Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a city in County Kilkenny, Ireland, in the province of Leinster, straddling both banks of the River Nore. It began as an early sixth century ecclesiastical settlement and was granted city status by royal charter from King James I in 1609, and the 2022 census recorded a population of 27,184, the thirteenth largest urban centre in Ireland. Though not administered as a city under local government law after 1840, the Local Government Reform Act 2014 preserved the continued use of the description city. Known as the Marble City for the local black marble used in its buildings, Kilkenny is home to Kilkenny Castle, St Canice's Cathedral with its round tower, and Rothe House, and hosts the annual Kilkenny Arts Festival and the Cat Laughs comedy festival.