KILKENNY

EXPLORING CHURCH LANE IN KILKENNY FROM VICAR STREET TO GRANGES ROAD

June 22, 2025 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED USING A FUJI GFX100RF

Today I used a Fuji GFX100RF to photograph Church Lane and as a matter of interest the gentleman with the very large ice cream cone, it was huge, asked me to include him in my photographs. He was really enjoying himself.

Church Lane in Kilkenny, specifically the stretch from Vicar Street to Granges Road, offers a profoundly historical and atmospheric experience, forming an integral part of Kilkenny’s “Medieval Mile.” This narrow, ancient laneway is devoid of any retail outlets, serving primarily as a conduit to the city’s significant ecclesiastical heritage.

Beginning at Vicar Street, a historic artery within Kilkenny’s “Irishtown” – the original settlement surrounding St. Canice’s Cathedral – Church Lane immediately immerses visitors in the past.

As one progresses towards Granges Road, the majestic St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower dominates the landscape. This impressive Church of Ireland cathedral, with foundations laid in the 6th century and the current structure largely dating from 1203, stands on an elevated site, offering unparalleled views. Adjacent to it, the ancient Round Tower, the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny, provides a challenging but rewarding climb to its summit, rewarding visitors with breathtaking panoramic vistas of the city and its environs. The cathedral grounds are rich with historical memorials and exquisite stained-glass, silently narrating centuries of worship and artistic endeavour.

Nearby, also on Church Lane, stands the Bishop’s Palace, now home to the Heritage Council. Dating back in parts to the 14th century, this building has undergone various transformations, evolving from a medieval hall house to a Georgian country residence. Its history is inextricably linked to the Bishops of Ossory, offering insights into Kilkenny’s evolving architectural and social fabric. Archaeological discoveries in the vicinity continue to unveil layers of history, including evidence of medieval structures and gardens.

It is crucial to note that this section of Church Lane is distinctly different from a typical urban street. It is narrow, often only wide enough for a single vehicle, and there are no dedicated footpaths for pedestrians. While local drivers are generally aware of walkers and the historical nature of the lane, a degree of caution is strongly advised for anyone traversing this area on foot due to the shared road space and lack of pavements. This characteristic, however, contributes significantly to its historical charm, lending it the feel of a preserved medieval pathway rather than a modern thoroughfare. The absence of commercial activity fosters a sense of tranquillity, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the historical gravitas of the surroundings.

PRIORY LODGE ON ST JOHN’S QUAY KILKENNY IS PART OF A LARGER COMPLEX

June 21, 2025 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED JUNE 2025

Priory Lodge, St. John’s Quay, Kilkenny: A Historical Overview

St. John’s Quay in Kilkenny is a historic area deeply intertwined with the city’s past, particularly its relationship with the River Nore. My recent visit found it bustling with tourists, iPhone in hand, making it unclear if I was on private property despite the public activity.

Origins and Early History

The origins of St. John’s Quay are closely linked to the construction of the Kilkenny Canal. An enduring, albeit unconfirmed, local anecdote suggests a boat was once transported overland and docked on the east bank of the river. This unusual act was reportedly done to secure a government grant for the canal, leading to the “quay” becoming something of a local joke. Regardless of its veracity, this story highlights the area’s historical connection to river activity.

The Impact of Flooding

The River Nore has a documented history of destructive flooding in Kilkenny, significantly impacting areas like St. John’s Quay. Notable floods in 1487, 1584, and especially 1763, caused widespread damage, destroying bridges and properties.

Significant Buildings and Institutions

The area is rich with historical buildings, each with its own compelling story:

St. John’s Priory: The quay takes its name from the Augustinian Priory of St. John the Evangelist, founded in 1211 by William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke. This monastic site has a complex history, transforming from a priory to a military barracks during the Cromwellian invasion, then becoming an almshouse (Evans’ Home) in the 19th century, and later a nursing home. Today, the site houses the Butler Gallery, a contemporary art gallery. Remarkably, the Lady Chapel of the original priory continues to function as a Church of Ireland parish church.

Evans’ Home: Established in 1818 through Joseph Evans’ bequest, this institution on the priory site provided housing for impoverished former domestic servants before later becoming a nursing home.

Home Rule Club: Located directly on St. John’s Quay, this club was founded in 1894 with the aim of “advancing Catholic and National Interests.” Prior to this, the building housed the NoreView School.

Modern Significance and National Monument Status

St. John’s Quay remains a vital part of Kilkenny’s historic fabric, with the Butler Gallery serving as a major cultural attraction. There are ongoing plans for redevelopment within the broader Abbey Quarter, aiming to create a vibrant quayside quarter that embraces the River Nore.

A significant portion of St. John’s Abbey, specifically the area within the walled precinct and its chancel, is designated as a National Monument in State Care. This area is also part of a larger Zone of Archaeological Potential for Kilkenny City. The Abbey, a recorded monument (KK019-026068), is situated on St. John’s Quay and protected by a Preservation Order (46/1936).

Key points about the National Monument:

State Care: The National Monuments Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, alongside the Office of Public Works, is responsible for the management and preservation of St. John’s Abbey.

Preservation Order: A Preservation Order is in place to safeguard the monument from damage or unauthorised works, ensuring its protection for future generations.

Archaeological Significance: The area surrounding the abbey is a designated Zone of Archaeological Potential, indicating a high probability of discovering significant archaeological remains during any future excavations.

Part of a Larger Area: The abbey is situated within the broader context of Kilkenny City’s historic fortifications, which also include other notable structures such as St. Mary’s Church (now Saint Mary’s Hall) and St. Francis Abbey, located off Horse Barrack Lane.

