ABOUT BATEMAN QUAY
BATEMAN QUAY IN KILKENNY [JUNE 2025]
Bateman Quay is a significant area in Kilkenny, Ireland, with a rich history and ongoing development.
Origin of the Name
The exact origin of the name "Bateman Quay" isn't immediately evident in historical records detailing Kilkenny's foundation. However, historical maps indicate that the area, along with the former Smithwick's Brewery site, was part of a system of "burgage plots" established by William Marshall in 1207. These plots were long, narrow pieces of land extending from the main street to the river, rented by "burgesses" (town dwellers) for a shilling a year to build houses with gardens. It's plausible that "Bateman" was the name of a prominent burgess or family associated with one of these plots, or perhaps a later landowner or merchant who held significant property along the quay, leading to the name being adopted over time.
Current Status
Bateman Quay is currently undergoing significant transformation as part of the larger Abbey Creative Quarter Masterplan. This masterplan aims to redevelop the former Smithwick's Brewery site and the Bateman Quay/Market Yard area. The goal is to revitalise this north-eastern quarter of the city, attracting new businesses, tourism, and residents, and improving the overall perception and success of Kilkenny.
Recent developments include the completion of a new pedestrian bridge, named the Lady Desart Bridge, connecting John's Quay to Bateman Quay. This indicates a move towards creating more pedestrian-friendly spaces and integrating the quay into the city's active urban fabric. Kilkenny County Council is also reviewing and implementing various aspects of the Abbey Quarter Masterplan, which includes further development of the quayside, public spaces, and urban streets.
Items of Note
While Bateman Quay itself is evolving, it is historically linked to and adjacent to some notable structures:
St. Francis Abbey: This historic abbey, founded by Richard Marshall between 1231 and 1234, is a significant landmark in the vicinity. Its upstanding remains include the eastern choir, central bell tower, and sacristy.
Former Smithwick's Brewery Buildings: The redevelopment of the brewery site means some of its industrial heritage is being retained and repurposed. Buildings like the Brewhouse Building and the Tea Houses on Bateman Quay are being renovated or incorporated into the new scheme, showcasing the area's long and varied history.
Lady Desart Bridge: As a new addition, this pedestrian bridge is a notable contemporary structure connecting Bateman Quay to other parts of the city.
The area's history as burgage plots also means that while specific original "Bateman" buildings might not stand today, the underlying historical layout and the presence of older structures in the wider Kilkenny area (such as medieval churches, Rothe House, and Kilkenny Castle) speak to the city's rich architectural heritage.
Lemongrass Restaurant: Located at No. 4 John's Bridge (on Bateman Quay), the Lemongrass restaurant is part of a brand that was previously a larger chain in Ireland. This original chain faced significant financial difficulties and ceased trading or went into liquidation some years ago. However, some former Lemongrass locations, including the one in Kilkenny, have since reopened or continued under new ownership structures, such as "Kilcullen Asian World Food Limited" for the Kilkenny and Carlow branches, maintaining the brand name.
Country Markets Ltd (Kilkenny) at Market Yard: This traditional market, offering local produce and crafts, has been permanently relocated to a newly renovated building within the Market Yard, directly adjacent to the former brewery site. This provides a consistent and dedicated space for local producers and consumers, contributing to the area's community and commercial vitality.
"Tree Of Heaven" Memorial: Located on Bateman Quay near the Tea Houses, on the bank of the River Nore, this memorial tree was erected by the Bereaved Parents Support Group Kilkenny.
Public Transport
Bateman Quay is well-served by public transport, primarily through Kilkenny's city bus services. The local bus routes, operated by City Direct on behalf of Transport for Ireland, have stops in the vicinity. Specifically, the "Market Yard" stop is very close to Bateman Quay, with routes KK1 and KK2 providing regular services throughout the city. These routes operate frequently, typically every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday, and hourly on Sundays. TFI Leap Card is accepted for fares.
Bateman Quay is a significant area in Kilkenny, Ireland, with a rich history and ongoing development.
Origin of the Name
The exact origin of the name "Bateman Quay" isn't immediately evident in historical records detailing Kilkenny's foundation. However, historical maps indicate that the area, along with the former Smithwick's Brewery site, was part of a system of "burgage plots" established by William Marshall in 1207. These plots were long, narrow pieces of land extending from the main street to the river, rented by "burgesses" (town dwellers) for a shilling a year to build houses with gardens. It's plausible that "Bateman" was the name of a prominent burgess or family associated with one of these plots, or perhaps a later landowner or merchant who held significant property along the quay, leading to the name being adopted over time.
Current Status
Bateman Quay is currently undergoing significant transformation as part of the larger Abbey Creative Quarter Masterplan. This masterplan aims to redevelop the former Smithwick's Brewery site and the Bateman Quay/Market Yard area. The goal is to revitalise this north-eastern quarter of the city, attracting new businesses, tourism, and residents, and improving the overall perception and success of Kilkenny.
Recent developments include the completion of a new pedestrian bridge, named the Lady Desart Bridge, connecting John's Quay to Bateman Quay. This indicates a move towards creating more pedestrian-friendly spaces and integrating the quay into the city's active urban fabric. Kilkenny County Council is also reviewing and implementing various aspects of the Abbey Quarter Masterplan, which includes further development of the quayside, public spaces, and urban streets.
Items of Note
While Bateman Quay itself is evolving, it is historically linked to and adjacent to some notable structures:
St. Francis Abbey: This historic abbey, founded by Richard Marshall between 1231 and 1234, is a significant landmark in the vicinity. Its upstanding remains include the eastern choir, central bell tower, and sacristy.
Former Smithwick's Brewery Buildings: The redevelopment of the brewery site means some of its industrial heritage is being retained and repurposed. Buildings like the Brewhouse Building and the Tea Houses on Bateman Quay are being renovated or incorporated into the new scheme, showcasing the area's long and varied history.
Lady Desart Bridge: As a new addition, this pedestrian bridge is a notable contemporary structure connecting Bateman Quay to other parts of the city.
The area's history as burgage plots also means that while specific original "Bateman" buildings might not stand today, the underlying historical layout and the presence of older structures in the wider Kilkenny area (such as medieval churches, Rothe House, and Kilkenny Castle) speak to the city's rich architectural heritage.
Lemongrass Restaurant: Located at No. 4 John's Bridge (on Bateman Quay), the Lemongrass restaurant is part of a brand that was previously a larger chain in Ireland. This original chain faced significant financial difficulties and ceased trading or went into liquidation some years ago. However, some former Lemongrass locations, including the one in Kilkenny, have since reopened or continued under new ownership structures, such as "Kilcullen Asian World Food Limited" for the Kilkenny and Carlow branches, maintaining the brand name.
Country Markets Ltd (Kilkenny) at Market Yard: This traditional market, offering local produce and crafts, has been permanently relocated to a newly renovated building within the Market Yard, directly adjacent to the former brewery site. This provides a consistent and dedicated space for local producers and consumers, contributing to the area's community and commercial vitality.
"Tree Of Heaven" Memorial: Located on Bateman Quay near the Tea Houses, on the bank of the River Nore, this memorial tree was erected by the Bereaved Parents Support Group Kilkenny.
Public Transport
Bateman Quay is well-served by public transport, primarily through Kilkenny's city bus services. The local bus routes, operated by City Direct on behalf of Transport for Ireland, have stops in the vicinity. Specifically, the "Market Yard" stop is very close to Bateman Quay, with routes KK1 and KK2 providing regular services throughout the city. These routes operate frequently, typically every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday, and hourly on Sundays. TFI Leap Card is accepted for fares.