The key info on The Tholsel project as Kilkenny people get first glimpse
The Tholsel building in Kilkenny is undergoing a major restoration project ahead of its re-opening for St Patrick's Day 2027, with the iconic roof now fully restored and the basement made fully accessible for the first time in its history.
The temporary construction hoardings have been removed from The Tholsel (Town Hall) in Kilkenny City as work continues to advance on the new Museum of Medieval Kilkenny.
The Museum of Medieval Kilkenny, scheduled to open in spring 2027, will bring together a collection of historic buildings and spaces to tell the story of the people who shaped medieval Kilkenny.
Rather than focusing only on dates and architecture, the museum will place real lives at the centre of the experience, revealing the hopes, fears and everyday realities of those who lived here centuries ago.
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 building.
As part of the project, the museum will unite with the Medieval Mile Museum (formerly St Mary’s Church).
The iconic Tholsel roof has now been completely restored, with work also including 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.