BLACK MILL STREET IN KILKENNY
This is a area that I have yet to explore in detail and maybe I will do so when I visit the city in March 2025.
The Demise of Two Kilkenny Pubs: The Black Cat and David Campion’s
Black Mill Street in Kilkenny City has recently witnessed the closure of two of its public houses: The Black Cat and David Campion’s. While Campion’s is currently on the market, The Black Cat is slated for demolition to make way for 23 new dwelling units, including a mix of houses, apartments, and duplex units. This blog post delves into the history of these establishments, explores the possible reasons for their closure, and examines the unique character of Black Mill Street and its surroundings.
Black Mill Street: A Glimpse into Kilkenny’s Past
Black Mill Street, situated in the heart of Kilkenny’s medieval quarter, offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past. Located within 750m of Kilkenny’s bustling High Street it is characterised by its narrow streetscapes and historic buildings, bearing witness to centuries of change and development. One notable structure on Black Mill Street is number 11, an architecturally significant building dating back to the late 19th century. The street’s name likely originates from a watermill that once harnessed the power of the nearby River Nore.
The Black Abbey and Abbey Square: A Historical Tapestry
Just off Black Mill Street lies an area steeped in history, with the Black Abbey and Abbey Square standing as testaments to Kilkenny’s enduring heritage. The Black Abbey, a Dominican priory founded in 1225 by William Marshal the Younger is dedicated to the Holy and Undivided Trinity. Its name, derived from the black cloaks worn by the Dominican friars evokes a sense of mystery and solemnity. The abbey played a significant role in Kilkenny’s civic and religious life for centuries even enduring the devastating impact of the Black Death in 1349. Its most striking feature is the magnificent five-light window in the south gable of the fourteenth-century transept, the largest of its kind in Ireland.
Adjacent to the Black Abbey, Abbey Square holds its own historical significance. Originally home to St. Francis Abbey, a Franciscan monastery established in the 13th century, the area later housed the Smithwick’s Brewery for 300 years. Today, Abbey Square is undergoing a transformation into a vibrant urban quarter, blending modern development with Kilkenny’s medieval core. This redevelopment, which includes investment in high-quality public realm by Kilkenny County Council promises to breathe new life into this historic area.
The River Nore: Kilkenny’s Liquid Lifeline
Flowing through Kilkenny City, the River Nore is a defining feature of the landscape. This 140-kilometer-long river, draining approximately 2,530 square kilometres has played a vital role in the city’s history, providing a source of power for mills and facilitating trade and transportation. The Nore also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the area, offering scenic walks and picturesque views. Along its banks, one can find contemporary landmarks like “Adam’s Virtual Hug,” a sculpture that symbolises connection and hope.
The Closure of The Black Cat and David Campion’s: Unravelling the Reasons
The closure of The Black Cat and David Campion’s Pub raises questions about the challenges faced by publicans in Kilkenny and beyond. While definitive answers may remain elusive, several factors likely contributed to their demise.
Location-Specific Issues
While Black Mill Street enjoys a prime location in Kilkenny’s medieval quarter, certain aspects of the area might have presented challenges for these pubs. The street’s narrowness and limited parking could have deterred some customers. Additionally, the proximity to the River Nore, while offering scenic beauty, also carries the risk of flooding, which could have impacted business operations.
The Decline of Pubs in Kilkenny and Ireland
The closure of The Black Cat and David Campion’s is not an isolated incident. Kilkenny has seen a significant decline in the number of pubs in recent years. Since 2005, the county has lost 41 pubs, representing an 18.1% decrease. This trend is mirrored across Ireland, with over 2,000 pubs closing since 2005, an average of 114 per year. This decline has accelerated since 2019, with an average of 152 pubs closing annually. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact, contributing to the closure of 574 pubs since 2005. In contrast, Dublin has been the least impacted, with a decrease of just 2.8%.
History and Stories: The Black Cat and David Campion’s
While specific historical information about The Black Cat and David Campion’s Pub is limited, some details have been uncovered, offering a glimpse into their past.
