Known as the Marble City for its former black marble quarries, Kilkenny is located along the Nore River, the only non-tidal river in all of Ireland. With an area of just four square kilometers population of only 25,000 in its metropolitan area, Kilkenny is the smallest city in Ireland both geographically and demographically. It is also the only city in Ireland without an institute of technology or university. However, until the 12th century, this humble town was actually the capital of Ireland. Furthermore, Kilkenny College, founded in 1538, is one of the most well-known in the country (as the alma mater of Jonathan Swift and George Berkeley). St. Kieran's College, founded in 1782, was also the first Catholic secondary school in the country.
Known as the Marble City for its former black marble quarries, Kilkenny is located along the Nore River, the only non-tidal river in all of Ireland. With an area of just four square kilometers population of only 25,000 in its metropolitan area, Kilkenny is the smallest city in Ireland both geographically and demographically. It is also the only city in Ireland without an institute of technology or university. However, until the 12th century, this humble town was actually the capital of Ireland. Furthermore, Kilkenny College, founded in 1538, is one of the most well-known in the country (as the alma mater of Jonathan Swift and George Berkeley). St. Kieran's College, founded in 1782, was also the first Catholic secondary school in the country.
