Tholsel

As you stroll down High Street, Kilkenny, make sure to visit the Tholsel, a historic gem built in 1761 by Alderman William Colles. Originally intended for collecting tolls, it has since served as a customs house, courthouse, and guildhall. Today, it functions as the city hall, a name by which many locals know it. Admire the building's striking features: the open arcade on the ground floor, the copper-clad octagonal tower, the clock, and the tower's viewing platform. Don't miss the relief sculpture of the town coat of arms on the southern façade. The Tholsel's arcade is a traditional meeting spot and performance space for carol singers or buskers. During Kilkenny's annual Arts Week and Christmas season, it transforms into an exhibition space and houses the Christmas Crib. The Tholsel overcame a challenging moment in its history on September 20, 1985, when an electrical fault led to a devastating fire. Thankfully, 35 firemen and six fire engines extinguished the blaze, and the historic building was saved. Enjoy this important piece of Kilkenny's architectural and social history as you continue your self-guided tour of the city.