Hotels in Kilkenny, Ireland

A little about Kilkenny...

Kilkenny is the county seat of County Kilkenny, Ireland. The city proper has a population of 8,661, but including environs is 22,179; it is the Republic of Ireland's smallest city both by area and population. Kilkenny is located on the River Nore and is famed for its history and nightlife.

Kilkenny was granted a Royal Charter in 1609 by King James I; its status as a city was most recently recognised by Section 10(7) of the Local Government Act 2001, which allows "the continued use of the description city", although it dœs not have a city council like the other Irish cities, but rather a borough council instead.

Kilkenny, spanning the river Nore, is the only city in the Republic of Ireland that is not tidal. It is also the only city in the Republic that has neither an institute of technology nor a university; although the National University of Ireland, Maynooth maintains an outreach centre at St. Kieran's College.

Kilkenny is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland as well a weekend getaway for many. Well regarded for its vibrant nightlife it has become increasingly popular in recent years. The city streets thrive with life at night and the pubs enjoy an atmosphere for which everyone flocks to enjoy the craic.

Public Transportation:
Kilkenny railway station serves the city of Kilkenny in County Kilkenny. It is on a short spur off the main railway line, requiring trains to exit the station in the same direction from which they entered. For most trains this means moving the locomotive from one end to the other and allows passengers a smoking break.

The city is famous for its many medieval buildings and has been referred to as the "Marble City" for centuries. The black stone with decorative white fossils that forms the backbone of many of Kilkenny's fine buildings was quarried locally, particularly from the Black Quarry located by the roadside, one mile south of the city, past the castle. An exposed rock face can still be seen from the road. Kilkenny Marble or Black Marble was exported to all corners of the British Empire.

The city is dominated by both Kilkenny Castle and Saint Canice's Cathedral, the latter built beside an excellent example of a well-preserved Round Tower.

Kilkenny plays host to the annual Smithwicks Cat Laughs Comedy festival which makes Kilkenny the "Comedy Capital of the World". There is also an annual Arts Festival, usually in late August. During this time Kilkenny is flooded with traditional and foreign music, beautiful paintings and sculptures and many other creative things.

The rhythm and roots festival brings more music, but from a broader spectrum, and the annual concerts in Nolan Park have brought acts such as Rod Stuart, Shania Twain, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Andrea Bocelli.

The hot air balloon festival in summer of 2006 was a huge success.