County Kilkenny - Heritage/Historical

Here's a selection of Kilkenny Heritage/Historical.Click on the 'Go to ALL' link to get the full list.

1. Abbeys	Go to ALL Abbeys in Kilkenny
Jerpoint Abbey Sheila Walsh , Co. Kilkenny This is undoubtedly one of the finest Cistercian monastic ruins in Ireland. The Abbey may have been founded by Donal Mac Gillapatrick, King of Ossory, in 1158 for the Benedictines (?), but it was later colonised by the Cistercians from Baltinglass in 1180. Jerpoint, in its turn, became the mother house for the Abbeys of Kilcooly, Co. Tipperary and Kilkenny in 1184, In 1227 it became affiliated to Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries it was leased to the Earl of Ormond. The lay-out is typical of the Cistercian monastery, with a three-aisled church standing on the north side of a quadrangle, on the other three sides of which lay the cloister and the domestic buildings including the Chapter House, refectory, dormitory and kitchen. The eastern end of the church may date to as early as 1160, though the original east window was replaced by the present window in the 14th century. The rest of the church was built about 1180, and although the aisles have bluntly pointed Gothic arches, the capitals are still Romanesque in character, as are also the round-headed windows in the west wall. A low wall was built up between the pillars of the aisle, and against it were placed the wooden choir-stalls. The monks in the eastern part of the church were separated from the lay-brothers in the western part of the church by a cross-wall of the nave was rebuilt, the large square tower was placed above the crossing and the south aisle was extended outwards. The nave preserves some rare medieval heraldic frescoes. The clositer, which has been excellently restored to some of its former glory, also dates from the 15th century and displays a fascinating variety of figure sculpture of saints, knights etc. The church harbours some very fine sculptured tombs, the most important of which are those of Felix O Dulany, Bishop of Ossory (1178-1202) in the western niche on the north side of the chancel, Katerine Poher and Robert Walsh (died 1501) and a late 13th century tomb of two knights. A small Interpretative Centre adjoins the car-park. Show me all the details for Jerpoint Abbey

