of our Saviour.

Epiphanytide: From January 6th until February 2nd is the season of Epiphany. The Church reflects on the revelation of God in Jesus and amongst the events of Jesus life that we celebrate at this time are the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus, his baptism by John the Baptist and the Marriage at Cana.

Lent & Holy Week: Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a time of preparation, fasting and repentance. Christians recall Jesus time of trial in the desert. Our worship is often solemn and restrained with a quiet, intense beauty. At the end of Lent, Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday follows the events of Jesus as he enters Jerusalem to be tried and crucified.

St Canice’s Day: We keep October 11th as St Canice’s Day remembering the saint of the ancient Irish church to whom the Cathedral is dedicated. There is a service of Holy Communion and Choral Evensong attended by all the clergy of the Cathedral Chapter.

Pentecost: God’s gift to the Church of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (sometimes called Whitsunday) is the focus of our worship in this season. In the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in Jerusalem. It marks the beginning of the Church’s mission to share the love of Christ throughout the world.

All Saints’ Tide: All Saints’s Day (November 1st) ushers in a time of reflection and remembrance. We celebrate the calling of the Church to a life of holiness and give thanks for the Saints who have lived a life of faith.

A stone baptismal font inside a historic church with high arched ceilings. Wooden pews and stained glass windows are visible in the background, creating a serene atmosphere. A rope barrier surrounds the font.

In Baptism, Christians follow the example of Christ who was baptised in the river Jordan. It marks the beginning of our life as Christians and our being part of the family of the Church. In St Canice’s we baptise in our beautiful, ancient font reminding us that the community of Christ stretches across time.

Most people are baptised as infants, but baptism can take place at any time in our lives. After being baptised by having water poured over its head, being signed with the sign of the cross and being given a lighted candle to symbolise the new light in Christ, the candidates are welcomed into the family of the Church.

To learn more abour baptisms at the cathedral please feel free to get in touch.

A choir dressed in white and red robes performs in a dimly lit church, illuminated softly by numerous candles arranged around the altar and on either side. The setting is peaceful with a focus on the central altar and choir members.

At confirmation, those who have already been baptised confirm or reaffirm the promises that were made at their baptism. It is a public affirmation of faith made before the bishop who symbolises the wider Church. The Bishop prays for the candidates and lays hands upon them praying that they are strengthened and guided in the Holy Spirit.

To discuss baptism or confirmation at St Canice’s please contact us.

wedding at st canice

Nestled in the heart of Ireland, Kilkenny is a city that effortlessly blends history, charm, and a vibrant atmosphere.

St. Canice's Cathedral provides a truly enchanting setting for couples seeking a memorable wedding ceremony and is a renowned exclusive hire wedding venue in Kilkenny.

With its rich history, awe-inspiring architecture, and spiritual ambiance, the cathedral offers a grand and romantic atmosphere for exchanging vows.

As a sought-after wedding venue in Kilkenny, couples are captivated by it’s serenity and grandeur.

Surrounded by intricate stained glass windows and the soaring beauty of the interior, couples can create cherished memories as they embark on their journey of love and commitment in this unique wedding venue in Kilkenny.

A historic stone cathedral and round tower set within a graveyard under a clear blue sky. The cathedral has tall, arched windows and intricate architectural details. Several gravestones are visible in the foreground.

A Church of Ireland funeral marks the close of a human life on earth. It is the opportunity for friends and family to express their grief, to give thanks for the life which has now completed its journey in this world and to commend the person into God’s keeping.

The Christian community comes together at a funeral to express its grief, to celebrate a life and to express its hope and confidence in God’s love and mercy.

Funerals in the Church of Ireland are a time that is used to help family and close friends come to terms with the loss of someone dear. It is a time where mourners can share their grief and memories, but also to help support each other in their shared belief in eternal life.

To arrange a funeral please contact us.

cathedral bells

The bells of St Canice’s have been ringing over Kilkenny marking times of joy and sorrow since at least the 14th Century. Today our team of bellringers ring the bells on Sundays, feast days for weddings and for funerals. On New Year’s Eve, muffled bells ring out the old year and then the muffles are removed to ring in the New Year.

Inscriptions, cast onto the bells themselves, tell the story of the work that has been carried out over the centuries.

The medieval bells were stolen by Oliver Cromwell in 1650 but a new set or ‘ring’ of 6 bells was cast under the direction of Bishop John Parry in 1674 by Roger Purdue and William and Tobias Covey. We know that the total cost of this was £324, 4 s and 2 p. us.

The Kilkenny Union of Parishes
Priory Church

The Kilkenny Union of Parishes