Kilkenny is a 400 year old city with the Nore River running right through it.

Before James I granted Kilkenny city rights in 1609 the town had already a long history, that started in the 6th century as a Christian settlement.

 

In the 1170s Richard Strongbow built a wooden fort near a wadable point in the river and walls were erected to further protect his Norman settlement.

Since the 13th century Kilkenny is known for its breweries that produce some of the finest Irish beers. 

 

Kilkenny has the questionable honor to be one of the first in Europe to burn a witch at the stake in 1324.

 

Today Kilkenny's economy is based on the breweries, dairy products and tourism.

The main tourist attraction is the massive 13th century Kilkenny Castle, sold in 1967 to the people of Kilkenny for 50 pound.

 

Hurling is the city's main obsession and a 5 meter high monument depicting three hurlers was unveiled in 2016.

 

In June 2018 we spent a few hours in Kilkenny,mainly in the castle.