PHOTOGRAPHED BY INFOMATIQUE JUNE 2025
Riverside Gardens Kilkenny is a significant public amenity and green space, strategically located along the River Nore. It serves as an integral component of the multi-faceted Abbey Quarter urban regeneration project in Kilkenny City. The site of the Abbey Quarter, which encompasses Riverside Gardens, historically functioned as the Smithwick’s Brewery, a prominent industrial complex. Its acquisition by Kilkenny County Council in 2012 marked the formal commencement of its transformation from a defunct industrial site into a vibrant, mixed-use urban quarter.
The comprehensive redevelopment began with the adoption of the Abbey Quarter Masterplan in 2015. Key milestones include the official opening of the Riverside Garden and Skatepark in 2021, and the ongoing construction of the Pedestrian & Cycle Link Boardwalk, anticipated for completion by the end of 2025. The planned end-state for the Abbey Quarter is a modern, permeable urban core that integrates living, working, and recreational spaces, with a strong emphasis on public access to the River Nore and the development of a River Nore Blueway to enhance tourism and water-based activities. This vision is dynamic, as evidenced by the Masterplan review initiated in 2023, ensuring the project remains aligned with contemporary urban planning principles.
Introduction: Setting the Scene in Kilkenny
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of “Riverside Gardens Kilkenny,” detailing its role within the broader urban redevelopment of Kilkenny City, its historical context as a former industrial site, the timeline of its transformation, and its envisioned future state. The analysis adheres to British spelling conventions throughout.
Kilkenny, often referred to as ‘Marble City’ due to its black marble quarries, boasts a rich medieval history, with significant landmarks such as Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral. Its strategic location on the River Nore has historically been central to its development, from early settlements and Norman influence to its industrial past. The city was granted city status by King James I in 1609 and was the capital of Confederate Ireland between 1642 and 1649. Kilkenny’s distinctive urban fabric, characterised by its medieval core and riverside setting, provides the backdrop for the current regeneration efforts, aiming to consolidate its role as a regional hub.
Riverside Gardens: A Key Public Amenity
“Riverside Gardens” in the context of this report refers to a public park and amenity space situated along the western bank of the River Nore in Kilkenny. It is designed to enhance public access to the river and provide recreational opportunities. The Riverside Garden Project, officially opened in June 2021, provides a riverside walk from the Tea Houses at Bateman Quay to Greensbridge and incorporates a skate park. This public space is a tangible outcome of the city’s broader urban renewal efforts.
It is important to clarify that while a private residential property, “3 River Gardens, Greens Hill,” shares a similar name and a prestigious riverside location with direct access to the River Nore, it is a distinct entity. This private home, built by Kevin Moore Construction, represents a high-end, detached residence and is not part of the large-scale public redevelopment discussed herein. The user’s inquiry regarding a “larger development or area redevelopment” and the replacement of a “defunct industrial complex” directly pertains to the public amenity known as Riverside Gardens and its integration within the Abbey Quarter project, which is designed to open up previously inaccessible areas for public use and enhance urban connectivity. The focus of this report is therefore on the public domain and its transformative impact on the city’s fabric.
The Abbey Quarter: A Transformative Urban Redevelopment
The Abbey Quarter is Kilkenny’s flagship urban regeneration project, guided by a Masterplan officially approved by Kilkenny County Council on 31st July 2015. The overarching vision is to redevelop and regenerate the former Smithwick’s Brewery site into a modern, vibrant, and permeable complement to the medieval core of Kilkenny City. This ambitious undertaking aims to consolidate the city’s role as a regional hub, creating a place for people to live, work, and play, while re-establishing the River Nore as a central feature of the urban landscape.
The Riverside Garden Project is explicitly identified as a “key component” of the Abbey Quarter development. It represents one of the first projects to link the former Brewery site into the public realm of the city, providing vital public access and green space along the river. Its completion in 2021 marked a significant step in the broader regeneration.
The Abbey Quarter encompasses a range of interconnected projects designed to achieve its comprehensive vision:
Urban Street and Park: A contract was signed earlier in 2025 for the Urban Street and Park, awarded to David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd. This development has been described as a ‘game-changer’ for the city, opening up areas that were previously inaccessible for public use. The street will extend from Bateman Quay to St Francis Bridge, primarily designed as a pedestrian and cyclist-dominated space, with limited vehicular access for deliveries and emergency services.
Brewhouse and Mayfair Buildings: Works have already been completed in respect of the Brewhouse and Mayfair public realm areas, with the Brewhouse office building now fully occupied. These refurbishments demonstrate early success in attracting commercial tenants and integrating former industrial structures into the new urban fabric.
