National Heritage Week 2025 at the Medieval Mile Museum, Kilkenny – Exploring Our Foundations!
This August, step into the stories that built us. From ancient stones to enduring traditions, National Heritage Week invites everyone to connect with the people, places, and legacies that shaped Kilkenny. Join the Medieval Mile Museum as it honours the past, celebrates the present, and explores the roots beneath our feet.
Special Exhibition: Celebrating 250 Years Since Daniel O’Connell’s Birth.
Join us to celebrate 250 years since the birth of Daniel O’Connell with rare artefacts and inspiring talks that bring his remarkable story to life. This special one-night-only exhibition and series of engaging talks will explore the political landscape of his era, the reformist ideals he championed, and the legacy he left behind. On display there will be the Club 82 Uniform, kindly donated by Patrick Colgan, along with the Sash and Stole on loan from Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny Library.
Guest Speakers:
Jim Ryan – Author of ‘The History of Windgap’
Dr. Gerry O’Keefe – Renowned Kilkenny Historian
Larry Scallan – Military heritage historian involved in the set-up of Kilkenny’s Military Barracks Museum.
Date: 15th August
Time: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Admission: FREE but booking is required.
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Story Time at the Museum
Start your family’s day with a sprinkle of medieval magic! Join us at the Medieval Mile Museum for a short, enchanting 30-minute storytelling session full of local legends, quirky tales, and Kilkenny myths. Perfect for sparking young imaginations and connecting children with Kilkenny’s rich heritage, all inside the historic museum walls.
Date: 20th, 21st & 22nd August 2025
Time: 9:45 AM – 10:30 AM
Admission: Free, but booking is required.
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LEGO Heritage Hunt at Medieval Mile Museum!
Discover Kilkenny’s medieval secrets one tiny brick at a time. Mini LEGO figures are hidden throughout the museum, each linked to real pieces of local history. With a fun activity sheet, young explorers will dive into stories of knights, kings, and curious customs. Perfect for families, history fans, and little adventurers! No booking needed, just turn up and get hunting!
Date: 20th, 21st & 22nd August 2025
Time: 09:45 to 16:45
Admission: Kids go free.
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Lunchtime Guided Tombstone Tours at St. Mary’s Graveyard
Take a reflective lunchtime wander through Kilkenny’s past with guided tombstone tours led by expert museum guides. These free 45-minute tours explore the remarkable artistry, symbolism, and personal histories etched on St. Mary’s historic graveyard tombstones. A reflective and eye-opening look at Kilkenny’s built heritage, etched in stone.
Visitors will uncover:
- The architectural styles of grave markers from medieval to modern
- Stories of prominent Kilkenny families buried onsite
- Religious and cultural shifts seen through burial practices
- The craftsmanship and iconography of local stonemasons
Dates: 20th, 21st & 22nd August 2025
Time: 13:00 – 13:45
Admission: Free, but booking is required.
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For bookings or more information contact:
056 781 7022 or email info@medievalmilemuseum.ie
All events requiring booking must be reserved in advance. Admission is subject to availability and is free unless otherwise stated. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Visit Medievalmilemuseum.ie for more information.