Stay in Kilkenny

About Kilkenny
Kilkenny City & County
Historic Sites In Kilkenny
Tourist Attractions & Activites in Kilkenny

If you are looking for B&B accommodation in Kilkenny please use our booking form

About Kilkenny

Kilkenny has been known as Ireland's Mediaeval Capital for many years. The City's origins date back to more than 1500 years ago.

The great building skills of the Normans is very clear in the 11th and 12th century buildings they bestowed on the city. Fine examples of this can be seen with buildings such as Saint Canice's Cathedral, the great Butler castle and the four medieval abbeys.

Other examples can be seen in the linear streetscape and covered slipways. Kilkenny has won the National Tidy Towns award on 4 occasions.

Kilkenny City and County

Kilkenny or ‘Cill Chainnigh’ as it is known in Irish is the smallest city in Ireland (both in area and population). It is as famous for its rich history as its colourful nightlife ! "Cill Chainnigh" - the church of Canice - was an important town, even from pre-Christian times. Located at a prominent bend in the River Nore, where an outcrop of rock presents a natural vantage point, the present Norman castle, Kilkenny Castle is located. Kilkenny City is a popular venue for tourists; it has a wide variety of restaurants, pubs and nightclubs which cater for all tastes (the pubs enjoy an atmosphere for which everyone flocks to enjoy the craic).
Kilkenny was the capital of Ireland until late into the 12th century. In 1366 the Statutes of Kilkenny were penned and the city, where the Irish Parliament was located, lent them its name. These statutes consisted of 19 parts that were essentially meant to keep the Irish people from having a “bad influence” on the Normans. They kept the Irish and the Normans from marrying one another and sharing the Irish customs and language. Kilkenny remained the capital of Confederate Ireland until the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland when it surrendered in 1649.

In 1782 St. Kieran’s College, the first Catholic School in Ireland, was founded. Today, St. Kieran’s is famous for its exceptional hurling team, which has turned out many famous sports figures.

Kilkenny is quite famous for its beautiful medieval buildings and is often called the “Marble City” because of its abundance of marble facades. To construct these buildings, Black Marble, also called Kilkenny Marble, was quarried from the area. The marble is black with many decorative white fossils. Some of the most noted buildings in Kilkenny City are Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, Rothe House, Shee Alms House (where the Kilkenny Tourist Office is located), the Black Abbey and The Thosel. Historical sites in Co. Kilkenny and worth a visit are Kells Priory and Kilree Monastic Site located in Kells, Jerpoint Abbey in Thomastown and Tullaherin Monastic Site located near Bennetsbridge.

Kilkenny has a long association with brewing beer and ale. Kilkenny is the location of the renowned St. Francis Abbey Brewery, which was owned by Guinness Ireland until the 1990’s when it merged with another company to form Diageo. Diageo is the largest alcoholic beverage business in the world today.

Other attractions that make Kilkenny one of the most popular tourist destinations are The Kilkenny Design Centre, Canal Walk (by the river Nore), Kytlers Inn, and the Courthouse (which has been renovated recently). Also, near to Church View are the Dunmore Caves, Ballykeeffee Amphitheatre, Quarry and Woodland and Kilkenny Crystal in Callan.

Barack Obama is expected to visit Kilkenny in May 2011, as the historic tomb in St. Canice’s Cathedral of Bishop John Kearney (c.1742–1813) is linked to the Obama family.

Kilkenny plays host to the annual Cats Laughs Comedy Festival which makes Kilkenny the "Comedy Capital of the World". Kilkenny Arts Festival brings 10 days of the very best in Irish and international visual art, classical music, theatre and dance, jazz, world & traditional Irish music, literature, film, architecture, indie music, craft and children’s events.

Historic Sites in Kilkenny

KILKENNY CASTLE - A 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. Over the eight centuries of its existence, many additions and alterations have been made to the fabric of the building, making Kilkenny Castle today a complex structure of various architectural styles.