Cultural Hub: Plans include the redevelopment of old squash courts into a cultural hub, funded by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and Kilkenny County Council. While this project aims to provide a much-needed facility, concerns regarding accessibility, particularly the lack of a lift to the second floor, have been raised by local councillors.
New City Library: A significant civic amenity, the new City Library, is currently under construction within the Abbey Quarter, further diversifying the quarter’s offerings and enhancing its role as a community hub.
Pedestrian & Cycle Link Boardwalk: This vital connectivity project, linking Riverside Gardens with Bishops Meadows Riverside Park, had its construction contract signed on 11th April 2025 (publicly announced on 2nd May 2025). A standout feature of this project is an elevated boardwalk spanning the western bank of the River Nore. It also includes the reopening of the historic tunnel at Troy’s Gate, offering a direct and safe passage under the road. This project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025, further enhancing riverside access and promoting sustainable transport options.
River Nore Blueway: A broader vision aims to maximise the river’s potential for recreation, training, and tourism, with Riverside Gardens poised to be a key access point for this future Blueway.
A central underlying principle of the Abbey Quarter redevelopment is the strategic enhancement of pedestrian and cycle connectivity, particularly along the River Nore. This approach aims to seamlessly integrate previously inaccessible or fragmented urban areas. The various projects, such as the new Urban Street, the riverside walk, and the Pedestrian & Cycle Link Boardwalk, collectively demonstrate a fundamental commitment to improving urban permeability. By linking Riverside Gardens with Bishops Meadows Riverside Park and opening up areas like the former brewery site, the development seeks to reduce traffic congestion, promote sustainable modes of transport, and forge cohesive links between historical sites and new public spaces. This comprehensive strategy transforms the urban fabric, making the city more accessible and enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.
From Industrial Heritage to Modern Renewal: The Site’s Past
The Abbey Quarter development, including Riverside Gardens, directly replaces the former Smithwick’s Brewery site. This brewery was a prominent industrial complex situated on the banks of the River Nore, representing a significant piece of Kilkenny’s industrial heritage.
Kilkenny has a rich and long-standing industrial heritage, with sites of past industrial activity extending back centuries. Historical records indicate the presence of numerous watermills along the River Nore, such as those associated with St. Francis Abbey and St. John’s Priory, dating back to medieval times. Some of these mills were notably destroyed by floods, such as the “enormous flood” of 1338. The city’s industrial past also includes corn and textile mills, and the Ormonde Woollen Mills, highlighting a long tradition of riverside industry. The Smithwick’s Brewery site itself was historically part of “burgage plots” established by William Marshall in 1207, which were long, narrow gardens behind houses with sheds and dovecotes.
The acquisition of the Smithwick’s Brewery site from Diageo by Kilkenny County Council in 2012 was not merely a land transaction but the foundational step for the entire Abbey Quarter redevelopment. This strategic purchase provided the municipal authority with direct control over a large, centrally located industrial brownfield site. This control was essential to enable the comprehensive urban renewal envisioned in the Masterplan, effectively transforming a private industrial legacy into a public asset and the nucleus of a new urban quarter. The Masterplan explicitly aims to “reconnect the former industrial site with the urban fabric of the city, creating a welcoming pedestrian and cyclist dominated area within the city centre”. This transformation represents a deliberate shift from a post-industrial landscape to an environment attractive for creative and knowledge-based industries, leveraging the site’s prime riverside location.
Redevelopment Journey: Timeline and Milestones
The redevelopment of the Abbey Quarter is a multi-year undertaking, characterised by a phased implementation approach.
Commencement of Redevelopment
The foundational step for the Abbey Quarter redevelopment was the purchase of the Smithwick’s Brewery site from Diageo by Kilkenny County Council in 2012. This acquisition provided the municipal authority with direct control over the key redevelopment area, enabling a strategic approach to its future. Following this, the Abbey Creative Quarter Masterplan was officially approved by Kilkenny County Council on
31st July 2015. This document established the comprehensive strategic framework and vision for the entire redevelopment, outlining its objectives and phased implementation over an anticipated overall timeframe of 10 to 15 years from its adoption.
Phased Development and Key Project Completions
The Abbey Quarter development is being implemented incrementally, with several significant milestones already achieved or underway:
Riverside Garden Project & Skatepark: The Riverside Garden and Skatepark were officially opened on 9th June 2021. The skate park itself opened to the public slightly earlier, on 1st May 2021. This project marked a significant early completion, providing a key public amenity and a new riverside walk from the Tea Houses at Bateman Quay to Greensbridge.