The Black Cat
The Black Cat operated as a licensed premises and service station since 1972. It was located on the corner of Dominic Street and Blackmill Street, overlooking the Waterbarrack. Local historical records provide limited information about The Black Cat, but it is remembered as a familiar presence in the community. Nicholas Cleere, a dedicated family man and owner of The Black Cat, sadly passed away suddenly at the age of 70. A greyhound enthusiast, he celebrated a notable victory on his local track, winning the prestigious McCalmont Cup in 2002. Mr. Cleere also took great pride in the appearance of his establishment, earning Tidy Towns awards for best shop front presentation on two occasions.
David Campion’s
David Campion’s was a family-run neighbourhood pub that traded until 2018. The pub was run by Davy Campion and his wife Phil, who was known for her warm hospitality and remarkable ability to remember every customer’s name. After Davy’s passing, their sons and daughters continued to operate the pub. The building itself is a three-storey detached premises with an extensive yard. It is currently on the market for €395,000 and can be sold with or without the 7-day publican’s licence. Despite its long history in the city, details about David Campion’s pub remain scarce, but its legacy as a family-run establishment endures.
Interesting Facts and Anecdotes: Black Mill Street and its Environs
Black Mill Street and its surrounding area are steeped in history and folklore, with tales and anecdotes woven into the fabric of its existence.
One notable figure with a connection to Black Mill Street is James Stephens, the founder of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, who was born on the street in 1825. Stephens, a key figure in Irish history, dedicated his life to the pursuit of Irish independence.
Kilkenny itself holds a unique place in Irish history as the site of the country’s only witch trials in 1324. Dame Alice Kyteler, a woman of wealth and influence, was accused of using poison and sorcery against her four husbands, sparking a scandal that captivated the city.
Another intriguing historical footnote is the Statutes of Kilkenny, a set of laws passed in 1367 aimed at curbing the assimilation of English settlers into Irish culture. These laws, with their curious prohibitions against intermarriage, speaking the Irish language, and even riding a horse without a saddle, offer a glimpse into the social and political tensions of the time.
Even remnants of Dublin’s history have found their way to Kilkenny. In the Butler House gardens, one can find fragments of Nelson’s Pillar, which was blown up in 1966. These remnants serve as a tangible link to a pivotal moment in Irish history.
These stories and anecdotes, passed down through generations, add to the rich tapestry of Black Mill Street and its surroundings, making it a place where the past and present intertwine.
Conclusion: The Changing Face of Kilkenny’s Pub Scene
The closure of The Black Cat and David Campion’s Pub reflects the broader challenges facing the Irish pub industry. The decline in pub numbers across the country, particularly in rural areas like Kilkenny, is a cause for concern. This trend, driven by changing demographics, economic pressures, and evolving drinking habits, has far-reaching implications for the social and cultural fabric of communities.
The loss of these pubs represents more than just the closure of businesses; it signifies the potential loss of vital social spaces and community hubs. Pubs often serve as gathering places, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among locals. Their closure can lead to social fragmentation and a decline in community spirit. Furthermore, the economic consequences can be significant, with job losses and a reduction in local spending.
However, amidst these challenges, there is hope for revitalisation. Kilkenny’s rich heritage, with its historic streets, iconic landmarks like the Black Abbey, and connections to figures like James Stephens, offers a unique appeal for tourists and locals alike. The redevelopment of areas like Abbey Square, with its blend of modern development and historical preservation, can attract new businesses and a diverse clientele, potentially breathing new life into the pub scene.
The closure of The Black Cat and David Campion’s serves as a reminder of the need for adaptability and innovation in the pub industry. Publicans must respond to changing consumer preferences, embrace new technologies, and create welcoming and inclusive environments to ensure their sustainability. By learning from the past and embracing the future, Kilkenny’s pub scene can thrive once again, contributing to the vibrancy and vitality of the city.