Kilkenny: Haunted Walking Tour & Medieval Mile Ghost Stories

Summary

Walk Kilkenny’s shadowy streets hear ghost stories & old curses

You’ll walk Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile after dark with a local guide who brings centuries of ghost stories to life—witch trials at Kyteler’s Inn, eerie legends at Shee Alms House, and silent moments near Grace’s Castle. Expect laughter mixed with chills as you explore hidden lanes and learn why these tales still linger in Ireland’s medieval city.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the echo—our footsteps under the wooden arch at Kilkenny Castle sounded way too loud for a group of eight. Our guide, Tomás, had this habit of pausing mid-sentence, letting the hush settle before he’d start in again with some story about witches or highwaymen. The air smelled like rain on old stone (which I guess is just Ireland in general), but it made every shadow feel heavier. We set off down the Medieval Mile, past windows that looked like they hadn’t been opened in centuries.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a haunted tour. Tomás pointed out Shee Alms House and told us about its ghosts, but then joked that if we saw one tonight, we should charge it rent. At St Mary’s Church, he got quiet—he said Cromwell’s siege left “marks you can’t scrub out.” For a second I thought I heard singing from inside but maybe it was just wind through the door. My friend tried to pronounce “Kyteler” at Kyteler’s Inn and Li laughed so hard she nearly dropped her phone; apparently Dame Alice Kyteler was Ireland’s most famous accused witch (and honestly? Her story is wild).

We squeezed down St Mary’s Lane where Tomás talked about plague superstition and people leaving bread out for spirits—he said his grandmother still does it sometimes. There was this moment near Grace’s Castle where everyone went quiet except for some far-off pub music drifting over the rooftops. It felt like the city was listening too, if that makes sense. The whole haunted dark tour made Kilkenny feel less like a postcard and more like somewhere real people lived and died and whispered secrets to each other.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kilkenny Haunted Dark Walking Tour

• Meet at Kilkenny Castle entrance
• Hear dark tales at Kilkenny Castle
• Visit Shee Alms House legends
• Explore Medieval Mile Museum stories
• Walk through St Mary’s Lane
• Learn about witch trials at Kyteler’s Inn
• Discover Grace’s Castle history
• Hear Bishop Ledrede’s Curse story
• Listen to tales at James’ Gate

Top questions

Where does the Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tour start?

The tour starts at the main entrance of Kilkenny Castle.

How long is the walking route for this haunted tour?

The route follows Kilkenny's Medieval Mile, stopping at several historic sites along the way.

Is this haunted tour suitable for families?

Yes, it's family friendly and suitable for all fitness levels.

Are private group bookings available?

Yes, private group bookings are available for 6 people or more upon request.

Does the tour include stories about Kilkenny witch trials?

Yes, you'll hear about Dame Alice Kyteler and Ireland's infamous witch trials at Kyteler's Inn.

What should I wear or bring on this haunted walking tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring rain gear; there may be some steep steps.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is public transportation nearby the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Kilkenny Castle.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided walk through Kilkenny along the Medieval Mile with stops at legendary sites like Shee Alms House, St Mary’s Church, Kyteler’s Inn, Grace’s Castle and more—all led by a local storyteller who shares tales of ghosts and history as you go.