Exciting lineup for Culture Night 2025 at St Canice's Cathedral in Kilkenny
Cathedral will open late to welcome visitors for an evening of heritage, discovery, creativity, and activities
St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower has unveiled a full programme of events for Culture Night 2025, taking place on Friday, September 19.
The cathedral will open late to welcome visitors for an evening of heritage, discovery, and creativity, with activities designed to engage audiences of all ages.
In addition to extended evening access to the cathedral and round tower, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the cathedral’s history and view the exhibition of The Red Book of Ossory.
The programme highlights for the evening will include a fun filled drop-in workshop for families between 5pm and 7pm, Colours of the Cathedral. Participants will work with artist Ellie Cullen to create their own vibrant watercolour and oil resistant pieces of art.
This hands-on workshop will look at the St Canice’s Cathedrals beautiful stained glass windows and use them as inspiration.
A drop-in sketching session will take place between 5pm and 7pm with local artist Jade Butler. Visitors can take the opportunity to sketch the beautiful architecture, effigy tombs and stained glass windows that decorate the cathedral.
Jade will be on-hand to guide participants with tips and techniques. For those curious about the history of the stained glass windows a tour will take place at 6pm. This in-depth tour, will lead visitors to view a selection of these windows, focusing on the Christian symbolism and iconography, as well as the beautiful craftsmanship.
At 7.30pm, there will be a tour of St Canice’s Cathedral bell tower, with one of the knowledgeable bell-ringers. The tour will allow visitors to experience the Bell Tower Room in the heart of St Canice’s Cathedral. Climb the medieval staircases to reach the tower and continue upwards to the roof of the cathedral for a glimpse of the breath-taking views of Kilkenny as you step into the bell chamber.
This tour includes the fascinating history of the bells of St. Canice’s Cathedral and an opportunity to see a demonstration of the bell ringing. Places are limited for this tour, visit our website to secure a place.
To end the evening of culture at St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower, join an experienced member of the team to explore Ireland’s Memorial Records 1914 -1918. Discover the history and names recorded in these precious records and learn more about genealogy, lineage and the tracing of ancestors. Finally, experience the panoramic views at night of Kilkenny from the top of the Round Tower!
For further information, please visit stcanicescathedral.ie or follow on Instagram and Facebook for updates. Capacity for guided tours is limited; booking is advisable.