Expected date revealed for the opening of The Tholsel in Kilkenny City
An estimated nine months of works remain on the historic Kilkenny City building
Elected representatives at June’s sitting of the Kilkenny City Municipal District were told it’s hoped the site will be open for St Patrick’s Day 2027.
In 2025, Kilkenny County Council, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, signed a major contract with local company Duggan Lynch Ltd for the restoration and enhancement of the Tholsel building.
As part of the project, the newly established “Museum of Medieval Kilkenny” will see the unification of The Tholsel and the Medieval Mile Museum (formerly St Mary’s Church).
According to Senior Engineer with Kilkenny County Council, Frank Stafford, “works are progressing well across all levels of the building,” despite “some surprising issues.”
The iconic Tholsel roof has now been completely restored. This work also included the installation of conservation roof lights and the replacement of the clock tower guardrail.
Meanwhile, the new stairwell and lift shaft are now also complete, connecting the basement all the way up to the fourth floor. For the first time in its history, the basement can now be accessed with ease, and the whole building will be fully accessible.
The rear of the building will probably see the biggest transformation, with the rear elevation of the building returning to its 1829 form.
The modern flat roof extension has been taken down and rebuilt to its original A-shape form. The latter is currently being covered with an eye-catching copper cladding, which will, in time, age to match the copper clock tower.
Timber sash windows to the rear of the building have been installed, while repair works to the vaulted ceilings and walls within the basement are progressing, and the original floor flags have been lifted and relayed to allow for the installation of underfloor heating and services.
As part of the wider Museum of Medieval Kilkenny project, contracts will be signed later this month for an exhibition space within The Tholsel and St Mary’s.
Also, having obtained planning in April, a works tender will issue at the end of the summer for the St Mary’s Laneway and Church Outdoor Space Enhancement Scheme. This element of the project includes the renewal of pavement, including drainage systems, boundary treatments, street furniture and public lighting.
This proposal also includes the provision of a serviced café kiosk within the grounds of St Mary’s Church.