Page 86 - The Drivers Guide 2019

The Driver's Guide
ST CANICE’S CATHEDRAL
JN 8 (N10) TOWARDS KILKENNY
13 min from exit
Built between 1202 and 1285, St Canice’s Cathedral, also known as Kilkenny Cathedral, has been preserved in its original style and form. Worship has taken place here for over 800 years. See the wonderful stained glass and the large collection of ancient monuments. Beside the cathedral stands St Canice’s round tower, a well- preserved 100ft ninth century ‘Celtic Christian’ round tower. Dedicated to St Canice, it is one of only two such medieval round towers in Ireland that can be climbed to the top. It offers a stunning view of Kilkenny and the surrounding area (weather permitting).
ROTHE HOUSE
JN 8 (N10) TOWARDS KILKENNY
12 min from exit
Rothe House is an early 17th century merchant’s home built in 1594 and 1610, by a wealthy Kilkenny merchant, John Rothe Fitzpiers. Consisting of three separate townhouses, three enclosed courtyards and a newly restored garden to the rear, the house and garden are privately owned by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society and are open to the public throughout the year. Rothe House is also home to the society’s vast collection of artefacts relating to life in Kilkenny, as well as its library.
MEDIEVAL MILE MUSEUM
JN 8 (N10) TOWARDS KILKENNY
11 min from exit
Located on the 13th century site of St Mary’s cruciform church and graveyard (considered to be the finest example of a medieval church in Ireland), The Medieval Mile Museum boasts an immense treasure trove of artefacts encompassing the work and lives of Ireland and its people across more than 800 years of history. Following a five-year excavation and renovation, highlights include Ireland’s largest collection of Renaissance tombs, the incredibly ornate Rothe Chapel (resting place of the medieval merchant Rothe family); St Mary’s external graveyard- where only the wealthiest could be buried- and its abundance of medieval masterpieces; the stories of the multiple pauper
graves discovered outside the church walls and the High Cross casts- reaching over 4 metres high that were originally commissioned by the High Kings of Ossory. The tour ends on a high note in the Kilkenny Room with its unique collection of ancient papers and civic records dating back to the 1200s. The Kilkenny Room also houses the pure silver Civic Sword and Mace, dating back to 1609 and the historically significant “Liber primus Kilkenniensis,” dating back to 1231 which stands as one of the most important records of medieval town life in Ireland.
BUTLER HOUSE
JN 8 (N10) TOWARDS KILKENNY
11 min from exit
Dating back to 1786, Butler House is a Georgian heritage manor house, located in the heart of Ireland’s medieval capital, Kilkenny City, within Ireland’s Ancient East. Originally built for Lady Eleanor Butler, following the death of her husband Walter Butler in 1783, Butler House is located beside Kilkenny’s iconic craft centre in Castle Yard on the original grounds of Kilkenny Castle. Overlooking more than an acre of manicured gardens, maintained in their original, Georgian splendour; Butler House is a jewel of historic luxury within Kilkenny City’s vibrant cobble stoned streets. Now fully restored, Butler House boasts original stuccato and vaulted ceilings, Georgian sash windows, diverse marble fireplaces (including Kilkenny’s renowned black marble), an eminent modern art collection, fourteen beautifully appointed bedrooms, a
sun- drenched tearoom, four private suites for dining and meetings and the eclectically styled Butlers’ Pantry, located in the original house basement.
BLACK ABBEY
JN 8 (N10) TOWARDS KILKENNY
12 min from exit
The Dominican Black Abbey in Kilkenny was founded in 1225 by William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke. Today, visitors can view the buildings, which date from the 13th to the 16th century. The church has since been beautifully restored to its original splendour with a spectacular coloured stained glass window. Among the other highlights are sepulchral slabs, stone carvings and sculptures, including a unique figure of the Blessed Trinity
and the only known surviving statue of St Dominic in Ireland.
DUNMORE CAVE
JN 8 (N10) TOWARDS KILKENNY
20 min from exit
History and geology blend at Dunmore Cave, providing an interesting and unique insight into this landmark. Consisting of a series of chambers formed over millions of years, the cave contains some of the finest calcite formations found in any Irish cave. First mentioned in the 9th century Irish Triads, the most interesting reference however, comes from the Annals which tells of a Viking massacre at the cave in the year 928 AD. Archaeological finds within the cave confirm Viking activity.
KELLS PRIORY
JN 9 (R713) TOWARDS STONEYFORD
8 min from exit
Not to be confused with the more famous Kells Monastery in Meath, the 13th century priory of Kells is situated alongside King’s River beside the village of Kells, about 15km south of Kilkenny City. A collection of medieval tower houses spaced along and within the walls enclose a site of just over three acres, giving the priory the appearance more of a fortress than of a place of worship. Hence, its local name of ‘Seven Castles of Kells’.
JERPOINT ABBEY
JN 9 (R713) TOWARDS STONEYFORD
10 min from exit
Jerpoint Abbey is a ruined Cistercian abbey, founded in the second half of the 12th century. Today, with many details preserved, the site offers a unique glimpse into the life of the Cistercian monks who once inhabited it.
The tower and cloister date from the 15th century. The principal attraction of the Abbey is the sculptured cloister arcade with unique carvings; the most ornate of any religious building in Ireland. Guests can visit the Romanesque church and see tombs from the 13th to 16th centuries, among them the final resting place of the abbey’s first abbot, Felix O’Dulany.
84 IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST