Building began on St. Mary’s Cathedral in 1843 and was completed in 1857. It is a fine Kilkenny limestone building reaching to a height of 200ft. and its spires are a very prominent landmark as one approaches the city from all sides. The Cathedral has a statue on display of the Blessed Virgin by Italian artist Benzoni.
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View from Butler House shows the back of Georgian houses along The Parade, which were built during the 1800’s with Kilkenny Castle towering over them. The Castle was built by William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, circa 1219.
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St. Canice’s Cathedral was completed by 1285 and is said to occupy the site of the 6th. century church founded by St. Canice. The round tower is 100ft. high with a magnificent view of the city and county from the top and is said to date from the 9th. century. The Church was ravaged by Cromwellian forces in 1650 and was restored over time and retains its massive tower and stepped battlements. The interior contains many medieval monuments.
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Dores Butcher Shop commands a prominent position in the city facing down Parliament Street with High Street and Kieran Street on both sides. It has occupied this site since 1888.
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The Courthouse was originally the home of the Grace family and went through many alterations. It was handed over to the authorities in 1566 and was used as a gaol. At the end of the 18th. century it was turned into a courthouse which it continues to be. Recently it has been fully restored.
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Black Abbey was founded for the order of St.Dominic by William Marshall, the younger Earl of Pembroke in 1225. The tower was built by James Shortall, circa 1507. The Dominican order regained possession in the early 19th. century after a turbulent period and was restored over time. A 15th. century alabaster statue of the Holy Trinity was found hidden in a wall and is now on display. The Abbey also has beautiful stained glass windows.
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St. Mary’s Church was built in the 13th.century and contains many sculptured monuments in the graveyard commemorating wealthy merchants such as Richard Shee 1608, John Rothe 1612, and Richard Rothe 1637. The Church has been closed for many years and the Borough Council have plans to refurbish and open it to the public in the near future.
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St. Kieran’s College was founded in 1782 and was the first secondary school in Ireland. The Diocesan Seminary for Ossory began in 1793. The present neo-gothic style building was completed in 1836.
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The Shee Alms House in Rose Inn Street was built in 1582 by Sir Richard Shee, a wealthy merchant, to house the poor and sick people of the city. The exterior of the building has not changed much through the centuries, and today it is the Tourist Information Office.
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The Tholsel (Town Hall), meaning a place where taxes are paid, was originally located nearer to the parade. The current building was completed in 1761. It has a beautiful open arcaded space on the ground floor and a magnificent clock tower. Today it is the headquarters of Kilkenny Corporation and stores the municipal archives relating to the city.
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Kilkenny Castle was built on high ground overlooking the river Nore and at the highest point in the city. The first stone castle was built by William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke circa 1219. Previously there was a wooden structure on the site built by Strongbow. The Butler family, Earls and Dukes of Ormonde, took possession of the castle circa 1360 and remained there until 1967. Arthur Butler, 24th Earl of Ormonde presented the Castle to the restoration committee and restoration began about 1969.
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Rothe House was built in 1594 by a wealthy merchant John Rothe and is well preserved to this day. The inner courtyards and buildings and also the gardens have been restored and a well house in the inner courtyard is dated 1604. It is now the headquarters of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society.
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This view from the top of the Ormonde car park shows the magnificent stone Bank of Ireland, build in 1870 to the design of Sandham Symes of Dublin. It is now a bar, restaurant and nightclub. In the background is Kilkenny Castle built circa 1219.
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