Kilkenny

With its first major settlement dating since the 6th century, Kilkenny Ireland developed into a town full of historic buildings where cultural is an attribute of craft and design workshops as well as for public gardens or museums. With its people referred to as ''cats'', a symbol for tenacious fighters, this famous brewing center is the smallest city on the emerald isle and the only one to have won the Irish Tidy Towns Competition.

Cill Chainnigh of Éire

Kilkenny is a destination with a named derived from the Irish ''Cill Chainnigh'' which stands for ''church of Cainnech'' probably referring to the St. Canice monument. The smallest city of Éire (Irish for Ireland) is located in the South East side, in the Leinster province. The city which lies on both banks of the River Nore, in the Nore Valley has grown as a Norman merchant town during the Middle Ages, its most preeminent symbol of these times being the Kilkenny Castle. Cill Chainnigh and its surroundings bear also heritage of the Kings of Ossary, an ancient kingdom which resided these parts of the country.

Cat Town

The old ''cat town'' has been named by the Academy of Urbanism the ''European Great Town of 2008'' and a year later Kilkenny celebrated 400 years since it received city status. The highlights of the so called ''marble city'' are reminders of other ages.

The Kilkenny Castle is a stone edifice believed to have been built in 1204 by William Marshall, its walls, towers and gates providing defense ever since the 13th century.

St. Canice's Cathedral represents the first major settlement of Kilkenny and is the second biggest cathedral of the country. Stretching in a cruciform shape over 75 yards exposing its English Gothic architecture, St. Canice still preserves one of its watchtowers built in the 13th century.

The Rothe House dates from the times when Kilkenny was an important merchant town and its Elizabethan style is one that attracts the architecture passionate.

Taste, See and Feel Kilkenny Specials

Besides the medieval flair, Kilkenny is known for its festivals and entertainment possibilities. Held during the last two weeks of August the Kilkenny Arts Week Festival is a highlight combining theater, dance, literature, film or any other form of contemporary art. With a funny name Cat Laughs is a festival meant to make you at least smile with its inspired comedy while the Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival tells numerous stories within its lyrics.

Entertainment comes in the ''marble city'' in sports like rugby, gold and ice hockey and the good spirits can always be felt once you try the products of this 17th century brewing center.

Walk around Kilkenny, the smallest city of the greenest country, admire its landmarks reminding of Éire's early times and mingle with the ''cats''. Entertainment is here a great source in discovering the local culture and the numerous festivals attract tourists wanting to embrace the Irish free spirit.