The Red Book is back in Kilkenny!

The Red Book Of Ossory has returned to St. Canice's Cathedral!

Tá Leabhar Dearg Osraí ar ais san Ardeaglais Naomh Cainneach

Leabhar Dearg Osraí - the 700-year-old artefact is the centrepiece of a new exhibition and on public display for the first time.

The Red Book of Ossory is celebrated internationally as an important historical artefact. It contains the earliest known mention of Aqua Vitae in Ireland. Translating directly as The Water Of Life, the book contains recipes for the distilled spirit, which was used for medicinal purposes in the 1300s as the plague swept Europe.

On Friday July 26th 2024 we were privileged to witness the return of The Red Book to Kilkenny and to St. Canice's Cathedral.

This is something we have worked to achieve since we began back in 2016 and we would especially like to thank Dr Susan Hood, Stephen Farrell and Anne Marie Hallinan for everything they have done to make this happen.

Irish Whiskey enthusiasts and international visitors can now start their Irish Whiskey Pilgrimage with a visit to Kilkenny to witness where it all started 700 years ago!

Left to Right: Stephen Farrell (Dean of Ossory), Cyril Briscoe (Kilkenny Whiskey Guild), JD Flynn (Kyteler's Inn), Anne Marie Hallinan (St. Canice's Cathedral), Eddie Langton (Langton's Hotel), Jim Rafferty (Dylan Whisky Bar), Pat Crotty (Vintners Federation of Ireland)

The Red Book Of Ossory is now on public display in a special exhibition at St. Canice's Cathedral, and viewing is included in the standard St. Canice's tour. You can book here => www.stcanicescathedral.ie/red-book-of-ossory We look forward to welcoming you to Kilkenny.

KWG