Kilkenny is located in the south-east
of Ireland in the province of Leinster. It is surrounded by the
counties of Tipperary, Laois, Carlow, Wexford and Waterford. The
River Suir forms the southern boundary between Kilkenny and
Waterford. Another major river, the River Nore, passes through the
city of Kilkenny as well as the towns of Ballyragget, Bennettsbridge,
Thomastown and Inistioge.
Holiday Home Kilkenny
Whilst there
are numerous ancient monuments such as Abbeys, Friaries and Castles
scattered around the county, the focal point for both visitors and
residents is the medieval city of Kilkenny itself. High above the
city, perched on a rocky outcrop, is Kilkenny Castle which dates
back to Norman times. Other imposing buildings such as the 2
cathedrals, or The Tholsel on the High Street, are evidence of this
small city’s importance within Ireland over the centuries. The city
retains its historic links with the production of black marble and
the brewing of beer.
The city of today has 2 ultra-modern shopping centres discreetly
hidden by neighbouring older buildings. One is conveniently located
off the High Street, whilst a newer and larger shopping mall,
complete with an underground car park, has recently opened tucked in
between the old railway station and the ancient city workhouse. This
latter development also abuts the Nowlan Park GAA ground where the
Kilkenny Cats have perfected the noble Irish sport of hurling to
such effect that they are now the most successful team of modern
times. And throw in the annual Cat Laughs Comedy Festival which
attracts international acts and you have a city offering the perfect
blend of history and modern culture in one compact location.
Kilkenny City
Kilkenny is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland
as well a weekend getaway for many Irish citizens. Well regarded for
its vibrant nightlife it has become increasingly popular in recent
years. The city is also famous for its many mediæval buildings and
is referred to as the "Marble City." Despite its small population,
it holds ancient city status due to having a cathedral and an old
royal charter. The locals do not take kindly to the city being
referred to as a "town". Sightseeing, partying or a spot of shopping
in Kilkenny's array of excellent shops, this city is certain to have
it all for everyone. Kilkenny has a long and interestig history. The
city's origins predate the medieval landmarks existing today. Saint
Canice founded a monastic settlement in Kilkenny in the sixth
century, unfortunately the sole remaining landmark from this
settlement is the round tower positioned alongside the cathedral.
Strongbo, the famous Norman Conqueror, then built a fortress in the
City, Kilkenny Castle, and soon the construction of the wallee city
began. However, it wasn't until the seventeenth century that
Kilkenny really entered its golden age. The parliament known as the
Confederation of Kilkenny was founded in 1641. One of the
parliament's main objectives was to unite resistance against English
persecution of Irish Catholics. With the emergence of this
parliament, Kilkenny entered a period of unparalleled success. Over
time, however, the influence of the Confederation of Kilkenny
diminished. Oliver Cromwell's arrival in Kilkenny heralded the
dissolution of the parliament, and the city never quite regained the
prosperity it had previously been celebrated for.
Castlecomer Discovery Park
Castlecomer Discovery Park, 30 hectares of mixed woodland in the
south-east of Ireland just 20kms North of the medieval city of
Kilkenny and 24kms from Carlow town. Fungi and Plants at Castlecomer
Discovery ParkOriginally part of the Demesne of the 17th Century
Castlecomer House owned by the Prior Wandesforde family, the Park
boasts an array of woodland pathways centred around two Rainbow
Trout Fishing Lakes connected by cascades; an array of wooden
sculptures; picnic areas; a children’s adventure playground and a
wonderful design craft yard. The Castlecomer Plateau was a very
important coal mining location from the 17th century until the
closure of the mines in 1969, yielding important deposits of high
quality anthracite. It was also the source of an important
scientific discovery in 1865, when fossils of early amphibians were
found by the miners. These aspects of the history and prehistory of
the Castlecomer area are the focus of our interactive multimedia
exhibition ‘Footprints in Coal’. The visitor centre also plays host
to a delightful giftshop and the superb Café Jarrow. Open all year
round the Discovery Park is an ideal location for a family day out,
or for bus tours, school groups or individuals.
Holiday Home Rental Kilkenny, Ireland
Nore View Folk & Heritage Museum - Bennettsbridge
When in Kilkenny take a trip out to the scenic village of
Bennettsbridge. The museum is situated on the outskirts of this
beautiful village overlooking the silvery waters of the River Nore,
looking across at some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland,
including Mount Leinster and the Black Stairs Mountains. The Museum
houses a fine collection of objects of Irish Historical interest
including a history of the Penal Times, the Great Famine, 1916
Rising and the War of Independence. It also houses an old time
kitchen, old fashioned pub, old carpenters workshop, old forge,
items from the Stone Age, dairy and threshing set, old horse
threshing set, old Irish transport, old G.A.A. items, old petrol
station and a selection of Irish wildlife, all of which reflects the
lives of the ordinary people in Ireland long ago. There is also a
fine display musical instruments and a collection of old church
items. Also on display at the Museum are a selection of old bicycles
and old prams. It houses over 10,000 some dating back to 2,000 B.C.
