Kilkenny Attractions
Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh, "Canice's Church"), is situated in southeastern Ireland on the banks of the River Nore.
Kilkenny is considered by many to be second only to Dublin in its attraction for visitors.
Kilkenny is considered by many to be second only to Dublin in its attraction for visitors.
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Rothe House
(High Town)
This late 16th C merchant's house now contains the library and museum of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society.
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St Canice's Cathedral
St Canice's Cathedral was begun in the mid 13th C and not completed until the early 19th C. It is one of the finest cathedrals of its kind in the country.
Irishtown
From time immemorial Kilkenny has been divided into three districts of wards - Irishtown, with the cathedral as its central landmark; High Town to the south, dominated by Kilkenny Castle; and on the other bank of the River Nore the eastern district, with St John's Priory.
Kilkenny Arts Festival
This annual festival takes place in mid-August, offering a wide variety of events. Events include classical music performances, as well as visual arts exhibitions, poetry readings, theatrical productions, and more modern rock, jazz and country concerts. The main events are held in Kilkenny Castle and St Canice's Cathedral, while fringe events are held in venues throughout the town.
Kilkenny Surroundings
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Jerpoint Abbey
The ruins of the 12th C Jerpoint Abbey lie just southwest of Thomastown. It was inhabited by the Cistercians until the 1500s, and shows many features dating from the 15th C.
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Dunmore Cave
The Dunmore Cave has revealed a number of artifacts, including tools, coins, and bones. Some of these items are on display at the Visitor Center.
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Kilcooly Abbey
The ruins of Kilcooly Abbey date to the 12th C. In the church can be found a number of treasures, including sculptures, and the carved tomb of Piers Fitzjames Og Butler.
Ballyragget, Ireland
The N77 leads north of Kilkenny to Ballyragget (10mi/17km), with the ruins of Ormond castle (15th-16th C.), a keep surrounded by walls and four round towers. One Countess of Ormond was renowned for leading her forces into battle.
Brandon Hill
From Inistioge, southeast of Thomastown, Brandon Hill (1,677ft/511m) can be easily climbed. On the summit are a cairn and a stone circle; fine views of the Barrow and Nore valleys.
Clara Castle
4.5mi/7km east of Kilkenny, reached on a minor road which branches left off the N10, stands Clara Castle (15th C., National Monument), an unusually well-preserved six-story tower house which still has the original oak beams, giving an excellent impression of the character of a fortified dwelling of the period. Among features of particular interest are the forecourt, a passage with a "murder hole" (a hole in the roof through which intruders could be pelted with missiles), a fine fireplace and a secret room.
Freshford, Ireland
Northwest of Kilkenny on the R693 is Freshford, with a church of 1730 (National Monument) which has a beautiful Romanesque doorway from an earlier church incorporated in its west front.
Gowran - St. Mary's Church, Ireland
Over 1mi/2km from Clara Castle, east of Kilkenny, the R702 goes off on the right to Gowran, with a fine old parish church (c. 1275; National Monument) whose tower (14th or 15th C.), on the site of the original choir, has been incorporated in the present 19th C. church. The interior has fine pointed arches and columns of black marble; good sculpture and monuments (14th-17th C).
Graiguenamanagh, Ireland
From Kilfane, south of Kilkenny, a minor road runs east to join the R703, which leads to Graiguenamanagh, on the River Barrow (fishing). In this little town is Duiske Abbey (National Monument), a Cistercian house. In the churchyard, on the south side of the chancel, are two small granite high crosses with carvings of Biblical scenes and abstract ornament.
Inistioge, Ireland
5mi/8km southeast of Thomastown on the wooded banks of the River Nore, here spanned by a graceful 18th C. bridge, lies Inistioge, with the remains of an Augustinian abbey founded in 1210. The nave, Lady Chapel and tower of the church still survive. The tower, of which the lower part is square and the upper part octagonal, is now a mausoleum.
Kilfane, Ireland
North of Thomastown (which lies to the south of Kilkenny) on the N9 it is well worth stopping in the village of Kilfane to see the over life-size effigy of Sir Thomas de Cantwell on his tomb (13th C., National Monument) in the church.
Killamery, Ireland
5mi/8km south of Callan, on the borders of Tipperary county, we come to Killamery, with a ninth century high cross (National Monument). The decoration, badly weathered, includes a chariot procession, a hunting scene, David with his harp and other Biblical themes, together with much geometric and animal ornament.
Kilree
2mi/3km south of Kells on a narrow byroad lies Kilree, with the remains of a monastery (National Monument): a roofless round tower 95ft/29m high, a ruined church (good 17th C. monument in choir) and a badly weathered high cross (ninth century?) with representations of Biblical scenes and geometric ornament.
