County Kilkenny
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| County Kilkenny | |
|---|---|
| Name | County Kilkenny |
| Native name | Contae Chill Chainnigh |
| Settlement type | County |
| Coordinates | 52, 35, N, 7... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Ireland |
| Subdivision type1 | Province |
| Subdivision name1 | Leinster |
| Subdivision type2 | Region |
| Subdivision name2 | Southern |
| Seat type | County town |
| Seat | Kilkenny |
| Government type | County council |
| Leader title | Local authority |
| Leader name | Kilkenny County Council |
| Leader title1 | Dáil constituency |
| Leader name1 | Carlow–Kilkenny |
| Leader title2 | EP constituency |
| Leader name2 | South |
| Area total km2 | 2073 |
| Area rank | 16th |
| Population total | 103,685 |
| Population as of | 2022 |
| Population rank | 21st |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Blank name sec1 | Vehicle index mark code |
| Blank info sec1 | KK |
| Website | www.kilkennycoco.ie |
County Kilkenny is a county located in the Leinster province of Ireland. It is named after the historic city of Kilkenny, which serves as its county town and was the site of the medieval Parliament of Ireland. The county is renowned for its rich heritage in Gaelic games, particularly hurling, and is often referred to as the "Marble County" due to the historic quarries of Kilkenny marble. Bordered by County Laois, County Carlow, County Wexford, County Waterford, and County Tipperary, it features a landscape defined by the fertile valleys of the River Nore and River Suir.
Geography
The county's terrain is predominantly a lowland region of Carboniferous limestone, with the River Nore flowing through its centre and the River Barrow forming much of its eastern boundary. Notable physical features include Brandon Hill, the county's highest point, and the scenic valley of the River Suir near Clonmel. The landscape is characterised by rolling farmland, with significant areas of deciduous woodland such as Jenkinstown Park. Key settlements, besides Kilkenny, include Callan, Thomastown, and the market town of Castlecomer, historically associated with the Leinster Coalfield.
History
Evidence of early settlement is found at sites like the Dunmore Cave and the Brownshill Dolmen near Carlow. Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the area became the Liberty of William Marshal and later the Earls of Ormond, with Kilkenny Castle becoming a major seat of power. The city hosted the Confederate assembly known as the Confederation of Kilkenny in the 1640s. The 19th century saw significant emigration following the Great Famine, and the county was a centre of activity during the Land War.
Government and politics
Local government is administered by Kilkenny County Council, headquartered at County Hall, Kilkenny, with the county forming part of the Carlow–Kilkenny constituency for elections to Dáil Éireann. It is within the South constituency for the European Parliament. Historically, the political landscape was dominated by figures associated with the Ormond family and their seat at Kilkenny Castle.
Economy
Historically driven by agriculture and milling, the modern economy includes significant manufacturing, with companies like Glanbia having major operations. The Kilkenny brand of beer is brewed by Diageo at the St. Francis Abbey brewery. Tourism is a major industry, centred on heritage sites such as Jerpoint Abbey, Kells Priory, and the annual Kilkenny Arts Festival. The county is also known for its craft and design sector, exemplified by the Kilkenny Design Workshops.
Culture and heritage
The county has a formidable reputation in GAA sports, with the Kilkenny GAA hurling team being one of the most successful in history, winning numerous All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship titles. Cultural institutions include the Butler Gallery at Kilkenny Castle and the National Craft Gallery. The county is steeped in medieval history, with landmarks like St. Canice's Cathedral and the Black Abbey in Kilkenny, and the monastic site of Graiguenamanagh.
Demographics
According to the 2022 census of Ireland, the population was 103,685, with the largest urban centre being Kilkenny. The population is predominantly Roman Catholic, with historical Church of Ireland communities. The county has seen modest population growth in recent decades, with increasing diversity in its main towns. The Irish language is promoted through Gaelscoil schools such as Gaelscoil Osraí.
Category:County Kilkenny Category:Counties of Leinster