Public Realm Works (Brewhouse & Mayfair): Initial public realm works complementing the Brewhouse and Mayfair buildings have been completed, with the Brewhouse office building now fully occupied, demonstrating early success in attracting commercial tenants.
Urban Street and Park Construction: A contract for the construction of the Urban Street and Park was signed earlier in 2025, awarded to David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd. This is a crucial infrastructure project designed to open up previously inaccessible areas of the city and create a pedestrian and cyclist-dominated space.
Pedestrian & Cycle Link Boardwalk: The construction contract for this vital connectivity project, linking Riverside Gardens with Bishops Meadows Riverside Park, was signed on 11th April 2025 (publicly announced on 2nd May 2025). This project is anticipated to be completed by the
end of 2025, further enhancing riverside access and sustainable transport options.
New City Library: A significant civic amenity, the new City Library, is currently under construction within the Abbey Quarter, further diversifying the quarter’s offerings.
Ongoing Review and Adaptation
The original Abbey Quarter Masterplan, adopted in 2015, began a comprehensive review in 2023. This proactive review aims to ensure the Masterplan remains aligned with current urban planning thinking and best practices, incorporating public feedback and adapting to evolving needs. This process indicates that the Abbey Quarter redevelopment, including Riverside Gardens, is characterised by an adaptive and iterative planning process. The “planned end-state” is not a static blueprint from 2015, but rather an evolving vision that incorporates continuous feedback, new opportunities, and adaptation to ensure long-term relevance and success. This flexible approach is crucial for large-scale urban developments to remain responsive to socio-economic, environmental, and urban design changes over time.
Key Abbey Quarter projects and their timelines include: the Smithwick’s Brewery Site Acquisition in 2012, which was a foundational step for redevelopment ; the Abbey Creative Quarter Masterplan Approval on 31st July 2015, formally adopting the strategic plan ; the Riverside Garden & Skatepark Official Opening on 9th June 2021, marking the first major public amenity completion ; the Urban Street & Park Contract Signing in early 2025, a major infrastructure project ; the Pedestrian & Cycle Link Boardwalk Contract Signing on 11th April 2025, a key connectivity project ; the Pedestrian & Cycle Link Boardwalk Anticipated Completion by the end of 2025, further enhancing riverside connectivity ; the Abbey Quarter Masterplan Review Commencement in 2023, for ongoing adaptation of the long-term vision ; and the Overall Masterplan Phased Delivery from 2015 to 2025/2030, representing the long-term vision for comprehensive urban regeneration.
The Vision for Tomorrow: Planned End-State and Future Potential
The planned end-state for the Abbey Quarter is a comprehensive transformation of a former industrial site into a dynamic, integrated urban core, with the River Nore as its central amenity.
Comprehensive Outline of Abbey Quarter End-State
Integrated Urban Core: The Abbey Quarter aims to be a “modern, vibrant and permeable complement to the medieval core,” seamlessly integrating living, working, and recreational spaces. This includes the development of new residential and student residential districts, and dedicated accommodation for creative and knowledge-based industries, fostering a diverse urban environment. The ambition is for Kilkenny to be a competitive city in the knowledge economy of the twenty-first century.
Enhanced Public Realm: A core objective is the creation of high-quality hard and soft landscaping, new public squares (e.g., at St Francis Abbey), and pedestrianised areas. The removal of the former brewery’s boundary wall is key to integrating the site into the city’s existing streetscape, promoting accessibility and flow.
Cultural and Educational Hub: The plans include the redevelopment of old squash courts into a cultural hub, and the aspiration to accommodate a university or third-level institute. This strategic focus aims to position Kilkenny as a competitive city in the knowledge economy of the twenty-first century and beyond.
Sustainable Development: The Masterplan places significant emphasis on sustainable and energy-efficient strategies for individual buildings and the overall site. This commitment aligns with Kilkenny’s broader efforts to enhance its infrastructure and green credentials, contributing to the city’s overall revitalisation.
River Nore Blueway Vision
The River Nore is central to the planned end-state, with a comprehensive vision to “maximise the river’s potential for all citizens and visitors, transforming it into a prominent hub for recreation, training, and tourism”.
Key Access Point: Riverside Gardens is envisioned as the most important access point on the future River Nore Blueway, a planned linear network extending from Bleach Road to Inistioge, serving as a vital recreational corridor.
Water-Based Activities and Facilities: The plan includes establishing permanent, well-designed facilities for water users, such as toilets, showers, changing rooms, club rooms, and equipment storage. It aims to facilitate significant growth in activities like open water swimming, kayaking schools, triathlons, rowing clubs, and dragon boat racing, significantly increasing the current 2500 individual uses of the River Nore annually.