2. Castles (Historical)	Go to ALL Castles (Historical) in Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle - Butler Gallery Frank Kavanagh , Co. Kilkenny Kilkenny is one of the most attractive and quaint of the inland towns of Ireland, and the considerable number of medieval monuments it contains help to preserve its medieval atmosphere. Originally the site of a monastery set up by St. Cainneach, its importance really began when William the Marshall built the first stone castle of Kilkenny in the early years of the 13th century. The castle was bought in 1391 by James Butler, 3rd Earl of Ormond, and under his successors the town grew to be one of considerable note, and the seat of the Irish Confederates in 1645. The Castle: Strongbow probably built a motte here shortly after he gained possession of the land in 1172. In 1204 William the Marshall built the first stone castle on the same site. Its shape - square with rounded turrets at the corners - has still been largely preserved despite a number of reconstructions blotting out all veiw of the original castle. The castle retained much of its original form until the first Duke of Ormonde altered it in the 1660s, but the present exterior is largely due to a 19th century reconstruction. There is a fine classical gateway in the west wall dating to 1684, and one wing of the present castle is an Art Gallery designed by Woodward in the last century. In the old castle stables on the opposite side of the road is the Kilkenny Design Workshop. Rothe House: Situated in Parliament Street, not far from the fine 18th century Tholsel, this Elizabethan house was built by John Rothe in 1594 and is the best preserved rich merchants house of an Irish medieval town. Its front ground floor is arcaded, and the first second floors, with their mullioned windows, house the museum of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society. The roof of the second floor has been expertly restored. A vaulted passage leads from the street into a courtyard (from whence entrance to the museum) and behind this is a second house which was the home of the Kilkenny Branch of the Gaelic League for some time. Behind this house is a second courtyard and a third house which has not been restored. St. Canice's Cathedral: this beautifully kept Cathedral occupies the site of an earlier church which was burned in 1085 and again in 1114. The cathedral, with nave, choir and two transepts, was begun by Bishop Hugh de Mapilton (1251-6) and was probably finished by 1280. Most of the existing Cathedral dates to the thirteenth century, though the tower was added in the 14th century after the original tower had fallen in 1332, and considerable restorations were carried out in 1863-4. In the chancel are three sets of three lancet windows. An unusual feature of the church is a gallery under the west window; there is also a fine but simple west doorway. The glories of the Cathedral include one of the finest collections of 16th and 17th century tombstones, including that of James Shortal (1508) by O'Tunney. There is also a good 13th century baptismal font. To the south of the church stands the Round Tower which has lost its conical roof. The tower may be climbed on payment of a small fee. St. Francis' Friary: This Franciscan friary was founded by Richard the Marshal around 1232. it was given a royal grant in 1245, but the only part of the building dating from this period is the choir. However, the choir was further extended in 1321, and during the course of this extension the graceful and unusual 7-light east window was built. The tall and slender tower, which includes pleasant sculptural details such as the figures supporting the arches, is one of the earliest of the Franciscan towers in Ireland. There is a Gothic baptismal font in a niche at the base of the tower. A chapel or sacristy, and some remains of the domestic buildings of the Friary were situated to the south of the church and now form part of the buildings of Smithwick's brewery. Black Friars' Church: This church was founded for the Dominicans probably soon after 1226 and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Four general chapters of the Irish province of the order were held here. During the Black Death in 1349 eight friars died in one day. It was suppressed in 1541, but was repaired again by the Dominicans in 1643 though abandoned once more shortly afterwards. it now serves as a Catholic church. The chancel of the old church has disappeared, and the present church consists of the nave and south transept of the old church. The nave dates to the 13th century; the transept was added in the 14th century, while new windows were inserted and the tower added in the 15th century. Note the medieval alabaster statue of the Trinity and the crude statue of St. Dominic in the nave. St. John' Priory: This Priory was founded by William Marshal the younger of the Canons Regular of St. Augustine in the first quarter of the 13th century. The choir is the only considerable part of the church remaining; it contains a mutilated double effigy tomb dating from about 1500. It is noted for its twin 3-light windows in the east wall with its capitals carved with heads. The Lady Chapel to the south which was built in the 14th century and rebuilt in 1817 is still used for divine worship, and it had so many windows that it was known as the 'Lantern of Ireland'. In 1780 most of the priory and the church was demolished to make way for a military barracks. Show me all the details for Kilkenny Castle - Butler Gallery

3. Towers (Round)	Go to ALL Towers (Round) in Kilkenny
Aghaviller Church and Round Tower Co. Kilkenny The Round Tower is the only remnant of the Early Christian monastery here, the history of which is unknown. The tower still stands to a height of 40 feet, but the square-headed doorway at ground level is comparatively modern. The large rectangular tower nearby may have been built first as a church in the 12th or 13th century, but it was probably fortified around 1600 when the vault and the top floor were constructed, and the large windows reduced in size for defensive purposes. Some time later the tower may again have been used as a church. Immediately to the west of the tower there are foundations of a further extension, which may have been the site of the chancel of the original church. Show me all the details for Aghaviller Church and Round Tower

4. Monuments	Go to ALL Monuments in Kilkenny
Tibberaghny Decorated Pillar Co. Kilkenny A pillar (originally forming a part of a cross?) standing on the site of an ancient monastery founded by St. Modomhnach in the 6th century and now beside a railway bridge. On one face is a centaur holding an object looking like an axe in one hand and a dagger(?) in the other, and above him are two animals. On the other face is a circular motif with a Celtic spiraloid pattern. On the two narrow sides are animals, one of which is a stag. The date of the pillar is uncertain, but it could date to the 9th century. Show me all the details for Tibberaghny Decorated Pillar

