Saturday, February 28, 2026

St Canice's Cathedral

The present building dates back to 1202-1285 and has long been associated with the town. The name Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh) literally means “Church of Canice”. The medieval effigy tombs here are some of the finest surviving medieval funerary monuments in Ireland. 




The tower is the oldest building in Kilkenny dating back to 1111



We did not fancy climbing to the top of the tower



Tomb slab



Effigy tomb of James Schorthals (died 1534)



A life size figure of the dead person lying on top the tomb



The six figures at the bottom are known as tomb weepers





Sir John Grace (died 1552)













Bishop de Ledrede
He brought Alice Kyteler to trial for witchcraft



Piers Butler (died 1539) and wife



Effigy tombs of husband and wife are very common



The wife wearing a two-horned head dress



James Butler (died 1546)



John Grace and Honorina Brenach





John Butler (died 1854)



It was made 300 years later than the rest and certainly more intricate



Richard Butler died 1571











Elicia Butler dressed as a nun



Honorina Grace (died 1596)







A new stone seat to commemorate an anniversary of St Canice





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