St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower

St. Canice’s Cathedral, named after a sixth-century Irish abbot and preacher, stands on the site of an ancient church in Kilkenny, once the main settlement of the Kingdom of Ossary. Completed in 1285, this Gothic cathedral is Ireland’s second-largest and a significant landmark in the historic city. Built from limestone, the cathedral features rose windows and slender spires, with its interior illuminated by stained-glass windows that cast a warm glow on the patterned marble floors. Inside, visitors can explore unique 17th-century tomb chests, the reputed stone throne of St. Kieran, and the Great War Memorial List, which honors Irishmen who died in World War I. Adjacent to the cathedral, a ninth-century round tower, standing at 98.5 feet (30 meters), offers panoramic views of the medieval city center from its steep internal stairway.