Home Sweet Home

Today I decided to do something I've never done before - I became a tourist in my own city and have to say, it was a lot of fun and I saw a new side to my locality. I walk the streets everyday but never really took the time to 'see' what the many tourists who come to Kilkenny see and to learn a little more about the many historical sites that are in abundance in this little city. (Note: locals are very proud of the fact that Kilkenny is classed as a city and despite calling it a town ourselves, we are quick to correct you if you call it a town!!)

Kilkenny has been my home for the past 31 years and I love it. As a friend once said 'Whatever is your thing - be it sports, food, fashion, history, art, music etc; Kilkenny offers it all'. And it does! So here's a little taste of my walk around it.

A tourist in my own town.. sorry... CITY!

Kilkenny is a medieval city acclaimed internationally as a centre for craft and design and which hosts a number of international festivals making it a popular tourist destination. It is characterised by it's many historic buildings and slipways and yet offers all the facilities you expect from a modern-day city. Contemporary shops, boutiques and restaurants are plentiful and all within easy walking distance of eachother.

Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh in Irish) was named after a 6th Century monk - St. Canice. His memory lives on in our beautiful cathedral which overlooks the city and which was built in the 13th Century. It is the 2nd longest Cathedral in Ireland and has been carefully preserved in it's original style and form. The Round tower, within the Cathedral grounds, was erected in the 9th century and can be climbed at certain times to give you a spectacular view of the expanding city and the surrounding countryside.

On the opposite side of the city is perhaps one of the most beautiful castles in Ireland - Kilkenny Castle. It was built by the Normans who arrived in the 12th century. It was the seat of the Butler family and during the 20th century was sold for £50 and then later handed over to the State. Richard De Clare, best known as Strongbow, built the first tower on the ancient site of the Irish kings in 1172. Overtime it was developed into the impressive building it is today, although, the 4th (East) wall is missing. Today, the castle displays some of the National Art Gallery throughout it's rooms, perhaps the most impressive room being the long hall with it's double fireplace. There are also extensive grounds, with a beautiful Rose Garden and fountain, a duck pond and some lovely walking trails through the woods and all within the city itself - our own little quiet oasis to escape the city buzz!

Directly opposite the Castle lies Kilkenny Design Centre which is housed in the restored coach houses and stables of the castle itself. It contains an impressive collection of local and national Irish crafts and designs, all for sale ranging from clothing and jewellery and pottery. There are also local artists and craftspeople working in the many workshops in the yard. It's also a great spot to taste some locally cooked foods and cakes, with a refreshing cup of tea/coffe or even a nice glass of wine!

On High Street, amongst the more modern shop fronts, stands the Tholsel, which was built in 1761 as the Exchange and Town Hall. Today the Kilkenny Chamber Council holds it's offices there while on the street level, the impressive arches and steps are resting spots for the youth of the city. The roof is capped with a 3-tier octagonal clock tower, which was recently restored after a devasting fire in the 90's.

A few minutes walk further along the street brings you to Rothe house, built in 1594 by John Rothe, for his wife. It's a typical middle-class Tudor-style house, but is unusal in that it consists of 3 sections separated by cobbled courtyards. It houses impressive artefacts and furnishings from Kilkenny's past and is today, the HQ of the Heritage Council of Ireland and the Kilkenny Archeological Society.

Taking a nearby slipways (one of many around the city) will bring you to yet another impressive historic building - the Black Abey, which was founded for the Dominican Friars in 1225. Today, it has been fully restored and still functions as a place of worship. It's impressive stained-glass windows are truly works of art. Today however, the abbey is 'L' shaped, perhaps showing that the transept has been lost over the years.

Well, that's about it for now. This little tour is mainly historic Kilkenny, but there is lots more to my little city... I intend to share more on the other features in another blog someday soon... especially about the Smithwick's brewery, from where the great beer 'Kilkenny' originated. But first, I have to do some taste-tests to be sure I give you the best insights :o)