Kilkenny is situated on both banks of the River Nore, at the centre of County Kilkenny in the province of Leinster in the south-east of Ireland. Originally founded by Aengus Osraige, Kilkenny was the ancient capital of the kingdom of Ossory. Points of interest within the city and its environs include Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral and round tower, Rothe House, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kells Priory, Kilkenny Town Hall, Black Abbey and Jerpoint Abbey.
Culture
Kilkenny is a popular tourist destination in Ireland. Well regarded for its cultural life, it has always tended to attract culturally aware visitors. Art galleries, historic buildings, craft and design workshops, theatre, comedy, public gardens and museums are some of main reasons Kilkenny has become one of Ireland’s most visited towns and a popular base to explore the surrounding countryside.
Points of interest within the city and its environs include Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral and round tower, Rothe House, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kells Priory, Kilkenny Town Hall, Black Abbey and Jerpoint Abbey.
Arts and Festivals
Kilkenny is encouraged as festival location throughout the year and especially during the summer months. The Kilkenny Arts Festival established in the 1970s takes place in late August. During this time Kilkenny plays host to contemporary art with Theatre, Dance, Visual Art, Literature, Film, Paintings, Sculptures and live performances. Musical events including traditional, Classical, World, Jazz Music take place durning the festival. Kilkenny holds the annual Smithwicks Cat Laughs Comedy festival every June.
The Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival, http://www.kilkennyroots.com, is held on the first weekend in May every year and features the best in Americana/Bluegrass/Folk/Rockabilly/AltCountry in various venues throughout the city.
St Mary’s Cathedral
The city is dominated by both Kilkenny Castle and Saint Canice’s Cathedral, the latter built beside an excellent example of a well-preserved early Christian Round Tower. The Church of Ireland Cathedral is named after Saint Canice, who also gave his name to the town (Cill Chainnigh is Irish for “Church of Canice”). Also of note is the Dominican ‘Black Abbey’, founded in 1225, lying just off Parliament Street.
St. Canice’s Cathedral
The 13th century cathedral of St Canice is the second longest cathedral in Ireland . The site on which the cathedral stands has been a site of Christian worship since the 6th century. The architectural style of the cathedral is Early Gothic and it is built of limestone. The cathedral has been carefully preserved in its original style and form. It is richly endowed with many stained glass windows including the East window which is a replica of the original 13th century window.