Kilkenny

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Kilkenny (Irish: Cil Chainnigh) is the capital of the county of Kilkenny, and is very popular as a tourist destination. The city is famous for its many medieval buildings in the center. The big tourist draws in the city are the Killkenny Castle and the Saint Canice's Cathedral. Saint Canice is also the one who gave the city its name, the Irish Cill Chainnigh means Church of Canice.

Kilkenny is also sometimes called the city of marble because of the presence of many black marble throughout the city. In the 14th century, the Irish Parliament also had a seat in the city for a long time. The city has several breweries, including the St. Francis Abbey Brewery, founded in the early 18th century. Beers that are brewed include Smithwicks and Killkenny. 80% of the beer currently being brewed in Kilkenny is the American Budweiser (under license).

Downtown Kilkenny:

One of Ireland's most popular sites is Kilkenny castle. In 1172 there was already a wooden castle built by Richard de Clare the Norman leader who is also known under the (nick)name Strongbow.

Twenty years later, the wooden copy would be replaced by a stone one with four cornertowers. The Butler family bought the castle in 1391 and this would remain in the family's hands until 1935. Around the castle is a large castle garden. 

On the north side of the center is the second largest medieval cathedral of Ireland - St. Canice's. This cathedral was built in the 13th century and includes a striking stone tower of 30 meters high. In 1650 the city was besieged by the troops of Cromwell who used the building as a stable for their horses. The cathedral was severely damaged. 

Other sights:

• Rothé's house and the Butter slip (a medieval narrow alley in the center).

In the 5th century, Saint Kieran had visited the city of Kilkenny and converted himself into Christianity at the place where the castle is. In the same period would Saint Canice set up the monastery. The castle was built in the 13th century along the Nore River as a defensive stronghold for the important bridge.

In the Middle Ages Kilkenny became even the official seat of power of Ireland with its own Norman-English parliament. During the English Civil War in 1640, Kilkenny chose the side of the Catholics. After Karel I was executed, Cromwell would siege the city for five days and destroy a part of the castle before Ormond surrendered.

The surrender would mean the end of Kilkenny's power in Ireland. Today tourism is the main source of income from the city.

The Mac Donaugh bus station is located next to the train station on the northeast side of the center of Kilkenny. There are three bus companies located here (Eireann, Kavanagh & Sons and Buggy's coaches). Many buses also stop at the busy stop of St. Patrick's street in the center.

• Name : Camping Tree Grove (camping and caravan park)

Address : New Ross Road

Price : 8,50 euro (tent + person)

Phone nr. : 056 777 0302

Website : www.treegrovecamping.com

Content:

This campsite is suitable for caravans, campers and tents and is located about 1.5 kilometers outside the center of Kilkenny on the city border near the road. There is a small reception house at the foot of the small hill where a number of plateaus with “grass” sites are present. Upstairs are camping areas and is the big "house". Here is a TV room with pool table and some chairs.

Outside there are some beer tables that you can enjoy. There is a launderette, toilets, showers (hot and free), WIFI and a very small (negligible) open outside kitchen. It could have been a bit cleaner and the presence of someone who would arrange everything would be nice. It is a very friendly owner who only cleans himself in the morning.