Kilkenny is a small, vibrant Anglo-Norman City in the South East of Ireland
The City and Locality is steeped in History and boasts many original historic and period buildings, some of which date back over 1200 years.
The most prominent of these would be the famous Kilkenny Castle, St. Canices Cathedral, Rothe House, St. Francis Abbey and The Black Abbey
The history attached to Kilkenny City and County is really very deep and can be traced back to the 12th Century. Even long before this, the Franciscan monks from Italy and central Europe had settled here by the banks of the River Nore around 800AD, on what is now the Smithwicks Brewary site. The remains of the old St Francis Abbey can be seen here and is still in relatively good condition
The first stone Castle structure built on the hill overlooking the river Nore was constructed in the early years of the 13th Century, between 1200 and 1220 by Sir William Marshall, the Earl of Pembroke. The Castle has been further developed and modified over the centuries but still retains three of the original towers.
Kilkenny is at the Centre of Irelands Ancient East.
Visit the beautiful Woodstock Gardens and Aboretum in Inistioge in South County Kilkenny. Walk through the really impressive Monkey Puzzle Avenue and the see the colourful Rose and Walled Gardens. Take a break and Enjoy a coffee in the Garden Cafe which is open from Spring to Autumn.
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Stroll through the colourful Walled Garden with it's beautiful original Period stone walls. Be sure to take note of the many different varieties of Roses on display and the impressive array of hedging and bright summer flowers and shrubs .
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The Monkey Puzzle trees are a must see, these unusual trees native to South America are an amazing feature and a real focal point in the Gardens at Woodstock .
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