Pop-up Medieval village brings Easter surprises and delights to Kilkenny

Visitors to Kilkenny City who ventured down to the new Medieval Mile Museum on Easter Monday must have thought they had wandered into some sort of time loop.

In the grounds of the state-of-the art attraction, a Medieval village had apparently sprung up overnight, complete with period tents furnished with authentic ancient utensils and belongings. Knights, monks, and merchants strolled about leisurely.

Under supervision, local children were able to heft swords and weaponry, and don helmets and chainmail. They also had a chance to speak to the knowledgeable craftspeople about their daily life, as they demonstrated skills including leatherwork, coin striking, weaving, arrow making and fletching.

The event was part of Cruinniú na Cásca — a new family-friendly Easter festival, which took place around Ireland. It was a Creative Ireland initiative, in partnership with local authorities. The council also partnered with Kilkenny Civic Trust to host the free event.

Chief executive Colette Byrne said it was very fitting that Kilkenny’s newest cultural attraction, the Medieval Mile Museum, was the venue for Cruinniú na Cásca.