The most fascinating and infamous dwelling in Kilkenny is Kyteler's Inn, now a public house, but in the early 14th century the home of Dame Alice Kyteler. Dame Alice was an almost supernaturally beautiful young woman, and the town's wealthiest banker fell under her spell. Besotted with love, he married her, and not long after, the banker cashed in. As did Dame Alice's three subsequent rich husbands.
It was rumored that not only had she poisoned them, but that she was a witch. In 1323, convicted of witchcraft, she was condemned to be burned at the stake. But the night before the fire was to be lit, Dame Alice mysteriously vanished from the dungeon and from sight.
Some said she went to England, to explore that country's banking system. It was thought she had slipped aboard a ship--in the form of a black cat.
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