St Canice's Cathedral

St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower are steeped in history. In the 6th century, Saint Cainnech built a church here, giving Kilkenny City its name, Cill Chainnigh, meaning Church of Cainnech. The imposing round tower, erected in 1111, is the only structure remaining of the site’s monastic settlement. When the Anglo-Norman settlers arrived, they constructed St Canice’s Cathedral and its Close in the 13th century. Still standing today, its medieval fabric remains largely intact, making it a truly special site in Ireland.

Tandem’s task was to enhance interpretation around the site and improve the visitor experience by connecting with the cathedral’s indoor interpretation. We first conducted research on the round tower, the Close and its building to identify unique stories. We developed a graphic language for interpretation inspired by the cathedral’s architecture that was appropriate for its setting, remaining cognisant that the area was a ‘working Close’.

Installing interpretation inside the medieval round tower provided a welcome challenge. Visitors who climb the tower’s internal ladders are rewarded with spectacular views over Kilkenny City. To preserve the tower’s interior, we designed graphics that could be fitted to its wooden ladders. Placed incrementally on its steps, they deliver interesting facts on the round tower and offer encouragement as visitors ascend its 121 steps.

Outside of the round tower, we installed a height guide that featured St Canice’s child-friendly mascots Milo and Rua and an interpretive panel on the tower. This ensured visitors unable to climb the round tower would obtain similar information.

We remained cognisant that the area was a working Cathedral Close and sensitively designed interpretation appropriate for the site.