Prehistoric activity has been recorded suggesting intermittent settlement activity in the area in the Mesolithic and Bronze Age.  Kilkenny was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Ossory.

In 928 AD. residents close to Dunmore Cave sought refuge there from the Vikings who were seeking to capture them and sell them as slaves. The Vikings set fires to force the people out, but the fires consumed the oxygen and over 1,000 people died there.

Following the  Norman invasion of Ireland,  Strongbow, as Lord of Leinster, established a castle near modern-day Kilkenny Castle. Kilkenny became one of the counties of Leinster in 1210. Kilkenny in Norman times had two townships: Irishtown, and Englishtown which was raised to the status of a city in 1609. The two were united in 1843. The people of Kilkenny are known as “Cats” a symbol of tenacity.

Many parliaments were held in Kilkenny from 1293 to…