Kyteler's Inn, Kilkenny

Kyteler's Inn is the oldest inn in town and a pretty cool looking building but what makes it interesting is the story of Dame Alice Kyteler who, after the death of her fourth wealthy husband, was suspected of poisoning all four of them. She was then charged with witchcraft and seeing as she somehow managed to escape from prison before she could be burned at the stake, it may be that she really was a witch. She is said to have escaped to England and was never seen again.

Her maid, Petronilla de Meath, apparently didn't learn enough from her mistress, she became the first heretic to be burned at the stake in 1324.

kilkenny is famous for it's over 80 pubs in the town limits. people from as far away as dublin come to kilkenny on weekends to take in kilkenny's pubs and bars. pictured is kilkenny's most famous pub, kyteler's inn. kyteler's was founded in 1324 by dame alice le kyteler. kyteler was born in kilkenny in 1263 and was married four times. through these marriages she acqured a considerable fortune. because of her immense wealth her enemies conspired to accuse her of witchcraft and she was burned at the stake. located in the center of kilkenny kytelers is a great place to begin a pub crawl.

I actually came in here without knowing the history. A woman named Alice Kyteler was born in Kytler House. Long story short, she was married 4 times all 4 of her husbands died within the first year of marriage. She was captured and imprisoned and Kilkenny castle but managed to escaped and was thought to be known as a witch. It's supposed to be haunted by her but nothing happened while I was there ;-)

Nice pub with mostly locals but quite a few American tourist as well who left fairly early. There were 2 men who playing instruments and singing, they did an amazing job while the local women did the Irish dance and sang along.

Pronounced "kitlers," this pub has a fascinating history & is very roomy, with a great atmosphere & menu. I loved it. Don't miss it!!

I ate dinner here, by a fireplace, which I appreciated since it was cold outside. I also went to a cat laughs show here. You can see the lineup on the photo's sign. The 2 locals in front enjoyed getting their picture taken!

The Kytelers Inn dates back to 1324, when Dame Alice Kyteler, a Banker-Money Lender, Brothel Keeper and Black Witch first established business on this medieval site. Dame Alice Kyteler was accused of being a witch and sent to the dungeons beneath Kilkenny Castle. But by the political power of the Chancellor of all Ireland, her former brother-in-law Roger Outlawe, her escape was organised. Her guards were beaten senseless and Dame Alice was released from the dungeons and freed from the sentence of death that hung over her. Instead Alice Kyteler's servant, Petronella, was burned at the stake for witchcraft in 1324...