PHOTOGRAPHED JUNE 2025
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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.