KILKENNY, IRELAND

Kilkenny City (Irish: Cill Chainnigh, meaning "church of Cainnech")^[2] is a town in south-east part of Ireland and the county town of County Kilkenny.^[3] It is on both banks of the River Nore in the province of Leinster.  

Kilkenny is a popular tourist destination. In 2009 the City of Kilkenny celebrated its 400th year since the granting of city status in 1609. Though referred to as a city, Kilkenny is the size of a large town relative to Irish urban population centres. Kilkenny's heritage is evident in the town and environs including the historic buildings such as Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice's Cathedral and round tower, Rothe House, Shee Alms House,^[4] Black Abbey, St. Mary's Cathedral, Kilkenny Town Hall, St. Francis Abbey, Grace's Castle, and St. John's Priory. Kilkenny is well known for its culture with craft and design workshops, the Watergate Theatre, public gardens and museums.

Kilkenny was a famous brewing centre from the late seventeenth century, and houses multiple breweries still. In the late twentieth century Kilkenny is a tourist and creative centre.