Witchcraft, lectures, garden party and more as Kilkenny Archaeological Society unveils exciting 2024 programme

Consisting of eight lectures, four outings, a midsummer garden party, an outing to Cambrils in Spain and an conference on the medieval world of witchcraft, Kilkenny Archaeology Society has unveiled a programme for the year that has something for everyone.

A colourful programme has been circulated to all 500-plus members of the Society while copies of it are to be found in the branches of the county library, St Canice’s Cathedral, Kyteler’s Inn and a number of bookshops among other locations. All events are open to the public and most take place in Rothe House, on a Wednesday, beginning at 8pm

This year’s programme commences with a talk by retired Comdt Larry Scallan, who has devised and curated the barracks museum. Tales from James Stephen’s Barracks Walls, 1923 – 2023, takes place on January 17.
Jerpoint Abbey’s renowned cloisters are the topic of aFebruary 21 talk by the acknowledged authority on the topic, Christiaan Corlett.

March 20 sees a welcome return of Cóilín O Drisceoil, who has always proven a popular speaker. This year, he is exploring new revelations on death, burial and commemoration, based on his extensive excavations in St Mary’s church, now the Medieval Mile Museum.

Putting the Book of Pottlerath in Context is the title of the talk selected by Professor Pádraig O’Macháin. This remarkable publication has close associations with that district near Kilmanagh because in 1453 a copy of the Psalter of Cashel was transcribed here, commissioned by Richard Butler.

During the summer, the society switches from lectures to the outdoors. Events include an outing to Mount Melleray and Lismore, on Saturday, May 18 guided by Angela Moylan O Reilly and to the Hook and area, on July 13 where the guide is Pat Nolan.

Both events are separated by the greatly anticipated annual garden party, on June 15 in the restored gardens of Rothe House.
The summer continues with the Street Walk led by Seamus Brennan and this year featuring the Parade and Castle Road area.

The final outing, September 16 to 23 is the week-long visit to Spain’s Costa Dorado, based in the town of Cambrils which will be the base for excursions to a number of UNESCO sites.

The autumn series of lectures commences on September 11 with an evening event recalling two women of distinction with Kilkenny connections, the Marquise de la Tour du Pin and Elizabeth Butler, daughter of Black Tom, given by Máura Kenealy and Ann Murtagh respectively.

On October 16, Kilkenny born Con Manning will discuss James Fogarty of Tibberaghny’s reports on the Barony of Iverk in C 1850

The annual John Bradley Memorial conference on the weekend of November 1 and 2 is fittingly considering the Dame Alice Kyteler affair.

ALICE KYTELER
The date has been selected as it marks the 700th anniversary (to the day) on which her ‘handmaiden’ Petronella was cruelly burnt at the stake in Kilkenny, having being found ‘guilty by association’ with Dame Alice the supposed witch. A knowledgeable and distinguished panel will delve into many aspects of this, Ireland’s only example of a witch’s trial.

Finally, on November 20, the lecture programme will draw to a conclusion by hearing the presentation of Daniel O’ Mahony on the deserted town of Newtown Jerpoint and its hinterland.

Rothe House, the societies headquarters, dates back to 1594 and is perhaps the only intact surviving burgher’s plot in these islands. It is well worth a visit and is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10.30 to 5.00pm The societies famed library is open with, a helpful volunteer on duty on Tuesday (2.30 to 4.30) Wednesday (10.30 – 12.30) and Saturday (2.30 to 4.30).