I WAS SURPRISED TO DISCOVER BULL RINGS IN KILLKENNY
Yes, Kilkenny indeed has a history of bull-baiting, a cruel blood sport involving the tormenting of a bull by dogs, which took place in designated bullrings.
Locations:
The Ring (St. Francis Abbey): The original bullring in Kilkenny City was located near St. Francis Abbey. The area is still referred to as "The Ring" today, a reminder of this past activity.
St. James' Green: Bull-baiting later moved to St. James' Green, where the last recorded event took place in 1837.
History:
Popularity: Bull-baiting was a popular pastime in Kilkenny for centuries, particularly among the lower classes. It was often associated with holidays and festivals.
Decline: By the early 18th century, bull-baiting began to fall out of favor with the wealthier classes, who deemed it uncivilized. However, it continued to be practiced among the lower classes well into the 19th century.
Abolition: The last recorded bull-baiting event in Kilkenny took place in 1837. The practice was eventually outlawed due to its cruelty and the growing public sentiment against animal cruelty.
Legacy:
Place Names: The names "The Ring" and "St. James' Green" serve as reminders of Kilkenny's history of bull-baiting.
Historical Records: Newspaper articles and historical accounts document the practice, providing insights into the social and cultural context of the time.
Reflection: Today, Kilkenny's bull-baiting history serves as a sobering reminder of past practices and the evolution of societal attitudes towards animal welfare.
Locations:
The Ring (St. Francis Abbey): The original bullring in Kilkenny City was located near St. Francis Abbey. The area is still referred to as "The Ring" today, a reminder of this past activity.
St. James' Green: Bull-baiting later moved to St. James' Green, where the last recorded event took place in 1837.
History:
Popularity: Bull-baiting was a popular pastime in Kilkenny for centuries, particularly among the lower classes. It was often associated with holidays and festivals.
Decline: By the early 18th century, bull-baiting began to fall out of favor with the wealthier classes, who deemed it uncivilized. However, it continued to be practiced among the lower classes well into the 19th century.
Abolition: The last recorded bull-baiting event in Kilkenny took place in 1837. The practice was eventually outlawed due to its cruelty and the growing public sentiment against animal cruelty.
Legacy:
Place Names: The names "The Ring" and "St. James' Green" serve as reminders of Kilkenny's history of bull-baiting.
Historical Records: Newspaper articles and historical accounts document the practice, providing insights into the social and cultural context of the time.
Reflection: Today, Kilkenny's bull-baiting history serves as a sobering reminder of past practices and the evolution of societal attitudes towards animal welfare.
I WAS SURPRISED TO DISCOVER BULL RINGS IN KILLKENNY