County Kilkenny

Kilkenny - Cill Chainnigh - Church of Cainnech

Location of County Kilkenny

County Kilkenny is located in the South East of Ireland.

Kilkenny, the Medieval Capital of Ireland, is a county full of outstanding monuments and historic sites including Kilkenny Castle, Jerpoint Abbey and the ancient town of Kells. There is a wonderful co-existence between past and present to be seen in this county with the successful preservation of its medieval past.

The landscape of this beautiful county has everything from limestone plains to the hills of Slieveardagh and Booley. The three sister rivers, the Barrow, the Suir and the Nore transverse this county through scenic valleys along the South Leinster Way Walking Route.

County Kilkenny can be seen to compose of two areas around the City of Kilkenny: North Kilkenny the limestone plains in the North are doted with many historical and monastic sites including St. Kierans Church near Johnstown and Glashere Castle near Urlingford which in the 16th and 17th century belonged to the Ormond Butlers.

South Kilkenny attracts many tourists each year with its wonderful monastic ruins like Jerpoint Abbey. The Abbey is regarded as one of the most famous Cistercian settlement in Ireland. Close to Thomastown is the Mount Juliet Estate part of which has been turned into a Championship Golf Course and has been host to the top players in the world.

Kilkenny City the Medieval Capital of Ireland has its history dating back to the Norman era. The majestic 12th-century Ormonde Kilkenny Castle overlooks the two fords of the River Nore. The castle has a tunnel which leads to the stables which now houses the Kilkenny Design Centre, where Irish Arts and Crafts are displayed.