5. Heritage Centres	Go to ALL Heritage Centres in Kilkenny
Brod Tullaroan Myra Reid , Incorporating The Lord Meagher Heritage Centre &, Kilkenny County GAA Museum, Co. Kilkenny A 17th century two storey "Thatched Mansion". This was the home of Lory Meagher, a great hurling hero of the 1920s and 1930s. It has been restorded and refurbished to the 1884 period. It provides a unique insight into how a typical Irish wealthy farming family might have lived. "Heroes of Hurling" is Ireland's first and only exhibition centre and museum dedicated to a single county's exploits in Gaelic Games. In a magnificent restored stone builidng, four display areas show a wealth of sporting history, with a special trophy room featuring medal collections and other valuable mementos of the sport. A craft shop with a good selection of local crafts, produce, souvenirs, sweets and minerals is available. Tea, coffee and home-made baked goods are served in the Old Dairy. Show me all the details for Brod Tullaroan

6. Cathedrals (Historical)	Go to ALL Cathedrals (Historical) in Kilkenny
St. Canice's Cathedral Irishtown, Co. Kilkenny Completed in 1285, the second longest cathedral in Ireland. On view are rich carvings, worked in both timber and stone, some dating to the 13th century, colourful stained glass and, everywhere the authentic air of a structure that has served the community for over 700 years. Ninth century round tower which can be climbed. Conducted tours available. Show me all the details for St. Canice's Cathedral

7. Archaeological	Go to ALL Archaeological in Kilkenny
Ossary Archives The Bishop of Ossary , Sion House, Co. Kilkenny Show me all the details for Ossary Archives

8. Towers (Historical)	Go to ALL Towers (Historical) in Kilkenny
Callan Tower Co. Kilkenny A 40 foot mote, originally topped by a wooden tower and dating to the early 13th century. It is said Cromwell positioned cannon on it during the ill fated siege of Callan in 1649. Show me all the details for Callan Tower

