Tourist Hostels in Kilkenny, backpacker hostels kilkenny, backpacking information for kilkenny

The Butler family handed Kilkenny Castle over to the people of Kilkenny in 1967 – for £50!

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.

"The dearest thing I know is a memory of sunny Sunday mornings in Kilkenny; the lovely line of castle, roof-top, spire and round tower against the pale blue sky, the sun revelling in the quiet colours of old stone, old walls, old tree; the tip-tap of the feet of people on the flagstones, and above all the flocking floating notes of the church bells. Sunday has a flavour of its own there, a clean, sweet, warming flavour."

Francis McManus, Kilkenny-born writer

The "Kilkenny Cats" nickname stems from the feral felines that once inhabited the Dunmore caves in the north of the county.

One of the most instantly recognised buildings in Ireland, Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since Strongbow constructed the first castle, probably a wooden structure, in the 12th century.
William the Earl Marshall (Strongbow's son-in-law) built the first stone castle on the site, which was completed in 1213. This was a square-shaped castle with towers at each corner; three of these original four towers survive to this day

St Canice's Cathedral, also known as Kilkenny Cathedral, present building dates from the 13th century and is the second longest cathedral in Ireland. The Cathedral is named after Saint Canice, who also gave his name to the city.

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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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