Foreign visitors have rated it as being one of the best they have
seen. There is also a library of old history books and items from
the Stone Age.
Jerpoint Glass Studio
The fiery furnace where the raw materials are melted into molten
glass, the near white hot glory holes where glasses are reheated in
their making and the skills of the glassmakers as they blow, balance
and manipulate flowing red - hot glass into its desired shape, make
the art of glassmaking a most exciting spectacle for the visitor. At
Jerpoint you can get really close to the action. Keith and Kathleen
Leadbetter and their staff look forward to meeting you at the
studio, and welcome all further enquiries
Holiday Cottage Kilkenny
St. Canice's Cathedral
Saint Canice's Cathedral (Anglican), the second longest of Ireland's
medieval cathedrals, provides a seminal influence on Kilkenny life.
Built on the site of an earlier church, which in turn replaced an
earlier timber structure, the major portion of the work that
produced the beautiful Gothic structure was carried out by Bishop
Hugh de Mapilton in the middle of the 13th Century. Except for the
spire, which collapsed in 1332, the present building is largely
unchanged from the 13th century. Features of the cathedral include
the fine collection of 16th and 17th century tombstones; black
marble monuments to lords, ladies and bishops, and to Edmund
Purcell, 16th century captain of the Ormond's notorious
gallowglasses, or mercenaries; the 12th century font and St.
Kieran's chair, built into the cathedral walls and still used in the
enthronement of the bishops of Ossory; the Bishop's Palace and
library, founded in 1679 and containing 3000 works from the 15th,
16th and 17th centuries, as well as the Red Book of Ossory, a 15th
century manuscript which chronicles the lives of early saints.
Cityscope, a scale model of the city as it was in 1640, is on view
in the south aisle. Also on view are rich carvings worked in both,
timber and stone, some dating to the 13th century, colourful stained
glass, and everywhere the authentic air of a structure that has
served the community for over 800 years. Outside, the 9th century
round tower, once used by the monks for refuge, may be climbed
(weather permitting). open in summer season and admission applies.
Kilkenny Castle
A 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in an
extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler
Family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. The Castle was occupied
from the 13th to the 20th century, with the Butler Family in
residence from 1391 until 1935. The 19th century Picture Gallery is
45 metres long and contains many Butler portraits as well as some
fine tapestries, while the other rooms display the authentic fabrics
that existed in the house in the 18th and 19th centuries. The
central block now includes a library, drawing room and bedrooms
decorated in 1830’s splendour. A suite of former servants rooms is
the Butler Art Gallery, which mounts frequently changing exhibitions
of contemporary art. Part of the castle is now converted to a
state-of-the-art Conference centre entitled 'The Parade Tower'. The
original 12th century tower has been tastefully modified to serve
this purpose.
Holiday Home in Ireland
Kells Priory
Although there is evidence that there were priests already on site
serving the nearby mediaeval parish church, Geoffrey FitzRobert de
Marisco brought four Augustinian Canons from Cornwall to establish
Kells Priory in 1193. It suffered many vicissitudes in a turbulent
period, when it was sacked twice, once in 1252 and again in 1327.
After the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in 1540-41,
the priory, together with a substantial proportion of its lands, was
granted to James, Earl of Ormond, but continued to elect priors well
into the following century. In the time of Cromwell, the strength of
the barony was further dissipated and the once thriving mediaeval
settlement that had built up around the foundation went into
permanent decline. The existing extensive ruin mostly dates from the
14th and 15th centuries. It consists of a church, a chapel, prior's
residence or sacristy, and a number of domestic buildings, all
standing on an enclosed site of some 4 acres.
Tynan Walking Tours of Kilkenny City
Enjoy an hours walking tour through Ireland's medieval city,
accompanied by a humorous and informative guide. A popular and
enjoyable way to get to know the medieval capital of Ireland - and
to spot the best shops and stores to explore later on! A popular and
enjoyable way to explore the Medieval Capital of Ireland. Departing
from 16th century Shee Alms House, the leisurely stroll tells the
compelling story of this city’s remarkable history.
Towns and Villages in Kilkenny
The county’s abundance of attractive towns also includes Callan,
Castlecomer, Clogh, Freshford, Goresbridge, Gowran (with its
horse-racing course), Graiguenamanagh, Johnstown, Kells, Kilmacow,
Kilmoganny, Moneenroe, Mooncoin, Mullinavat, Paulstown, Piltown,
Slieverue and Urlingford.
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Kilkenny Holiday Homes