Centre of Excellence: The site has the potential to become a centre of excellence for various kayaking disciplines, leveraging its deep, relatively calm water, and the provision of lighting for night training and a competition venue for national canoe polo events.
Tourism Enhancement: The Blueway will significantly enhance the visitor experience, complementing existing Blueway developments on the Barrow and Suir rivers. It is designed to strengthen Kilkenny’s position as an internationally compelling destination within “Ireland’s Ancient East,” attracting leisure visitors year-round and dispersing tourism across the city and county.
Historical Integration: Future developments may include the restoration of Chancellors Mill, potentially for interpretive centres or other amenities, further integrating the site’s rich heritage with modern recreational use.
The redevelopment of Riverside Gardens and the broader Abbey Quarter represents a strategic move towards diversifying Kilkenny’s economic and recreational base. By leveraging its natural heritage, particularly the River Nore, the project aims to boost tourism, sports, and overall quality of life, moving beyond a traditional industrial reliance. This reorientation of the city’s development strategy underscores a commitment to creating a more vibrant, sustainable, and attractive urban environment for the future.
The River Nore Blueway vision has several key objectives: to ensure appropriate river access, providing safer and more convenient travel for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as emergency access ; to establish permanent, well-designed facilities to support water users, including toilets, showers, storage, and club rooms ; to facilitate continued growth in river use, increasing participation in water sports like kayaking, swimming, and triathlons ; to become a key access point for the River Nore Blueway, serving as a vital link for outdoor tourism and extending the tourism season ; to establish a Centre of Excellence, developing Kilkenny as a hub for kayaking disciplines ; and to explore the restoration of Chancellors Mill, increasing site attractiveness and its potential as an interpretive centre.
Funding and Collaborative Framework
The Abbey Quarter redevelopment benefits from significant public funding, underscoring its strategic importance and the commitment from various levels of government. This comprehensive scale and funding, heavily reliant on national and European public funds and led by Kilkenny County Council, signifies a strategic, public-sector driven commitment to long-term urban regeneration and economic reorientation rather than purely private development. This approach allows for a broader focus on public benefit and sustainable growth beyond immediate commercial returns.
Primary Funding Mechanisms
Major funding sources for the Abbey Quarter development include: the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), a major Irish government fund for urban renewal, which supports projects like the Urban Street & Park, Pedestrian & Cycle Link Boardwalk, and the Cultural Hub ; the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), a European Union fund for regional development, contributing to the Riverside Garden Project and the Urban Street ; Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, which aligns with Abbey Quarter tourism goals through the Kilkenny DEDP ; and Kilkenny County Council, the lead authority, responsible for site acquisition, co-funding, and overall project delivery and management, including the Smithwick’s Brewery site purchase.
Key Stakeholders and Collaborative Approach
The comprehensive nature of the redevelopment necessitates a collaborative effort involving various public bodies and community groups:
Kilkenny County Council: Acts as the lead authority, responsible for the Masterplan’s development and approval, site acquisition, and overall project delivery and oversight.
Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage: Oversees and provides the substantial URDF funding, highlighting national government backing for the project.
An Bord Pleanála: The independent planning body responsible for approving significant developments, such as the pedestrian and cycle link, ensuring adherence to planning regulations and environmental assessments.
Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership: Collaborates on the development of recreational facilities, including the skate park and the broader vision for water-based activities on the River Nore.
Local Community Groups: Active participation in consultation processes, particularly regarding river access and facilities, ensures the development meets community needs and fosters local engagement.
Conclusion: A Revitalised Riverside for Kilkenny
Riverside Gardens Kilkenny is more than just a public park; it is a tangible manifestation of Kilkenny City’s ambitious Abbey Quarter urban regeneration project. This extensive redevelopment has successfully transformed the former Smithwick’s Brewery industrial site—a significant piece of Kilkenny’s industrial heritage—into a dynamic, integrated urban space. The process, initiated with the site’s strategic acquisition by Kilkenny County Council in 2012 and formally guided by the 2015 Masterplan, represents a phased, long-term commitment to urban renewal.
The project underscores a fundamental strategic shift for Kilkenny, moving from its industrial past towards a future as a vibrant hub for tourism, recreation, and knowledge-based industries. The strong emphasis on enhancing connectivity, ensuring comprehensive public access to the River Nore, and the ambitious development of the River Nore Blueway highlights a holistic vision for improving liveability, promoting sustainability, and boosting economic vitality. The ongoing review of the Masterplan demonstrates an adaptive and forward-thinking approach to urban planning, ensuring the project remains relevant and impactful for generations to come, creating a truly revitalised riverside for Kilkenny.