9. Castles (Historical)	Go to ALL Castles (Historical) in Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle - Butler Gallery Frank Kavanagh , Co. Kilkenny Kilkenny is one of the most attractive and quaint of the inland towns of Ireland, and the considerable number of medieval monuments it contains help to preserve its medieval atmosphere. Originally the site of a monastery set up by St. Cainneach, its importance really began when William the Marshall built the first stone castle of Kilkenny in the early years of the 13th century. The castle was bought in 1391 by James Butler, 3rd Earl of Ormond, and under his successors the town grew to be one of considerable note, and the seat of the Irish Confederates in 1645. The Castle: Strongbow probably built a motte here shortly after he gained possession of the land in 1172. In 1204 William the Marshall built the first stone castle on the same site. Its shape - square with rounded turrets at the corners - has still been largely preserved despite a number of reconstructions blotting out all veiw of the original castle. The castle retained much of its original form until the first Duke of Ormonde altered it in the 1660s, but the present exterior is largely due to a 19th century reconstruction. There is a fine classical gateway in the west wall dating to 1684, and one wing of the present castle is an Art Gallery designed by Woodward in the last century. In the old castle stables on the opposite side of the road is the Kilkenny Design Workshop. Rothe House: Situated in Parliament Street, not far from the fine 18th century Tholsel, this Elizabethan house was built by John Rothe in 1594 and is the best preserved rich merchants house of an Irish medieval town. Its front ground floor is arcaded, and the first second floors, with their mullioned windows, house the museum of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society. The roof of the second floor has been expertly restored. A vaulted passage leads from the street into a courtyard (from whence entrance to the museum) and behind this is a second house which was the home of the Kilkenny Branch of the Gaelic League for some time. Behind this house is a second courtyard and a third house which has not been restored. St. Canice's Cathedral: this beautifully kept Cathedral occupies the site of an earlier church which was burned in 1085 and again in 1114. The cathedral, with nave, choir and two transepts, was begun by Bishop Hugh de Mapilton (1251-6) and was probably finished by 1280. Most of the existing Cathedral dates to the thirteenth century, though the tower was added in the 14th century after the original tower had fallen in 1332, and considerable restorations were carried out in 1863-4. In the chancel are three sets of three lancet windows. An unusual feature of the church is a gallery under the west window; there is also a fine but simple west doorway. The glories of the Cathedral include one of the finest collections of 16th and 17th century tombstones, including that of James Shortal (1508) by O'Tunney. There is also a good 13th century baptismal font. To the south of the church stands the Round Tower which has lost its conical roof. The tower may be climbed on payment of a small fee. St. Francis' Friary: This Franciscan friary was founded by Richard the Marshal around 1232. it was given a royal grant in 1245, but the only part of the building dating from this period is the choir. However, the choir was further extended in 1321, and during the course of this extension the graceful and unusual 7-light east window was built. The tall and slender tower, which includes pleasant sculptural details such as the figures supporting the arches, is one of the earliest of the Franciscan towers in Ireland. There is a Gothic baptismal font in a niche at the base of the tower. A chapel or sacristy, and some remains of the domestic buildings of the Friary were situated to the south of the church and now form part of the buildings of Smithwick's brewery. Black Friars' Church: This church was founded for the Dominicans probably soon after 1226 and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Four general chapters of the Irish province of the order were held here. During the Black Death in 1349 eight friars died in one day. It was suppressed in 1541, but was repaired again by the Dominicans in 1643 though abandoned once more shortly afterwards. it now serves as a Catholic church. The chancel of the old church has disappeared, and the present church consists of the nave and south transept of the old church. The nave dates to the 13th century; the transept was added in the 14th century, while new windows were inserted and the tower added in the 15th century. Note the medieval alabaster statue of the Trinity and the crude statue of St. Dominic in the nave. St. John' Priory: This Priory was founded by William Marshal the younger of the Canons Regular of St. Augustine in the first quarter of the 13th century. The choir is the only considerable part of the church remaining; it contains a mutilated double effigy tomb dating from about 1500. It is noted for its twin 3-light windows in the east wall with its capitals carved with heads. The Lady Chapel to the south which was built in the 14th century and rebuilt in 1817 is still used for divine worship, and it had so many windows that it was known as the 'Lantern of Ireland'. In 1780 most of the priory and the church was demolished to make way for a military barracks. Show me all the details for Kilkenny Castle - Butler Gallery

10. Tombs	Go to ALL Tombs in Kilkenny
Kilmogue Co. Kilkenny Situated 1/2 mile west of the crossroads hamlet of Harristown and better known in the locality as Leac an Scail, this is the tallest portal-tomb in Ireland. The monumental entrance to the chamber consists of two majestic orthostats each 12 feet high, with a massive door slab set squarely between them. The pitch of the capstone is unusually steep and its front edge soars out over the portals to a point nearly 15 feet above the ground. It rests at the back on a smaller, secondary capstone, laid horizontally across the side stones of the chamber. The double capstone is found in a number of south Leinster tombs and elsewhere. Because there is no officially recognised access to it, this noble megalith is unsignposted and forgotten, partly camouflaged by tall hedge in the corner of a field adjoining a farmyard, through which one must pass to reach it. Show me all the details for Kilmogue

11. Homes (Historical)	Go to ALL Homes (Historical) in Kilkenny
Brod Tullaroan Myra Reid , Incorporating The Lord Meagher Heritage Centre &, Kilkenny County GAA Museum, Co. Kilkenny A 17th century two storey "Thatched Mansion". This was the home of Lory Meagher, a great hurling hero of the 1920s and 1930s. It has been restorded and refurbished to the 1884 period. It provides a unique insight into how a typical Irish wealthy farming family might have lived. "Heroes of Hurling" is Ireland's first and only exhibition centre and museum dedicated to a single county's exploits in Gaelic Games. In a magnificent restored stone builidng, four display areas show a wealth of sporting history, with a special trophy room featuring medal collections and other valuable mementos of the sport. A craft shop with a good selection of local crafts, produce, souvenirs, sweets and minerals is available. Tea, coffee and home-made baked goods are served in the Old Dairy. Show me all the details for Brod Tullaroan

