Magnates and Merchants in Early Modern Kilkenny

A new book of essays has just been published that explores the history of Kilkenny from the medieval to the early modern period, with a focus on the leading families of the time.

The publication highlights how the city of Kilkenny that we enjoy today was shaped by these magnates and merchants that lived during this period.

It reminds readers of the pivotal role Kilkenny played at this time and the great network of trade and cultural connections that the city enjoyed with the rest of Europe.

The book called ‘Magnates and Merchants in early modern Kilkenny’ was launched on Monday, 4 December 2023 at Kilkenny Castle. The venue for the launch was carefully chosen as Kilkenny Castle was the principle residence of the Butlers of Ormonde, the most significant family of the region during this time.

The collection of essays cover a period beginning in the 13th century from the founding of the town of New Ross through to the granting of City status to Kilkenny by King James 1 in 1608.

Rosemary Collier, Head of Heritage Services and Capital Works Delivery in the Office of Public Works said:

“I am delighted to be here this evening in Kilkenny Castle to celebrate this new publication which explores the development of this region through the exploits of its Magnates and Merchants. The concept for this publication originally started in October 2019 with a seminar on the subject, held in The Parade Tower. It was followed up by an exquisite exhibition, Kilkenny Networks in 2022, which is still currently on display here at Kilkenny Castle. The Office of Public Works and Kilkenny Castle are delighted to have been associated with the promotion of these wonderful suites of events that highlight the people, the legacy and the prominence that Kilkenny held across Europe.”

The book was edited by scholars Dr. Jane Fenlon and Sarah Maguire. It illustrates to the reader the prominence Kilkenny enjoyed in Europe, and how those strong links influenced the cultural, financial and architectural development of the city.

Jane Fenlon stated:

“The period covered in the book dates from 1200-1614 and the aim was to highlight and provide evidence that Kilkenny was part of a European-wide movement that saw the rise of the merchant class that occurred in the early modern period of our history."

Jane Fenlon continued:

“The essays in this collection are derived from academic papers that were delivered at a study day hosted by the Office of Public Works in 2019 on the theme of ‘Networks: Ormond courtiers and Kilkenny merchants in the sixteenth century. They also complement an exhibition of the same name currently on display in Kilkenny Castle.

“Collectively, the essays in this volume strive to present new information and new insights into previously examined sources in an effort to paint a clearer picture of the development of Kilkenny and its mercantile class during the period in question."

Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, launched the publication at the Picture Gallery of Kilkenny Castle on Monday 4 December 2023 at 7.30pm.

Photography from the launch will be available from Vicky Comerford info@vickyphotography.ie or for further information, please contact pressoffice@opw.ie

Find us on Facebook @opwireland

Notes

Jane Fenlon is an independent scholar who specialises in Irish art and architecture of the early modern period. She has published widely, most recently in volumes II and IV of The art and architecture of Ireland (5 vols), and volume II of The Cambridge history of Ireland (4 vols).

Sarah Maguire has an MA in Art History and received the Michael McCarthy medal from UCD. She works as a publication consultant, researcher and occasional lecturer.

Listings information

Exhibition: Kilkenny Networks – Merchants, Magnates & Courtiers

Location: The Blue Corridor Exhibition Rooms, Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny

Dates: Running currently until 18 July 2025

Times: Daily, 9.30am to 5.30pm (last admission 5pm)

Website: https://kilkennycastle.ie