STATUE OF ST DOMINIC AT FRIAR'S BRIDGE IN KILKENNY
STATUE OF ST DOMINIC AT FRIAR'S BRIDGE IN KILKENNY
Kilkenny, a city steeped in mediaeval history, is home to a significant statue of St. Dominic located near Friar's Bridge. This statue, and the bridge and river it overlooks, are intimately connected to the long and impactful presence of the Dominican Order in the city.
St. Dominic: The Founder of the Order of Preachers
Saint Dominic, born Domingo de Guzmán in Caleruega, Spain, around 1170, was a pivotal figure in Christian history. From a young age, he displayed deep piety and a profound commitment to God. He studied extensively in arts and theology, and by the age of 24, he was ordained a priest. Dominic’s mission was to preach the Word of God, especially in response to the Albigensian heresy prevalent in southern France. He believed that preachers needed to live lives of poverty and austerity to effectively counter the ascetism of the heretics.
In 1216, with the approval of Pope Honorius III, he formally established the Order of Friars Preachers, now universally known as the Dominicans. The Order was unique for its emphasis on scholarly rigour, preaching, and a mendicant lifestyle, rejecting material possessions to better serve the people. Dominic's vision led to the Dominicans becoming intellectual leaders, producing many renowned theologians and philosophers throughout their 800-year history. He died in Bologna, Italy, in 1221 and was canonised by Pope Gregory IX in 1234. He is also credited with popularising the Rosary, which became a central devotion for the Order.
The Statue of St. Dominic at Friar's Bridge
While there isn't a widely documented, prominent outdoor statue specifically of St. Dominic at Friar's Bridge, the most significant and well-known statue associated with the Dominicans in Kilkenny is located within the Black Abbey, their priory. This is a unique and ancient wooden statue, believed to be the only known surviving wooden statue of St. Dominic in Ireland. It bears marks from Cromwellian soldiers' swords, a testament to the turbulent history of the abbey. Another notable medieval statue in the Black Abbey depicts the Holy Trinity, carved from alabaster, dating to the 15th century. It’s possible that the popular association of "Friar's Bridge" with a St. Dominic statue might lead to a conflation with the Black Abbey's internal treasures.
History of the Dominican Order in Kilkenny
The Dominican Order has a rich and enduring history in Kilkenny, marked by periods of great flourishing and severe persecution.
Foundation (1225): The Dominican Priory in Kilkenny, famously known as the Black Abbey, was founded in 1225 by William Marshal the Younger, 2nd Earl of Pembroke. It was one of the first Dominican foundations in Ireland, following Dublin and Drogheda in 1224. The name "Black Abbey" derives from the black cappa (cloak) worn by the Dominicans over their white habits, earning them the moniker "Black Friars." Strategically, the priory was established outside the walls of the mediaeval town, between the English and Irish settlements, to symbolise their independence.
Turbulent Centuries: The Black Abbey played a vital role in the city's civic and ecclesiastical life. However, it faced immense challenges, particularly during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII in 1543, when it was confiscated and used as a courthouse. The Dominicans were forced to leave, and the abbey fell into ruin.
Restoration and Revival: Despite the suppression, the Dominicans eventually regained possession, first by renting the property in 1776. A significant restoration effort began in the 19th century, with the first public Mass held in 1816. The mediaeval nave, transept, and tower were restored for worship, and the abbey has been continuously in the possession of the Dominican Order since.
Confederate Ireland: From 1642 to 1649, the Black Abbey served as the headquarters for the Irish Catholic Confederation, a pivotal period in Irish history that sought to protect the Catholic religion and support King Charles I. This effort was ultimately thwarted by Oliver Cromwell's forces, who besieged Kilkenny in 1650, leading to further devastation for the abbey.
Friar's Bridge and the River
Friar's Bridge in Kilkenny is named for its proximity to the Dominican Black Abbey. It spans the River Breagagh, a smaller river that flows through Kilkenny City before joining the larger River Nore. The bridge itself features three arches and cutwaters, designed to prevent floodwaters from damaging its pillars. The remains of an older bridge are also visible nearby, indicating its long history as a crossing point.
The River Breagagh, while smaller than the Nore, has historically played a significant role in Kilkenny's development, including powering various mills. Its confluence with the River Nore, Kilkenny's primary river, is just below Green's Bridge. The Nore itself is a significant river in the southeast of Ireland, renowned for its beauty and for supporting a diverse ecosystem.
Future of the Dominican Order in Kilkenny
The Dominican Order in Ireland, like many religious orders, faces challenges related to declining numbers and an ageing membership. While the Order has announced plans to consolidate its presence in certain centres across Ireland due to personnel limitations, Kilkenny's Black Abbey has been identified as one of the key houses for continued development.
In January 2025, Bishop Niall Coll of Ossory paid tribute to 800 years of Dominican ministry in Kilkenny, highlighting the enduring importance of their charisms: preaching, scholarship, and reaching out to people. He emphasised the need for preachers, teachers, and evangelisers in the contemporary Church. This commitment from the local diocese, combined with the Dominicans' strategic decision to maintain and develop their presence in Kilkenny, suggests a hopeful future for the Order in the city. The Black Abbey continues to be an active priory and a vibrant centre of worship and community service, deeply embedded in the religious and historical fabric of Kilkenny.
