The Peace Doves

The peace Doves

Cathedral calls on the community for the Peace Dove project

St Canice’s Cathedral is calling on local schools, clubs and groups to participate in Peace Doves, a major art installation created in collaboration with the community.

The artwork will feature thousands of white paper doves suspended from the Cathedral crossing, as a symbol of hope. The Dean and Chapter are inviting the local community and visitors to Kilkenny to write messages of hope, peace, and unity on one of the 10,000 doves expected to make up the installation.

Peace Doves marks another first for St Canice’s Cathedral, bringing the artwork to Ireland for the first time. It is the vision of internationally renowned sculptor Peter Walker, well known locally as the artist behind Starlight by Luxmuralis, which was brought to St Canice’s Cathedral by Kilkenny County Council in 2025, and Yulefest in 2025.

The installation will go on display at St Canice’s Cathedral this September for eight weeks, set to original music by composer David Harper, transforming the 800-year-old interior into an uplifting space that reflects the community's hopes and creativity.

Call for community groups, schools, and clubs.

Local community groups, schools, and clubs are encouraged to visit the Cathedral, where they will be invited to write or draw a message of peace on Peter Walker’s paper doves for inclusion in the Peace Doves installation in Autumn. Groups interested in contributing to the artwork can contact the head of Education and Interpretation at St Canice's Cathedral, Catherine McEntee, via explore@stcanicescathedral.com.

Dean of Ossory, the Very Reverend Stephen Farrell commented, “Peace Doves gives our visitors, school groups, local communities and neighbours an opportunity to be part of this major art installation, which is only possible with the engagement of those who pass through these doors.

In these troubling times, Peace Doves will give voice to the hopes and wishes of thousands of people whose messages will soar above the crossing at St Canice’s Cathedral this September.

The simple act of writing a message, a hope, a name to be remembered on a dove is actually a profound act of solidarity with all who need peace in their communities. It is a way for visitors to express their hope, and actively become part of the long history of this cathedral.”

School Outreach

St Canice’s Cathedral’s education team are set to visit schools in the area by arrangement over the coming weeks. The team will facilitate Peace Dove workshops with free digital resource packs containing all the materials, educational guidance, and themed activities. These doves will later become part of Peter Walker’s final installation.

The project offers students and the wider community an opportunity to reflect on peace, kindness and hope while contributing to a significant public artwork that thousands of visitors will experience.

The project is part of an ongoing initiative to enhance the visitor experience at St Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower, as it quickly gains a reputation as a venue for innovative and thought-provoking artwork. St Canice’s Cathedral will launch a series of concerts under the cascade of Peace Doves this September.

To learn more about Peace Doves and how to get involved, visit www.stcanicescathedral.ie

Read our article in the Kilkenny People here.