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The Guide
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 Map of Kilkenny
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Other attractions
 Dunmore Caves
Jerpoint Abbey
 Duiske Abbey - Built around 1204 Duiske Abbey (meaning Black water) was the
largest Cistercian Abbey in Ireland. It has been well restored
and has a striking carved Norman knight similar to those carved
on the tombs of Jerpoint Abbey and an impressive carved Romanesque
doorway. There are also two high crosses in the grounds.
Dunmore Caves - The Dunmore Caves in Ballyfoyle, north of Kilkenny Town off
the N78 have some beautiful limestone formations including the
Market Cross, said to be the tallest free standing stalagmite
in Europe. The cave also has a gruesome history. The skeletons
of 44 people, mostly women and children and coins dating from
920AD were found inside and local folklore tells that invading
Vikings slaughtered the occupants of two nearby ring forts in
928AD and then suffocated women and children who had hidden in
the cave by lighting fires. The Vikings often carried their coin
stuck into their armpits with wax. Guided tours of the cave run
all year. (Contact Tel: 056 67726/ 51500. Entry IR2).
Kells Priory - Kells Priory was founded by Saint Colmcille (Saint Columba)
in the 6th century and became an important centre for religion
and learning. Most of the buildings on the the well-fortified
site date from the 12th and 15th centuries. As well as the abbey
there are a ruined ruined tower and a small oratory church called
Saint Columba's House. (Entry to Kells Priory is free). The Kilree
Round Tower and a 9th century high cross around 2 miles from the
priory are said to mark the grave of the Irish High King Niall
Caille.
Kilfane Church - The ruined 13th century church in Kilfane has an impressive
carving of the Norman knight Thomas de Cantwell, similar to some
of those on the carved tombs at Jerpoint Abbey.
Jerpoint Abbey - The huge ruin of Jerpoint Abbey, a few miles from Thomastown,
is one of the finest Cistercian sites in Ireland with beautifully
carved cloisters and tombs. It was founded by Benedictines in
1160, but Cistercian monks from Baltinglass Abbey took it over
in 1180.
The monks struggled against the overthrow of the Irish abbots
by the Anglo Norman abbots within the Cistercian order, and were
rebellious even after Jerpoint Abbey was forcibly affiliated with
an English abbey in Yorkshire in the 13th century. The Cistercians
were an austere order who believed in a life of hard work and
prayer, but carvings, particularly of whimsical figures of the
Apostles, saints, bishops, Norman knights, courtly ladies, dragons
and almost pagan looking figures in the cloisters show that attitudes
at the Abbey were more relaxed around the 15th century.
The Abbey's tower, which you can still climb up, also dates from
the 15th century. The oldest part of the Abbey, the Chancel and
transepts in the church, contain intriguing stone coffins with
detailed carvings of their occupants or religious figures, many
of them from the Anglo-Norman House of Butler which patronised
Jerpoint for many years and took over the site and its lands after
the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century.
The carved tombs have survived so well because the coffins remained
buried on the site for many years, before being unearthed by the
office of public works. A full sized figure on one carved lid
is said to be Felix O'Dullany, the first abbot of Jerpoint who
became bishop of Ossory, another 16th coffin has intricate stylised
carvings of 'the weeping saints' carved by famous local sculptors,
the O'Tunney family. The Abbey also has Romanesque carved windows,
some Norman cross slabs and an interesting slab carved with two
Norman Knights, which has come to be called 'the Brethren'. Jerpoint
Abbey has a small visitors' centre, which has displays about the
carvings at Jerpoint and other religious ruins and high crosses
in the county. (Tel: 056 24623. Entry IR2).
Rothe House - Rothe House in Kilkenny town is a well preserved 16th century
merchant's house with a small costume museum inside. It was the
house of Peter Rothe, whose family was involved in setting up
the Confederation of Kilkenny with the Earls of Ormonde, which
sat as an independent parliament in Ireland from 1641 to 1649.
The house was seized by the English but was reclaimed by Rothe's
sister. However, the family supported James II in his fight against
William of Orange for the English throne and lost the house in
1690. (Tel: 056 22893. Entry IR2).
Saint Canice's Cathedral - St Canice's Cathedral in Kilkenny town dates back to 1251,
but the first church on the site founded by St Canice is thought
to have been built in the 6th century. The impressive cathedral
contains tombs and graveslabs made out of the black limestone
or marble which has led to Kilkenny's reputation as the Marble
City. A tall round tower beside the Cathedral dates from between
700 and 1000AD, the Cathedral itself is built in the early Gothic
style and it contains the 13th century Chair of Saint Kieran as
well as carved tombs of the powerful
Earls of Ormonde - The Cathedral floor is paved with different coloured marbles
from the four provinces of Ireland. (Entry IR1 donation requested).
Smithwicks Brewery - The Smithwicks Brewery on the site of the 13th century Franciscan
monastery, Saint Francis Monastery, shows a video about beer brewing
and offers tastings of Smithwicks and its not so local other major
product, Budweiser. (Opens to visitors June to August).
Woodstock country park - Woodstock Park near the village of Graiguemanagh are the grounds
of a stately home that was burnt during the Irish Civil War in
1922, which has woodland walks and a picnic area.
Quick guide to Kilkenny
Inis recommends - Kilkenny Castle
Tourist Attractions
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