The original Anglo-Norman stone castle was built for William Marshal, 4th Earl of Pembroke (c.1146-1219) during the first decade of the thirteenth century. Kilkenny Castle later became the principal Irish residence of the powerful Butler family for almost 600 years. The Butler ownership began when James (c.1360-1405), 3rd Earl of Ormond, purchased the castle in c.1391, and lasted until 1967 when Arthur, 6th Marquess of Ormonde (1893-1971), presented it to the people of Kilkenny in return for a token payment of £50.

There is an exhibition hall open to the public in the Old Castle Stables. Kilkenny Castle provides guided tours, an art gallery, a café during summer, extensive grounds and a childrens play area.

ST. CANICE’S CATHERAL AND ROUND TOWER - This ecclesiastical site was founded in the 6th century and named after St Canice. Cill Channigh is the Gaelic for the Church of Canice, the church that originally stood on the site in the 6th century.

Worship has taken place at this site for over 800 years. The Cathedral has wonderful stained glass that includes two windows from the Harry Clarke Studio, Dublin. Local stone masters The O’Tooneys carved some of the tombstones many of which are unique to the Cathedral and Kilkenny. The See Chair of the Bishop of Ossory dating back to 1120 can be seen inside the Cathedral.

The Round Tower is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny City. Tourists can enjoy climbing the Round Tower (weather permitting). St Canice’s Round Tower is one of only two Round Towers that people can climb in Ireland.

Barack Obama - a historic tomb in St. Canice’s Cathedral of Bishop John Kearney (c.1742–1813) is linked to the Obama family.

At St. Canice’s Cathedral worship takes pre-eminence over all other activities. However, it is also used for national concerts and events – ie the Kilkenny Arts Festival held every August.

The Round Tower, the Anglo Norman Cathedral and its rich cultural ecclesiastical heritage makes St. Canice’s Cathedral a must to visit while you are in Kilkenny.

ROTHE HOUSE AND GARDEN - A historic house in Kilkenny which is the only example of an early 17th century merchant’s townhouse in Ireland.
The House and Garden are owned by the Kilkenny Archaeological Societyand managed by Rothe House Trust. The House is open to the public as a Museum, dsplaying some of the 2,500 historic artefacts collected by the Society since its founding in 1947. These artefacts all relate to Kilkenny heritage throughout the ages and some date from pre-historic times. The Garden newly opened in 2008, is a reconstruction of an early 17th century urban garden, and has become a very popular garden to visit in Ireland.

THE BLACK ABBEY was founded by William Marshall for the Dominican Friars in 1225, the Black Abbey was at the centre of civic life in Kilkenny for centuries. Partially restored in 1778, the Abbey did not become a place of public worship until the mid-19th century. Its modern and antique stained glass windows are stunning and there are fascinating statues and relics on display there.

THE THOSEL – Forming an imposing centrepiece in High Street, Kilkenny, this landmark dates from b.1702. Reputedly built by Alderman William Colles, the Thosel served as the market for the city (the word 'thosel' means literally a marketplace). Architecturally, the building has a double length arcade with an impressive Georgian Council Chamber room positioned above the arcade. There is a clock tower on the steeply pitched roof, and the southern wall contains the Kilkenny coat of arms. The original building was badly damaged after a fire in 1987, but has since been completely restored. Originally established as a toll collecting centre, later accommodating a courthouse, custom house, and guild hall with the open arcade having traditionally acted as a market place the present use as a town hall ensures that the building continues to fulfil an important civic role in Kilkenny.

JERPOINT ABBEY is located about 1 mile from Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny and is one of the finest Cistercian monastic ruins in Ireland. An outstanding Cistercian abbey founded in the second half of the 12th century. The church with its Romanesque details dates from this period. In the transept chapels the visitor can see 13th to 16th century tomb sculpture. The tower and cloister date from the 15th century. The chief delight of the Abbey is the sculptured cloister arcade with unique carvings. The Visitor Centre houses an interesting exhibition.