12. Crosses (Historical)	Go to ALL Crosses (Historical) in Kilkenny
Kilkerran High Crosses Co. Kilkenny three High Crosses, possibly of 9th century date, on the site of an Early Christian monastery, about which nothing is known. the west cross is the most important. On the eastern side of the base there are 8 horseman, while the other sides show interlacing (sometimes irregular) and geometric motifs. The lower part of the shaft of the cross is divided into panels bearing designs including interlaced goose-like animals. The rest of the cross is largely covered with interlacing interspersed with bosses. The east cross is undecorated and may be unfinished. The north cross is tall and thin, has no circle, and bears slight traces of ornament. The first two crosses have unusual conical caps. Further cross-fragments are displayed at Jerpoint. Show me all the details for Kilkerran High Crosses

13. Museums	Go to ALL Museums in Kilkenny
Brod Tullaroan Myra Reid , Incorporating The Lord Meagher Heritage Centre &, Kilkenny County GAA Museum, Co. Kilkenny A 17th century two storey "Thatched Mansion". This was the home of Lory Meagher, a great hurling hero of the 1920s and 1930s. It has been restorded and refurbished to the 1884 period. It provides a unique insight into how a typical Irish wealthy farming family might have lived. "Heroes of Hurling" is Ireland's first and only exhibition centre and museum dedicated to a single county's exploits in Gaelic Games. In a magnificent restored stone builidng, four display areas show a wealth of sporting history, with a special trophy room featuring medal collections and other valuable mementos of the sport. A craft shop with a good selection of local crafts, produce, souvenirs, sweets and minerals is available. Tea, coffee and home-made baked goods are served in the Old Dairy. Show me all the details for Brod Tullaroan

14. Gallery Graves	Go to ALL Gallery Graves in Kilkenny
Butler Gallery Kilkenny Castle, Co. Kilkenny Permanent collection of paintings. Show me all the details for Butler Gallery

15. Stones (Historical)	Go to ALL Stones (Historical) in Kilkenny
St. Brigid's Stone Kilree, Co. Kilkenny Less than 200m from Kilree Church is Glun Brighde (St. Brigid's Knee) a stone with the imprint of St. Brigid's knees, while a little further north is the inevitable blessed well dedicated to her. Show me all the details for St. Brigid's Stone

16. Abbeys	Go to ALL Abbeys in Kilkenny
Jerpoint Abbey Sheila Walsh , Co. Kilkenny This is undoubtedly one of the finest Cistercian monastic ruins in Ireland. The Abbey may have been founded by Donal Mac Gillapatrick, King of Ossory, in 1158 for the Benedictines (?), but it was later colonised by the Cistercians from Baltinglass in 1180. Jerpoint, in its turn, became the mother house for the Abbeys of Kilcooly, Co. Tipperary and Kilkenny in 1184, In 1227 it became affiliated to Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries it was leased to the Earl of Ormond. The lay-out is typical of the Cistercian monastery, with a three-aisled church standing on the north side of a quadrangle, on the other three sides of which lay the cloister and the domestic buildings including the Chapter House, refectory, dormitory and kitchen. The eastern end of the church may date to as early as 1160, though the original east window was replaced by the present window in the 14th century. The rest of the church was built about 1180, and although the aisles have bluntly pointed Gothic arches, the capitals are still Romanesque in character, as are also the round-headed windows in the west wall. A low wall was built up between the pillars of the aisle, and against it were placed the wooden choir-stalls. The monks in the eastern part of the church were separated from the lay-brothers in the western part of the church by a cross-wall of the nave was rebuilt, the large square tower was placed above the crossing and the south aisle was extended outwards. The nave preserves some rare medieval heraldic frescoes. The clositer, which has been excellently restored to some of its former glory, also dates from the 15th century and displays a fascinating variety of figure sculpture of saints, knights etc. The church harbours some very fine sculptured tombs, the most important of which are those of Felix O Dulany, Bishop of Ossory (1178-1202) in the western niche on the north side of the chancel, Katerine Poher and Robert Walsh (died 1501) and a late 13th century tomb of two knights. A small Interpretative Centre adjoins the car-park. Show me all the details for Jerpoint Abbey

