Book Shops in Kilkenny, kilkenny bookshops, where to buy books in kilkenny

In 1650 invading Cromwellian forces mounted an attack on Kilkenny castle and although it was initially successfully defended they eventually managed to take control of the city by another route.

Gulliver's Travels author, Jonathan Swift, attended Kilkenny College in the late 17th century, and a building at the college was named after him in 2007. Swift's fellow students included playwright William Congreve and the philosopher George Berkeley – after whom California’s Berkeley College is named.

In 1922, the Butler family - namely Lord and Lady Ossory - were residents of the castle. The Irish Civil war, raged around them. Lord Ossory memorably wrote that he was woken at the "unreasonable hour of 5.30am" by his butler, who brought the news that Republican forces had seized and occupied his castle.

Kilkenny, an inland county, is bordered by counties Wexford, Carlow, Laois, Waterford, and Tipperary. Geologically speaking it is mostly limestone, with areas of black marble around Kilkenny city. The rivers Nore, Suir, and Barrow flow through it.

Kilkenny is 117 kilometres (73 mi) away the capital Dublin and 48 kilometres (30 mi) north from the nearest city Waterford. Wexford is 80 kilometres (50 mi) to the south-east and Limerick is 122 kilometres (76 mi) to the west.

Irish legend describes Dunmore Cave, seven miles north of Kilkenny, as one of Ireland�s darkest places and the site where the monster Luchtigen 'The Lord of the Mice' was killed.

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Quotes & Facts

From The News

Bruce Springsteen - Cork and Kilkenny gigs sell out in 90 minutes

Kilkenny Castle is the most popular paid visitor attraction run by the OPW in Ireland

Alternative Kilkenny Arts Festival

Reopening of Kilfane Waterfall and Garden

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