A Witchy Woman

31 Oct 1280: Dame Alice Kyteler was born at Kytelers Hall in the county town of Kilkenny. Upon inheriting her childhood home, Alice reinvented the property as Kyteler's Inn - a profitable enterprise which further buoyed her standing within Kilkenny society.

Alice married four times, with her first three husbands dying under suspicious circumstances. When her fourth husband fell ill, relatives of all four became convinced that Alice had a hand in their demise - either through poisoning, the more salacious allegation of witchcraft or both.

In 1324 Alice and her servant, Petronilla de Meath, were tried and condemned for sorcery among other crimes. And while Alice leveraged her connections and escaped to Dublin, Petronilla was not so lucky. Under torture, she admitted to witchcraft and was burned at the stake.

Kyteler's Inn still stands today (27 St. Kieran's Square, Kilkenny) and is a great stop for a bite or a pint while enjoying some traditional music. While you're at it, book a ghost tour for more about Alice and other spooky happenings within this medieval city - consistently rated one of the most haunted cities in the republic and all of Europe. Happy Halloween !!!👻🎃🦇

📸 "Kytelers Inn" by Antonio Campoy Ederra is licensed under CC BY 2.0