17. Friaries	Go to ALL Friaries in Kilkenny
Callan Friary Co. Kilkenny Callan Friary The village of Callan is associated with religion as Edmund Rice was born in this village. Rice was the founder of the religious order, known as the Christian Brothers,which were begun at the end of the 18th century. The Christian Brothers are credited with educating the less wealthy people of Ireland. The cottage is located at Westcourt, just outside the village and is marked by a plaque. The Friary was founded for the Augustinians in 1462, by Eamonn Butler of Portrathbut it was his son John who was responsible for erecting the present buildings. The church is all that remains, but it has some of its original features left, including a decorated doorway and window in the east wall. Before the Act of Union, the village had its own M.P. a perfect example of a 'rotten borough' as Lord Callan held the seat, and was paid \|15,000 compensation, for the loss of the income the seat gave him! Show me all the details for Callan Friary

18. Churches (Historical)	Go to ALL Churches (Historical) in Kilkenny
Thomastown Church , Co. Kilkenny The ruins of a 13th century three-aisled church with chancel. The north aisle with its sparse decoration as well as the foundations of the outer wall and a sacristy still remain. Note the fragments of a baptismal font and a piscina near the west doorway. In the cemetery, near the main gate to the town, is the head of an unpierced ringed cross of unknown date mounted on a cement shaft. Show me all the details for

19. Monastery	Go to ALL Monastery in Kilkenny
Kilmogue Co. Kilkenny Situated 1/2 mile west of the crossroads hamlet of Harristown and better known in the locality as Leac an Scail, this is the tallest portal-tomb in Ireland. The monumental entrance to the chamber consists of two majestic orthostats each 12 feet high, with a massive door slab set squarely between them. The pitch of the capstone is unusually steep and its front edge soars out over the portals to a point nearly 15 feet above the ground. It rests at the back on a smaller, secondary capstone, laid horizontally across the side stones of the chamber. The double capstone is found in a number of south Leinster tombs and elsewhere. Because there is no officially recognised access to it, this noble megalith is unsignposted and forgotten, partly camouflaged by tall hedge in the corner of a field adjoining a farmyard, through which one must pass to reach it. Show me all the details for Kilmogue

20. Town Information	Go to ALL Town Information in Kilkenny
Urlingford Co. Kilkenny In Irish, Ath na nUrlaidhe, "the ford of the sledgings" according to O'Curry, where by tradition a battle was fought in the 10th century in which "the Irish and the Danes did sledge each other's heads". The ford from which the name of the pretty town is taken is marked by the bridge which crosses the River Gowl between the old parish church and the Butler Castle of Urlingford. The pre-Reformation church, though in a ruined condition, has substantially perfect walls. A large church stood here long before the 12th century; it fell into ruins but was restored in the 13th century. The town is one of the newest in Ireland dating only from 1755, the site being partly a cut-away bog. In 1801 an assessment of progress recorded that the town contained 176 houses of which 4 were uninhabited and 5 unfinished, a distillery and a malt house. Show me all the details for Urlingford

21. Hills (Historical)	Go to ALL Hills (Historical) in Kilkenny
Hill-Walking Co. Kilkenny South Leinster Way (across South Kilkenny), Brandon Hill (near Graiguenamanagh) and many other locations. Show me all the details for Hill-Walking

22. Priory	Go to ALL Priory in Kilkenny
Kells Priory Co. Kilkenny An extensive Augustinian Priory founded in 1193. A striking conglomeration of mediaeval buildings with an extensive, fortified walled area protected by seven towers or turrets. Show me all the details for Kells Priory

<< Kilkenny Homepage