KELLS PRIORY - Kells Priory is one of the largest and most impressive medieval monuments in Ireland. It is situated on the south side of the King's River upon the ascent of a hill, and are bounded at the northern extremity by the river. They are more or less in a state of ruin; and though some parts may be pronounced as excellent in preservation, there are others in a shattered and most dilapidated condition. Dismantled towers, with whole sides torn away, clad in ivy, that sometimes entirely shrouds the ancient masonry; broken arches, and immense masses of fallen fragments everywhere strewing the ground, present a most striking and imposing spectacle.

The Priory was comprehended within a large oblong square, divided into two courts, separated by a strong wall. The southern, or, as it is sometimes called, the Burgher's court, is about four hundred feet square, and was apparently never occupied by buildings. In each of the northern angles, and in the centre of the northern and western curtains, is a strong tower, all in good preservation, fitted up with fire-places, closets, and narrow stone stair-cases; and their summits are provided with bartisans and machicolations for the defence of the door-ways. Indeed, this court, with its strong towers and wide compass of enclosure, reminds one rather of a military strong-hold than a religious establishment. A branch of the King's River, with a high wall, flanked by a strong tower, judiciously placed in the centre, divides this court from the other, which contains the ruins of the church, cloister, and other monastic attachments.

KILREE MONASTIC SITE - close to the town of Kells Priory, stands Kilree High Cross and Round Tower which is believed to age from the 9th century. This old monastic site is in the middle of a cow field with the cross standing at the far end of the Field. The cemetery itself is heavily wooded, giving it a hushed, surrealistic and almost haunted feel to it.

A badly weathered sandstone cross standing at 2.75 metres high, most of which is covered with bosses and geometrical motifs.

The most dominant feature of this site is the round tower. This is a capless, battlemented tower that is 20 metres high. The doorway is relatively low to the present cemetery ground level.

The squared plinth-like foundation is unusual: the only other tower with a similar base being at nearby Aghaviller.

The tower doorway faces the ruin of an early church with pronounced antae, though nothing appears to be known of the monastery here.

The church and lands were transferred to the Priory of Kells in the 13th century. Until then, they had been the property of the dean and chapter of the Ossory.

TULLAHERIN MONASTIC SITE - located about 15 kilometres south of Kilkenny near Bennetsbridge is Tullaherin Church and Round Tower. This is a 9th Century well preserved six storey round tower, the top storey originally had eight windows. Tullaherin is the site of continuous religious worship for well over a thousand years.

It is claimed by many as the burial site of Saint Kieran and the fine round tower is visible from many miles away.
Features to note are: the regular layers of finely chiseled blocks of stone, the elevated entrance door, the small square-headed windows lighting each storey and the top storey (now partly eroded) which originally had eight windows – a feature Tullaherin Round Tower shares with that of Clonmacnoise. The whole tower leans slightly to the South.

The adjoining church dates from the 11-13th century with additions to the East from the 16th century. There are two ogham stones near the tower: a fragment discovered in 1852 and an almost complete example discovered in 1983. Tullaherin Folk Museum is housed in the nearby old parochial residence.

Tourist Attractions and Activities in Kilkenny

KILKENNY DESIGN CENTRE – this famous craft shop is situated in what was once the stables and dairy of Kilkenny Castle, the Design Centre showcases Irish Design Products based on the best in Irish traditions. Kilkenny’s stores have been associated with Ireland’s craft and design industry for over four decades.

Many of Kilkenny’s suppliers have been internationally recognised as masters of their art. Irish glass has also made its name abroad, with companies like Jerpoint and Tipperary emerging alongside the long established Waterford Crystal. A wide range of original gifts, including ceramics, pottery and glass ornaments are on offer. You will find clothes made by up-and-coming young designers as well as the more established, including Allicano, Andrea Cleary, Elaine Curtis, Desmond Gannon, Louise Kennedy, Joan Millar, Glynis Robins and Henry White.
The Design Centre has a first floor self-service restaurant which offers a variety of lovely food.

DUNMORE CAVES – Are located eleven kilometres north of Kilkenny City. They were formed by limestone which was laid down over 300 million years ago. It contains almost a quarter of a mile of passages and at its deepest point is 150 foot below the surface. Although this is smaller than many of the caves around the country, the beauty and magic of its calcite formations as well as its scientific and historical interest make it one of Ireland's most fascinating caves. Its presence has been known for years but it is only recently that attempts have been made to unravel its history. In 928, the Dunmore Cave was the site of a Viking massacre.

