Kilkenny travel guide
Kilkenny has a colourful past and present. This was the capital of the old kingdom of Ossory, a small feuding realm in pre-Norman Ireland. Parliament, which convened here in 1366, passed the notorious but ineffectual Statutes of Kilkenny, with the aim of segregating the Irish from the Anglo-Normans; in those days intermarriage was seen as high treason. In the 17th century an independent Irish parliament met here for several years. Oliver Cromwell took the town for the English in 1650, suffering heavy losses in the process.
Places to visit in Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle
tel: 056-770 4100
Kilkenny Castle, on The Parade in the town centre, was built in the 13th century to replace the primitive fortress erected by Strongbow. The Butler family, one of the great Anglo-Norman dynasties, held the castle until 1935, but today it is owned by the Irish state.
Kilkenny Design Craft Centre
tel: 056-772 2118
The stable block of Kilkenny Castle now houses the Kilkenny Design Craft Centre, one of Ireland’s best craft shops. Also here is the headquarters of the Crafts Council of Ireland, which has exhibitions of contemporary craft work and a restaurant. There are also several small craft studios and factory outlets. A gate at the rear leads to the pleasant gardens of Butler House, the castle’s dower house.
St Canice's Cathedral
St Canice’s Cathedral, built during the 13th century, is on the original site of the church that gave the town its name – the Irish Cill Choinnigh means St Canice’s church. Though Cromwell’s rampaging troops badly damaged the building, it has since been restored to an admirable state. Medieval sculptures and monuments abound in this Protestant church. The 6th-century Round Tower in the cathedral grounds is the only remnant of St Canice’s monastery. You can climb its 167 steps, from where there are astounding views.
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