ST JOHNS’S CHURCHYARD ON THE DUBLIN ROAD IN KILKENNY – THE WEDNESDAY SESSION

June 16, 2025 by infomatique

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS BY WILLIAM MURPHY JUNE 2025

ST JOHNS’S CHURCHYARD ON THE OLD DUBLIN ROAD IN KILKENNY [THE WEDNESDAY SESSION]

As my first visit did not go well I revisited this graveyard twice.

The first thing that I did after checking into the Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel was to visit the old graveyard on the Dublin Road. I decided to use Autofocus, even though I don’t normally use AF, but could not get it to work so I decided to forget about AF and try again at a later date. Two days later I encountered more focusing problems and could not get Macro to work.

On my return home I sought some assistance as I knew that it had to be me rather than the camera.

Here is the response that I received:

You are definitely not unique! Many Leica Q and Q3 users have experienced this exact issue. It’s a common “gotcha” for new owners or even experienced users who temporarily switch to manual focus and forget to re-engage the AF lock.

The design of the Leica Q3’s lens, with its dedicated manual focus ring and the small button to switch between AF and MF, is a classic Leica characteristic. While it offers a very tactile and intentional way to control focus, it’s not as immediately intuitive as the AF/MF switches found on many other camera lenses.

Here’s why it catches people out:

Muscle Memory: Many photographers are used to an AF/MF switch on the lens barrel or camera body that clearly indicates the current focus mode. The Q3’s button to lock the ring into AF or MF can be easily overlooked or forgotten.

Subtle Indication: While there’s a visible indication on the lens when it’s in AF mode (the “A” aligns and locks), it’s not always obvious, especially when you’re caught up in shooting.

Switching Habits: If you’re someone who occasionally uses manual focus for specific shots, it’s easy to make the switch and then simply forget to press the button to lock it back into autofocus when you return to auto.

“It should just work”: With a premium camera like the Leica Q3, there’s an expectation that autofocus will just function without needing to manipulate a physical lock. This can lead to frustration when it doesn’t.

You’ll find numerous discussions on photography forums (like Reddit’s r/Leica or Fred Miranda forums) where users share similar experiences with the Leica Q series’ focus ring. It’s a well-known quirk of the camera.

So, rest assured, you’re in good company. It’s a common learning curve with the Leica Q3, and now that you’ve discovered it, your autofocus experience should be much smoother!

FAMINE MEMORIAL IN KILKENNY – THE KILKENNY FAMINE EXPERIENCE

June 16, 2025 by infomatique

KILKENNY JUNE 2025

Kilkenny Workhouse: Unearthing the Famine’s Human Cost

In 2005, an archaeological excavation in Kilkenny City uncovered the remains of 1,000 individuals who were inmates of the former Kilkenny workhouse. A poignant discovery revealed that over half of these individuals were under 18 years old. These remains were respectfully re-interred in 2010 at the Kilkenny Famine Memorial Garden on Hebron Road, serving as a lasting tribute to those who perished.

Dr Jonny Geber has conducted extensive research into these human remains, offering invaluable insights into the lives of the workhouse inmates. His scholarly book, Victims of Ireland’s Great Famine: The Bioarchaeology of Mass Burials at Kilkenny Union Workhouse (University Press of Florida, 2015), sheds new light on a group of people previously lost to history.

Dr Geber’s findings have allowed the stories of those who died within the workhouse walls to finally be told. Their lives and their tragic fate are now acknowledged and recognised, ensuring they are no longer forgotten.

I SEE HIS BLOOD UPON A ROSE WAR MEMORIAL AT CANAL SQUARE KILKENNY – POEM BY JOSEPH PLUNKETT

June 16, 2025 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED ON A REALLY WET DAY

This poignant war memorial, located at Canal Square in Kilkenny, features an inscription of lines from Joseph Plunkett’s renowned poem, “I See His Blood Upon the Rose.” The memorial itself stands as a quiet testament on the banks of the River Nore.

The Inscription:

“I see His blood upon the ROSE
And in the STARS the Glory of His eyes”

Initially, my attempts to photograph this memorial were hampered by the number of people present. However, on my return journey to Dublin, the weather was inclement, and the streets were notably quiet. This provided a perfect opportunity, on my way to the railway station, to capture satisfactory images of this small yet compelling tribute.

The Tragic Love Story of Grace Gifford and Joseph Plunkett

The narrative of Grace Gifford and Joseph Plunkett is widely recognised as one of Ireland’s most tragic love stories. Their profound love for Ireland, coupled with shared ideals and spirituality, brought them together. Their marriage took place in Kilmainham Gaol, a mere seven hours before Joseph’s execution, a life tragically cut short by the violence of the 1916 Easter Rising. Their unwavering love for each other and their country remains an enduring legacy.

“I See His Blood Upon The Rose” by Joseph Mary Plunkett

I see his blood upon the rose
And in the stars the glory of his eyes,
His body gleams amid eternal snows,
His tears fall from the skies.

I see his face in every flower;
The thunder and the singing of the birds
Are but his voice—and carven by his power
Rocks are his written words.

All pathways by his feet are worn,
His strong heart stirs the ever-beating sea,
His crown of thorns is twined with every thorn,
His cross is every tree.

About Joseph Mary Plunkett:

Joseph Mary Plunkett (21 November 1887 – 4 May 1916) was a prominent Irish republican, poet, and journalist. He played a significant role as a leader in the 1916 Easter Rising and was one of the seven signatories to the Proclamation of the Irish Republic.

Grace Gifford’s Unwavering Devotion:

In his will, Joseph Plunkett bequeathed all his possessions to his widow, Grace Gifford. However, his parents regrettably refused to honour his wishes. Grace remained a resolute nationalist following her husband’s death, enduring three months of imprisonment in Kilmainham Gaol in 1923. She never remarried and lived for 39 years after Joseph’s execution, a testament to her enduring love and commitment.