Since 1940, when the cave became property of the State, it has been a National Monument because of its historic interest. Today, stairs and walkways and an extensive lighting system have been installed to aid access and viewing. There is restricted plant and animal life in and around the cave primarily due to the lack of sunlight. The cave did at one time support a bat colony and bat skeletons can be seen encrusted in the calcite limestone.

History and geology blend at Dunmore Cave to give an interesting and unique situation. Consisting of a series of chambers formed over millions of years, the cave contains some of the finest calcite formations found in any Irish cave. Exhibitions and displays in the Visitor Centre.

BALLYKEEFFEE AMPHITHEATRE AND QUARRY – A spectacular outdoor auditorium, which is being used as an outdoor venue for theatrical, musical and dramatic presentations and concerts. The venue is also been used for rock climbing and as a picnic and recreational facility by local voluntary organisations. Ballykeeffe Mid Summer Events take place from June to August. Ballykeeffe Wood is adjacent to the quarry, with scenic walks and breathtaking views of the countryside.

KILKENNY HURLING – Kilkenny has a strong GAA Club which has led to the Kilkenny Team winning 4 All Ireland titles – 2006 – 2009. Kilkenny is renowned for its hurlers. Nowlan Park in the city is the training ground for the ‘Kilkenny Cats’.

KILKENNY CRYSTAL - Founded in 1969 by Patrick Clancy in Callan, Kilkenny Crystal is Ireland’s oldest Family-owned Crystal Studio Workshop. Each piece is deeply cut by hand and then polished with care to retain a fine finish. Many original designs and unusual pieces and due to the limited number of pieces produced each year many items become valuable collectors items.
Kilkenny Crystal have a retail outlet at Rose Inn Street Kilkenny.

WOODSTOCK GARDENS - Are located in the south east of Kilkenny just outside the picturesque village of Inistioge. The gardens are overlooking the River Nore Valley, offer the visitor a wide variety of attractions and are a most relaxing and beautiful environment in which to spend a day. The gardens are currently undergoing restoration by Kilkenny County Council and further features and planting are being added all the time.

The main development of Woodstock Gardens occurred in the Victorian Period with the works being overseen by Lady Louisa Tighe nee Lennox and head gardeners, Pierce Butler and later Charles McDonald. The gardens are being restored to the period 1840 -1890 with every effort being made to use plants and materials typical of the era.

The gardens are home to a mix of formal and informal gardens with an arboretum, walled garden, terraced garden, yew walk and rose garden providing the main interest. Also of significance are two stunning avenues, the Monkey Puzzle Avenue and Noble Fir Avenue. Recently added are a rustic summer house, constructed from materials from the gardens and a fountain to replace the original which was sold from the gardens c.1930. The arboretum is home to many fine specimen trees from Asia and South America in particular. A number of these trees are recognised as champion trees due to their size.

FESTIVALS
The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival was founded in 1994 in response to the wealth of Irish comic talent with no clear national outlet for expression.
The festival normally held in June has grown from a small event comprising a handful of shows to an internationally acclaimed festival which showcases the very best in Irish and international comedy acts, attracting visitors to Kilkenny city and its surrounding regions through the unusual combination of professionally-managed world class entertainment in the atmospheric setting of our charming and intimate medieval city.

The world-class programme blends the top Irish and international talent in shows featuring globally renowned comic stars as well as newcomers and break-through acts.

KILKENNY ARTS FESTIVAL – Usually held in mid August each summer brings 10 days of the very best in Irish and international visual art, classical music, theatre and dance, jazz, world & traditional Irish music, literature, film, architecture, indie music, craft and children’s events.

If you are looking for B&B accommodation in Kilkenny please use our booking form

© 2011 Churchview B&B Guest Accommodation Kilkenny

Guests ~ B&B ~ Accommodation ~ Kilkenny ~ Ireland ~ B&B Kilkenny ~ Guests Ireland