2025:352 - Heritage Council Headquarters (former Bishop’s Palace), Irishtown, Kilkenny, Kilkenny

Archaeological Management Solutions (AMS) were engaged by The Heritage Council to undertake archaeological monitoring of conservation works within the grounds of the Heritage Council’s headquarters at the request of the National Monuments Service (NMS). The Heritage Council’s headquarters occupies the former medieval Bishop’s Palace, which is a Recorded Monument (RMP KK019-026123-; ecclesiastical residence) and a Protected Structure (RPS B19). The building was converted into the headquarters and office complex in 2008 with the retention of the original palace gardens and grounds. The grounds contain masonry features including garden walls and the remains of a nineteenth-century former gate lodge. The primary function of archaeological monitoring was to provide a detailed record of the architectural features pre- and post-conservation works.

No groundworks were associated with the conservation work and monitoring revealed nothing of archaeological significance. The walls undergoing conservation were constructed in the nineteenth century, and a full record of the works was carried out. No further archaeological work is recommended.