KILKENNY
ON A SITE THAT DATES BACK 800 YEARS, KILKENNY CASTLE
NOW HOLDS CENTRE STAGE IN WHAT IS ONE OF IRELAND'S
MOST ATTRACTIVE CITIES.
As
one of Ireland's most attractive cities it is hard to know where to
start in Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh). The heritage of the
city is probably the best starting point as it is centered around the
superb castle that sits on the banks of the River Nore.
Aptly titled “Ireland's Medieval City” the story began about
600 years earlier than that era — 1169 in fact when the Normans
under their leader Strongbow (Richard Fitzherbert de Clare) built
a fort on the site of the present castle. This established the importance
of Kilkenny which was reinforced by subsequent inhabitants of the castle.
William Marshall is credited with maintaining the Norman supremacy of
the walled city and in the late 1300's the Butler family took over the
castle and held it for over 400 years until their decline after Cromwell's
arrival in 1650. Unsurprising, as anywhere he visited in Ireland usually
resulted in decline.
Kilkenny was regarded as the capital of Ireland and a parliament was
established in 1641 (Confederation of Kilkenny) to secure resistance
to English rule. After Cromwell's arrival the importance of the city
diminished but today the resurgence of Kilkenny's importance is very
evident. Now it celebrates its medieval heritage and the city is richly
blessed with many examples of bygone days.
The Castle is the city's principal attraction and it offers a
surprising insight to the wealth of the medieval merchant period. It
stands foresquare amongst gardens on an attractive site at the shores
of the River Nore and all the rooms are grand and richly furnished pointing
to a fine level of wealth during its heyday. Guided tours regularly
run throughout the day and add explanation to the many restored rooms.
Of particular interest is the 150 feet Long Gallery with its
wooden hammerbeam ceiling. Also displayed in the Long Gallery are many
fine paintings by significant artists including the Dutch master Van
Dyck. The Castle also houses the National Furniture Collection
and the Butler Gallery which features modern art exhibits. Open
daily April-May 10.30am - 5pm; June-Sept. 10am to 7pm and Oct.-Mar.
10.30am - 5pm Tue to Sat, 11am - 5pm Sun. (Admission Charge). Tel: (056)
21450. Last admission, one hour before closing.
