Medieval Mile Museum, Kilkenny

St. Mary's Hall, originally St. Mary's Church, stands as a testament to Kilkenny's medieval heritage. Founded in the 13th century, this cruciform stone structure with a later tower at its western end served as the parish church of the city. The building, now transformed into St. Mary's Hall, bears witness to a complex history. Originally featuring depth and complexity in its monuments and nave aisles, subsequent alterations, including the removal of aisles and the demolition of the chancel, shaped its evolving form. The graveyard, recently opened as a public garden, surrounds the church, hosting significant tombs and monuments from various eras. St. Mary's Church, marked by a distinctive spire, once served as a vital reference point for Kilkenny during the Ordnance Survey.

Architect William Robertson, a Kilkenny native, conducted renovations on the tower and other sections between 1819 and 1826, leaving his mark on the city's architectural history. The churchyard holds the graves of notable figures, including the Rothe and Archer families from Rothe House.

Today, St. Mary's Hall houses a museum, with its rich history and architectural elements contributing to the cultural tapestry of Kilkenny. Notably, the discovery of skeletons in 2016, showcased in the museum, adds another layer to the site's historical significance. The Medieval Mile Museum showcases a remarkable collection of Kilkenny's exquisite stone art, spanning from Neolithic Ireland to the medieval period and beyond. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Kilkenny by perusing unique records dating back to the 1200s, providing a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the city during that era.