KILKENNY

WAS A MAJOR EUROPEAN BREWING CENTRE

Kilkenny

THE KILKENNY CASTLE ESTATE – THERE IS NO REAL NEED TO PAY TO EXPLORE THE CASTLE

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LEGACY 2017 PHOTO COLLECTION

Kilkenny Castle’s grounds offer a captivating experience, even without venturing inside the castle walls. Here’s why you should consider a stroll through this historic landscape:

Extensive Parkland: The castle is nestled within 50 acres of expansive parkland, a tapestry of mature trees, verdant meadows, and tranquil woodlands. This provides ample space for leisurely walks, picnics, or simply unwinding amidst the beauty of nature.

The Lake: A picturesque man-made lake graces the grounds, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for wildlife observation. Ducks and other waterfowl are frequent visitors, adding to the serene ambience.

Formal Gardens: For those who appreciate structured elegance, the formal gardens provide a delightful contrast to the wilder areas of the parkland. Here you’ll find the impressive terraced Rose Garden, a spectacle of colourful blooms and sophisticated design.

Sculptures: The grounds feature some notable sculptures.

In the Rose Garden: You’ll find a statue of James Butler, 3rd Duke of Ormonde, a prominent figure in Kilkenny’s history. This statue provides a historical connection and a glimpse into the past.

“Anchored Void” by Michael Warren: Located in a more secluded area of the parkland, this striking black steel sculpture offers a contemporary contrast to the historical setting. Its abstract form encourages contemplation and adds a modern artistic dimension to the grounds.

The Fountain: A beautiful fountain takes centre stage in the Rose Garden, its gentle water sounds creating a soothing atmosphere. It’s a lovely spot to pause and appreciate the surrounding beauty.

Woodland Walks: Venture into the woods for a more immersive experience of nature. These paths offer a sense of seclusion and a chance to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.

Family-Friendly: With a dedicated playground and vast open spaces, the grounds are perfect for families with children. The playground provides a safe and entertaining environment for kids to play, while the expansive lawns are ideal for games and activities.

Free Access: One of the most appealing aspects of exploring the grounds is that they are completely free to access. This makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious visitors or those who simply prefer to enjoy the outdoors without any cost.

UNEARTHING YOUR IRISH ROOTS IN KILKENNY

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A JOURNEY THROUGH ST JOHN’S CEMETERY

MORE ABOUT KILKENNY

Are you fascinated by your Irish heritage and eager to connect with your ancestors? A trip to Kilkenny, Ireland, could be the perfect opportunity to trace your family history and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Emerald Isle.

Kilkenny, a charming medieval city in southeast Ireland, boasts a wealth of historical sites, including St. John’s Cemetery. This ancient burial ground, located on Dublin Road, offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of past generations.

A Unique Burial Ground

The first thing you’ll notice about St. John’s Cemetery is the distinctive orange/brown hue of its gravestones. This unusual colouring sets it apart from many other Irish cemeteries and adds to its unique character.

The cemetery bears the marks of time, with some gravestones and monuments showing signs of decay. However, this only adds to its charm, offering a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the enduring nature of human memory.

A Rich History

St. John’s Cemetery has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 14th century. It was once the site of a leper hospital and a 17th-century Catholic chapel, highlighting its early ecclesiastical significance.

The earliest inscription found on a tombstone dates back to 1699, providing a tangible link to the past. The cemetery is also the final resting place of many prominent Kilkenny citizens, making it a treasure trove of local history.

Tracing Your Ancestors

If you’re researching your Irish roots, St. John’s Cemetery could hold valuable clues to your family history. Many of the gravestones bear intricate inscriptions, providing details about the deceased and their families.

With a little patience and perseverance, you might just uncover the final resting place of one of your ancestors, connecting you to your Irish heritage in a profound way.

Tips for Visiting St. John’s Cemetery

Plan your visit: The cemetery is open to the public during daylight hours.
Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather.
Be respectful: Remember that this is a sacred place.
Take photos: Capture the beauty and history of the cemetery.
Share your experience: Let others know about your visit and what you discovered.

DEAN STREET TO BUTT’S GREEN -234291-1

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IN 2018 I EXPLORED A NARROW LANE NETWORK IN KILKENNY

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS NETWORK OF LANEWAYS

THE INTERIOR OF SAINT CANICE’S CATHEDRAL

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KILKENNY MAY 2016

It was very difficult to photograph within the building and close to impossible without using a flash and that is against by policy. I have had to process the images to the extent that they begin to look somewhat artificial.

The first time explored the interior of the cathedral the experience was excellent but this time I found the staff/volunteers to be unhelpful when I sought specific information.

The present building dates from the 13th century and is the second longest cathedral in Ireland, after St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. Beside the cathedral stands a 100 ft (30 m) 9th-century round tower. St Canice’s tower is an example of a well-preserved 9th-century “Celtic Christian” round tower. It is dedicated to St Canice. It is one of only three such medieval round towers in Ireland that can still be climbed to the top, the other two being Kildare Round Tower in Kildare Town and Devenish Round Tower in County Fermanagh.

Following the English Reformation, the reformed church in Ireland was established by decree of the Irish Parliament to become the state church in the Kingdom of Ireland as the Church of Ireland, taking possession of most church property (and so retaining a great repository of religious architecture and other items, though some were later destroyed).

The substantial majority of the population, however, remained faithful to Roman Catholicism, despite the political and economic advantages of membership in the state church. Since St Canice’s Cathedral was taken over in this way, Roman Catholic adherents were consequently obliged to worship elsewhere. St Mary’s Cathedral in Kilkenny was later built for the Roman Catholic diocese.

The cathedral contains some 16th-century monuments. The architectural style of the cathedral is Early Gothic and is built of limestone. It is richly endowed with many stained glass windows, including the east window which is a replica of the original 13th-century window. The cathedral contains some of the finest 16th-century monuments in Ireland.

MICHAEL STREET IN KILKENNY AT NIGHT AND IN THE RAIN

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MAY 2016

I made two mistakes when I decided to visit Kilkenny in May 2016 – It got dark earlier than what suited me and there was constant rain.

Saint Michael’s Gate was an approach into the priory, hence the name Michael Street adjoining. The old infantry barracks, now Evan’s Asylum, was part of the abbey.

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