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Kilkenny City
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A vibrant,
flourishing city with a fascinating medieval history and a thriving
crafts industry, Kilkenny City in the heart of County Kilkenny is
one of the Ireland's most appealing cities to visit. Situated on the
banks of the River Nore this small city displays a wonderful blend
of old and new, with beautifully restored historic buildings and
charming narrow streets.
Long renowned as Ireland's Medieval Capital, the city's origins date
back to more than 1,500 years ago. The city was named after a 6th
century monk, St. Canice and the beautifully restored St. Canice’s
Cathedral shares the saints name. Another landmark building is the
magnificent Kilkenny Castle, built by the Normans during the 12th
century. Beautifully restored buildings such as these sit
comfortably alongside contemporary shops, design galleries and
restaurants in compact streets, making the city small enough to
explore and enjoy on foot.
The great building prowess of the Normans is very evident in the
11th and 12th century structures they bestowed on the city. In
addition to the Cathedral and the castle there is also four
surviving medieval abbeys and the linear streetscape, especially the
attractive, covered stepped slipways. A later addition to the city
was Rothe House, a fine sixteenth century Tudor town house situated
on Parliament Street. It is the home of the Kilkenny Archaeological
Society, and houses an extensive museum with many unique artifacts
from the prehistoric times to those of modern times along with a
wonderful collection of period costumes and paintings.
Kilkenny City has transformed itself into a trendy, cosmopolitan
destination with a wide range of restaurants, lively pubs and bars.
The city hosts an international comedy festivals, The Cat Laughs
Comedy Festival, with acts from all over the world offering superb
entertainment. Other festival highlights of the year include
Kilkenny Arts Week in August, the Kilkenny Rhythm n' Roots festival
in May and the Kilkenny Celtic festival in September and October.
The Watergate Theatre on Parliament Street regularly hosts plays
that go on to grace the stages of Dublin.
The city is also now firmly established as the centre of arts and
crafts in Ireland, being home to the National Crafts Council, as
well as the ultimate in stylish stores, Kilkenny Design. Jewellers,
woodworkers, potters and craftsmen of great skill are to be found in
many a side-street or slip-way throughout the city.
In the immediate vicinity of the city there are plenty of golf
courses, go-kart tracks, equestrian and leisure centres to keep
visitors in full trim, or perhaps one's visit coincides with a horse
race meeting at Gowran Park Racecourse or a busy schedule in the
city's greyhound track.
Kilkenny is a delightful city of marble pavements, stately trees,
attractive streetscapes, medieval buildings and a hearty
understanding of a good night out. |
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Kilkenny City Holiday Homes - County Kilkenny, Ireland