The first swallows of 2019 were spotting in Kilkenny on the 31st March. A sign of spring/summer. Work is also ongoing with the improvement of the Breagagh river, including cleaning of the banks and any debris that has gone into the river ready for the 2019 nesting season. work to remove all balsam has also been undertaken and this review will continue again later in the spring. 
Category Archives: Landscape
River Breagagh /Circular road Clean up
Breagagh clean up in conjunction with Roberts hill residents association ( 16th February ) meet 10am entrance to Roberts Hill estate off Circular road, Tea ~Coffee after! bring your wellies. All are welcome. Email us at mail@keepkilkennybeautiful.com or ring 086-1075532 to get details of our environmental actions and clean ups.
River Breagagh clean up
World Wetlands Day Sat Feb 2nd
Newpark Marsh hosted the world wet lands day visit on 2 February. Located close to the centre of Kilkenny city Newpark is a wonderful Marsh environment with a large amount of wildlife.On the visit organised by Birdwatch Ireland Kilkenny Branch, with support from the Heritage Office of Kilkenny County Council. A great lmorning was enjoyed. It was quite cold and ice was in place across much of the wetland. KKB has been working many years with local stakeholders and Kilkenny county council to maintain Newpark Marsh. .Newpark Marsh was awarded the top award in the ESB/CVI Community Environmental awards 2001 and the Marsh was also a national winner for Wildlife in the Tidy Towns Competition 2002. Since then there have been many improvements including additional signage, seating and a wonderful walk around the Marsh. 
what a change when the rains arrive!
After a long dry Summer and Autumn there has now been plenty of rain, softening up the earth and replenishing the ground water. Our programme of winter planting of trees and fruit bushes has commenced.
The Lacken walk is almost covered with the rising flood waters
The board walk keeps our feet out of the water and allows the wetlands to be flooded
Board walk at Ossory Bridge, new signage has been erected showing the attractive loop walking routes available
River Breagagh near the Black Abbey in flood
Whole trees are swept away on the river Nore
The Canal walk stream is full
St Mauls historic Graveyard gets a summer clean up.
Many thanks to Statestreet Bank for volunteering to undertake a comprehensive summer clean with KKB of the historic St Maul’s graveyard, this including cleaning, painting trimming and digging! The grave yard is a quiet haven within a bustling city.
Kilkenny Railway Station looks fantastic!
What a nice way to come to Kilkenny City, by train! Colourful flowers and a well kept station greets you. Congratulation to Irish Rail and Kilkenny CoCo who are Keeping Kilkenny Beautiful.
Balsam removal in Kilkenny City and environs
An extensive balsam removal scheme in the Kilkenny area river Nore and Breagagh on a phased basis has completed its 4th year. The aim is to remove plants before flowering and prevent seed being produced for the following year.
The banks all through our City have been restored to attractive riverside woodland. Balsam is an invasive weed which can push out the native species of plant leading to damage of river banks in the winter. While removing Balsam on the river bank it has been possible to see much of the river wildlife. 
Kilkenny Peace Park Memorial now completed
TThe Great War commemoration memorial at the Peace Park was recently completed. It is in a peaceful location overlooking the river Nore. There is colourful planting along the river walk.
Summer colour
John’s Bridge and River Nore
Kilkenny Castle and River Nore
Johns Quay
Library on John’s Quay
The Parade
The Parade
Canal walk and Kilkenny Castle
All three City Historic wells newly presented
Congratulation to the Probation office, supported by KKB and Kilkenny Co Co for the wonderful re-presentation of all three of our historic wells. There has been cleaning , painting, weeding, trimming undertaken and some planting also put in place. Further planting will need to await winter rains. A traditional whitewash was used giving a brilliant white finish.
Kenny’s well
Lacken well
Canal walk well