Kilkenny County Council, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, is delighted to announce the signing of a major contract with local company, Duggan Lynch Ltd., for the development of Kilkenny’s newest tourism attraction. Following an investment of €4.5 million from Fáilte Ireland, this exciting project will enhance the cultural and historical offering of the City, attracting more visitors, both national and international, boosting the local economy. The “Museum of Medieval Kilkenny” will see a total investment of €8 million and provides for the unification of The Tholsel and the Medieval Mile Museum (formerly St. Mary’s Church). The overall objective of this project is to develop an offering that will become one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions.
The focus of this contract will centre on The Tholsel building and includes internal and external enhancement works along with the introduction of a lift for improved accessibility. The building, when works are complete, will continue to act as the seat of local Government in the City, with some parts of the building converted for use as a visitor attraction including the basement.
This new Medieval Kilkenny Experience will add significantly to the tourism offering of Kilkenny and is ideally positioned at the centre of the Medieval Mile in the heart of the City. The offering proposed will be presented in a fun and interactive manner in a fact-based horrible history experience, themed around “The Rich, The Poor, The Rouges and The Righteous”. Where visitors will discover the darker side of medieval Kilkenny. They will meet the world’s most famous knight, powerful mayors and wealthy medieval merchants.
The contract was signed today at a ceremony attended by representatives from Kilkenny County Council, project partners Fáilte Ireland, project consultants K-Design Studios and contractors Duggan Lynch Ltd. The completed project will showcase Kilkenny’s rich heritage and provide a unique family friendly fun experience for tourists and residents alike.
Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Michael McCarthy, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We are thrilled to sign this contract with Duggan Lynch Ltd., I look forward to seeing this new attraction come to life over the next few years. This initiative reflects our commitment to preserving and promoting Kilkenny’s history and historic buildings while creating new opportunities for tourism and local businesses.”
Cllr. Andrew McGuinness, Mayor of Kilkenny City, also expressed his delight noting “the interventions proposed to The Tholsel building, which is much loved by the people of Kilkenny, will help safeguard it long into the future. The delivery of such an ambitious project will help copper-fasten Kilkenny City’s reputation as one of the countries top tourist destinations, bringing greater economic opportunities and dividends for its citizens,” adding “while also protecting and enhancing what many consider the centre of local democracy in Kilkenny City.”
Michael Duggan of Duggan Lynch Ltd., also shared their excitement: “We are honoured to work with Kilkenny County Council on this significant project. Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality end product that will celebrate the unique character of Kilkenny and contribute to the community’s vibrancy.”
Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council, Lar Power, noted “This is an exciting time for Kilkenny and thanked Fáilte Ireland for their continued support in not just this project but in the Kilkenny Brand and in acknowledging the importance of Kilkenny as a destination to the south east region and to the wider Ireland’s Ancient East”
Head of Attractions at Fáilte Ireland, Mary Stack said: “Today marks the beginning of the journey in developing a fantastic new visitor attraction that will strengthen the tourism offering in Co. Kilkenny. Kilkenny is an important part of Ireland’s Ancient East with its rich culture and unique medieval heritage. The Museum of Medieval Kilkenny is a priority project in Fáilte Ireland’s five-year Destination and Experience Development Plan for Kilkenny, which was launched last year to help transform tourism across the region. We’re pleased to see significant strides being made with this project and look forward to seeing it come to life for visitors.”
