Historic Site sights in County Kilkenny
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A
Tholsel
The (City Hall) on High St was built in 1761 on the spot where Dame Alice Kyteler's maid, Petronella, was burned at the stake in 1324.
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B
St John's Priory
Across the river stand the ruins of this priory, which was founded in 1200 and was noted for its many beautiful windows until Cromwell's visit. Nearby Kilkenny College dates from 1666. Its students included Jonathan Swift and the philosopher George Berkeley, but it now houses Kilkenny's county hall.
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C
Confederation Hall Monument
On the corner of Parliament St and the road leading down to Bateman's Quay, this monument (really just a fragment) built into the Bank of Ireland marks the site where the national Parliament met from 1642 to 1649. Nearby is the carefully restored Grace's Castle, originally built in 1210, but lost to the family and converted into a prison in 1568, and then in 1794 into a courthouse, which it remains today. Rebels from the 1798 Rising were executed here.
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D
Black Freren Gate
This is the only gate from the old Norman city walls still standing, albeit with the help of metal bracing to ensure the safety of those who pass through. Crumbling sections of the old walls remain throughout the central city.
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E
Butter Slip
With its arched entry and stone steps, Butter Slip, a narrow and dark walkway connecting High St with St Kieran's St (previously called Low Lane) is the most picturesque of Kilkenny's many narrow medieval corridors. It was built in 1616 and once was lined with the stalls of butter vendors.
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F
Kells Priory
This is the best sort of ruin, where visitors can amble about whenever they like, with no tour guides, tours, set hours or fees. At dusk on a vaguely sunny day the old priory is simply beautiful. Most days you stand a chance of exploring the site alone (apart from bleating and pooping sheep).
The earliest remains of this gorgeous monastic site date from the late 12th century, while the bulk of the present ruins are from the 15th century. In a sea of rich farmland, a carefully restored protective wall connects seven dwelling towers. Inside the walls are the remains of an Augustinian abbey and the foundations of some chapels and houses. It's unusually well fortified for a…
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