Sunday, July 31, 2005
Sunday Scrutiny-Kilkenny
Continuing my scrutiny of Leinster counties, this week I will focus on Kilkenny.
County Kilkenny is located in the south east of Ireland in the province of Leinster. It's named after Kilkenny, the main city in the region.
Inhabitants of Kilkenny are often referred to as "Kilkenny Cats"; the phrase is also used to describe the Kilkenny Hurling team, one of the strongest in the country.
Kilkenny city is also the only city of the Republic which has neither an institute of technology nor a university although National University of Ireland, Maynooth maintains an outreach center in the city. The city is famed for its history and night life.
Historically, the Statute of Kilkenny (1336) got its name from the then Irish Parliament in Kilkenny, the statute contained nineteen clauses, their general provision was to reduce the influence of the Irish on the Normans by forbidding intermarriage as well the customs and language of the Irish which were considered to have has an adverse effect on the Norman settlers, the statute also attempted to outlaw Brehon Laws. Kilkenny was the capital of Confederate Ireland between 1642 and 1649, until it surrendered during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland.
One of the most notable sights to see in Kilkenny is Kilkenny Castle which was the seat of the Butler family. It is open to the public.
According to the most recent census, the county's population is 80,339.
So there's some information on Kilkenny. I've been to Kilkenny a few times and I have seen Kilkenny Castle which is impressive enough. I can't say I've spent too much time there though. On another note, Kilkenny has one of the ugliest crests I've ever seen! I'm not too crazy about their GAA jerseys either!
# posted by United Irelander @ 6:56 PM 
© 2008 United Irelander.
