Kilkenny

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Kilkenny is regarded as one of the finest medieval cities in Ireland and provides an excellent central base for sightseeing in the South East of Ireland. Kilkenny offers something for everyone, including history, architecture, literature, crafts, sport and a thriving entertainments calendar.

There are many interesting buildings in Kilkenny, the oldest of which date from the twelfth and thirteenth century and were built by the Normans. The most striking Norman construction is Kilkenny Castle. It was built in the 1190's and occupied until 1935, after which most furnishings were auctioned off and the castle lay empty. In 1967, the descendants of the Anglo Norman Butler family, who ruled Kilkenny for 500 years, handed over the castle to the Kilkenny Castle Restoration Committee for £50. Restorations have been undertaken to return the castle to its original state.

Kilkenny contains perhaps the greatest concentration of medieval churches in Ireland. The country's second largest medieval church is Saint Canice's Cathedral, which was built in 1285. Another fascinating building is Black Abbey, which was founded in 1225 and is the last remaining gateway to the medieval city. In the 16th century it was turned into a courthouse, but nowadays it's a monastery.

In and around Kilkenny you'll find several beautiful gardens. The Castle Gardens are in the center of town. They are kept open all year round. Kilfane Glen and Waterfall boasts a 1790's Romantic Era garden, including a Waterfall and Cottage Orne.

There are numerous good walks in the area joining up with the South Leinster way from Graignamanagh and in the nearby settlement of Thomastown is Jerpoint Abbey, one of the finest Cistercian monastic ruins in Ireland.

The major sport is Kilkenny is hurling and Kilkenny County has won countless titles. You will see many people practicing it.

There are several hotels and restaurants in town. Kilkenny is 100 km southwest of Dublin and has train connections with Waterford.