Dame Alice Kyteler returns

THE streets of the city will be taken over by Dame Alice Kyteler and other ghosts and ghouls from 2pm to 6pm tomorrow afternoon (Saturday).

Born in Kilkenny in 1263, Dame Alice Kyteler was rumoured to have poisoned all four of her husbands. After standing trial for witchcraft in 1324, she managed to escape being burned at the stake by leaving her maid Petronella to perish in her place.

She was never heard of again. That is until the organisers of the Kilkenny 400 celebrations lured her back to be the main attraction of the city’s Hallowe'en celebrations.

“It is rumoured that Dame Alice and Petronella still haunt the city and we would caution everyone to watch out this Hallowe'en for the witches, ghosts and giants who will be roaming the streets of Kilkenny.

“This fun-filled day is open to all the family and we hope everyone will get dressed up and join in the Hallowe'en fun”, says Brid O’ Connell of Welcome Marketing, coordinator of Kilkenny 400.

With its medieval status, Kilkenny city is the perfect backdrop for a spooky Hallowe'en celebration. Kilkenny has long been regarded a visitors favourite destination because of its castle, landmark buildings and tales of old.