One of Kilkenny’s most famous medieval buildings to get modern makeover

By COLIN BARTLEY

COUNCILLORS have approved a plan that will see the Tholsel (Town Hall), one of Kilkenny city’s most famous medieval buildings, undergo a modern makeover.

At a meeting of Kilkenny County Council this week, the newly elected councillors approved proposals for the renovation and restructuring of the Tholsel building on High Street.

The council says the proposed development will open a new chapter in the history of this iconic building, which has stood on the current High Street site since 1578.

The proposed development will see the civic function of the building, as the seat of Local Government in the City, retained and enhanced, while the creation of a visitor exhibition displaying the city’s archive and history of Kilkenny’s mayors, opens the building to the public.

The Mayor’s Parlour will be reinstated back to its former glory with the reintroduction of the parlour windows, removed during renovation works in the 1950’s.

A new reception area is proposed at ground floor level for the civic function of the building. A new stairs and lift will be added opening the building to mobility impaired visitors.

Visitor will be able to access the vaulted brick-lined basement for the first time and limited public access will be provided to the clock tower or cupola offering unique views over the city skyline.

An application will now be made to Fáilte Ireland for funding for the proposed development through the Grant Scheme for Large Tourism Projects.