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 interesting 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.
PLACE TO VISIT
Kilkenny City, Ireland's most beautiful Historic City, is a perfect hub for arts and culture in Ireland. It is the historic gem in Ireland and the historic sites are concentrated in a small area in the City Centre:
Kilkenny Castle and Gardens, €5.30 Adult, €2.10 Child. This stunning Norman Castle, which is the dominant feature in the city, is its principal attraction. Its huge forested gardens are beautiful to walk during the day.
Black Abbey, Founded in 1225, this impressive Dominican Abbey has beautiful stained glass windows and is itself surrounded by the old city walls. Free Admission.
Rothe House, A unique merchant's house built in the 16th Century. It contains Kilkenny's History Museum. €5 Adults, €3 for groups (10+).
St. Canice's Cathedral, Built over 800 years ago, this impressive Cathedral and round tower are one of Kilkenny's main attractions. With one of Ireland's only accessable Round Towers, on top of which one can see the most amazing view of Kilkenny, this is a must for anyone's trip to Kilkenny. The cathedral itself is wheelchair accessable.
Grace's Courthouse, Parliament Street, Kilkenny (Opposite Rothe House). Housing Kilkenny's Court House, this former fortress built in 1210 (Grace's Castle) and then converted into a prison in the 1500s is full of history.
Butler House, Butler House, Patrick Street, Kilkenny (Across the Street from the Castle, through the old stables). This stunning Chateau-like building is one of the residences of the Butler family that ruled Kilkenny for many years. During Arts week it has many exhibitions.
Kilkenny 'Slips', Throughout Kilkenny (Running Perpendicular to High Street). These winding streets that ramble through the city are a true view of Medieval Kilkenny.
St. Francis Abbey Brewery, Parliament Street, Kilkenny. This is Ireland's OLDEST brewery, founded in 1221. Heard of Kilkenny Beer? Smithwicks? Budweiser? They have all, at one stage, been brewed in this brewery.
Kells Augustinian Priory, Kells, Co. Kilkenny, One of Ireland's best in tact priories. This priory, surrounded by its old walls, was built in 1193 and contains celtic crosses from the 9th Century. It is well worth a visit.
Dunmore Caves, Dunmore, Co. Kilkenny, The show cave is incredibly well developed and is a wonder to walk around. €2.90 Adult, €1.30 Child.
Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, Built in the 12th Century. It is Ireand's finest Cistercian monastic ruin with a magnificantly sculptured cloister arcade. Includes visitor and exhibition centre. €2.90 Adult, €1.30 Child.
HOW TO REACH
By Plane - Kilkenny is a mere 150km from Dublin, the main entry into Ireland. Flights from an array of destinations are available in Dublin Airport. Cork International Airport, also very close to Kilkenny, is another airport within a two hour drive of the city. Ryanair, flights from London start from €10 one way including taxes, while Aerlingus, Ireland's other national carrier, also offer excellent flights. Aer Arann, the third National Airline, offers flights from the smaller airports in Ireland including Waterford, Kerry and Galway. Waterford Airport, with flights from London and France to name but a few, is a mere forty-five minute drive from the city.
By Train - Kilkenny Railway Station has regular services from Dublin Heuston Station. They leave throughout the day and take a mere hour and a half. Kilkenny also has rail services to Waterford throughout the day.
By Bus - Kilkenny's Bus service and one of the largest bus services in Ireland, JJ Kavanagh, offers bus services to many destinations in Ireland. It also serves Dublin Airport.
By Car - The roads from both Cork and Dublin are excellent by Irish standards. A large connection of motorway from Cork and indeed Dublin makes the journeys faster and safer. By 2010, the journey from Kilkenny to Dublin will take a mere hour by car, thanks to the new M9 motorway.
