Callan Road pop up park works commence!

The new Callan road city pop up park development  has commenced.  There is a 2 year programme of works and events planned.  Invasive weeds are being removed.  An insect reserve and  wild flower garden area is to be protected. A survey of existing plants has been  undertaken.  Initial grass cutting of access paths and cleaning took place  on mid summers day and this was followed by a KKB  pop up BBQ!

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St. Mary’s Church Historic graveyard opens to the public

The Historic St Mary’s Church graveyard was officially opened to the public by our Mayor on the 1st June 2012.

A detailed conservation plan for the graveyard was completed in 2003.  The opening of the graveyard is a step in the overall conservation plan for the Church and Graveyard. The church was founded some time before 1205 within  the historic core of Kilkenny City.

There will be tours of the graveyard available through out the summer 2012.

Path through graveyard. Copyright : Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

One of the Historic graves within the churchyard. Copyright : Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

Newly opened gateway on to St Marys Lane. Copyright : Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

The Graveyard has a large variety of plant species which are to be protected. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.

Tour underway in Graveyard by Patrick Neary Archaeologist. Copyright : Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

 

 

Heritage open day at Kilkenny Castle

Heraldic Banners and flags of the Butler Family decorate the Castle. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

The 2012 Castle Heritage open day took place on the 11 March 2012. There was a large attendance at the Castle which was open without charge to the public. There were a number of exhibitions including a display of historic Kilkenny City documents  including the Liber Primus Kilkennieness 1231-1537, our city’s earliest book recording events of the Corporation of Kilkenny.

Traditional Horse drawn Coach in the Castle Park Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

Autumn at Newpark Marsh Park

Attractive and informative signage for the Park. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

The Marsh comprises an area of extraordinary plant and wildlife, which is now a major resource for the local residents and for our   City. It  is a most important natural reserve with no less than 49 different specifies of birds identified to date and more than 70 species of plants, trees and shrubs.

Water fowl well camouflaged in the Marsh. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

The main objectives of the ongoing project  included: –
-Enhance and develop the amenity and conservation of the extensive flora and fauna.
-Provide a safe environment for the extensive wildlife in the area.
-Foster a caring nature and wildlife culture in the local community and increase pride in the locality
-Create educational opportunities, School tours being accessible to able bodied & disabled persons.
-KKB continues the maintenance of the Fen in conjunction  with Fas.

Seating area overlooking the vast Marsh area. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful

The Marsh received the ESB/CVI Community Environmental awards 2001.  It was also the  national winner for wildlife in the Tidy Towns Competition 2002.
The Marsh is designated an area of scientific interest (ASI).

The KKB has undertaken in conjunction with Kilkenny County Council and FAS an ongoing phased development  at the Newpark Marsh, which is located just off the Castlecomer Road on Lovers Lane to the rear of the Newpark Hotel.

 

Water hen enjoys the sun in the Marsh. Copyright: Keep Kilkenny Beautiful