Kilkenny, a city steeped in mediaeval history, is home to a significant statue of St. Dominic located near Friar's Bridge. This statue, and the bridge and river it overlooks, are intimately connected to the long and impactful presence of the Dominican Order in the city.
St. Dominic: The Founder of the Order of Preachers
Saint Dominic, born Domingo de Guzmán in Caleruega, Spain, around 1170, was a pivotal figure in Christian history. From a young age, he displayed deep piety and a profound commitment to God. He studied extensively in arts and theology, and by the age of 24, he was ordained a priest. Dominic’s mission was to preach the Word of God, especially in response to the Albigensian heresy prevalent in southern France. He believed that preachers needed to live lives of poverty and austerity to effectively counter the ascetism of the heretics.
In 1216, with the approval of Pope Honorius III, he formally established the Order of Friars Preachers, now universally known as the Dominicans. The Order was unique for its emphasis on scholarly rigour, preaching, and a mendicant lifestyle, rejecting material possessions to better serve the people. Dominic's vision led to the Dominicans becoming intellectual leaders, producing many renowned theologians and philosophers throughout their 800-year history. He died in Bologna, Italy, in 1221 and was canonised by Pope Gregory IX in 1234. He is also credited with popularising the Rosary, which became a central devotion for the Order.
The Statue of St. Dominic at Friar's Bridge
While there isn't a widely documented, prominent outdoor statue specifically of St. Dominic at Friar's Bridge, the most significant and well-known statue associated with the Dominicans in Kilkenny is located within the Black Abbey, their priory. This is a unique and ancient wooden statue, believed to be the only known surviving wooden statue of St. Dominic in Ireland. It bears marks from Cromwellian soldiers' swords, a testament to the turbulent history of the abbey. Another notable medieval statue in the Black Abbey depicts the Holy Trinity, carved from alabaster, dating to the 15th century. It’s possible that the popular association of "Friar's Bridge" with a St. Dominic statue might lead to a conflation with the Black Abbey's internal treasures.
History of the Dominican Order in Kilkenny
The Dominican Order has a rich and enduring history in Kilkenny, marked by periods of great flourishing and severe persecution.
Foundation (1225): The Dominican Priory in Kilkenny, famously known as the Black Abbey, was founded in 1225 by William Marshal the Younger, 2nd Earl of Pembroke. It was one of the first Dominican foundations in Ireland, following Dublin and Drogheda in 1224. The name "Black Abbey" derives from the black cappa (cloak) worn by the Dominicans over their white habits, earning them the moniker "Black Friars." Strategically, the priory was established outside the walls of the mediaeval town, between the English and Irish settlements, to symbolise their independence.
Turbulent Centuries: The Black Abbey played a vital role in the city's civic and ecclesiastical life. However, it faced immense challenges, particularly during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII in 1543, when it was confiscated and used as a courthouse. The Dominicans were forced to leave, and the abbey fell into ruin.
Restoration and Revival: Despite the suppression, the Dominicans eventually regained possession, first by renting the property in 1776. A significant restoration effort began in the 19th century, with the first public Mass held in 1816. The mediaeval nave, transept, and tower were restored for worship, and the abbey has been continuously in the possession of the Dominican Order since.
Confederate Ireland: From 1642 to 1649, the Black Abbey served as the headquarters for the Irish Catholic Confederation, a pivotal period in Irish history that sought to protect the Catholic religion and support King Charles I. This effort was ultimately thwarted by Oliver Cromwell's forces, who besieged Kilkenny in 1650, leading to further devastation for the abbey.
Friar's Bridge and the River
Friar's Bridge in Kilkenny is named for its proximity to the Dominican Black Abbey. It spans the River Breagagh, a smaller river that flows through Kilkenny City before joining the larger River Nore. The bridge itself features three arches and cutwaters, designed to prevent floodwaters from damaging its pillars. The remains of an older bridge are also visible nearby, indicating its long history as a crossing point.
The River Breagagh, while smaller than the Nore, has historically played a significant role in Kilkenny's development, including powering various mills. Its confluence with the River Nore, Kilkenny's primary river, is just below Green's Bridge. The Nore itself is a significant river in the southeast of Ireland, renowned for its beauty and for supporting a diverse ecosystem.
Future of the Dominican Order in Kilkenny
The Dominican Order in Ireland, like many religious orders, faces challenges related to declining numbers and an ageing membership. While the Order has announced plans to consolidate its presence in certain centres across Ireland due to personnel limitations, Kilkenny's Black Abbey has been identified as one of the key houses for continued development.
In January 2025, Bishop Niall Coll of Ossory paid tribute to 800 years of Dominican ministry in Kilkenny, highlighting the enduring importance of their charisms: preaching, scholarship, and reaching out to people. He emphasised the need for preachers, teachers, and evangelisers in the contemporary Church. This commitment from the local diocese, combined with the Dominicans' strategic decision to maintain and develop their presence in Kilkenny, suggests a hopeful future for the Order in the city. The Black Abbey continues to be an active priory and a vibrant centre of worship and community service, deeply embedded in the religious and historical fabric of Kilkenny.