BLACK and Amber beauty returned to our streets as we celebrated Kilkenny Day.
The Parade and Kilkenny Castle were hubs of activity with market stalls, street performers, live music, storytelling, and old school apple pressing.
Déise Medieval came from Waterford and set up camp at our Medieval Mile Museum Courtyard.
Performers showed what it was like to live, eat and fight like a Viking.
Ros Tapestry Talks were in Rothe House. Researcher, historian and designer Countess Ann Griffin Bernstorf spoke about this mammoth project that involved a collaborative effort of over 150 embroiders over 22 years.
Volunteers dedicated their time to create a masterpiece of craftsmanship and Irish history.
The completed panels of the Tapestry are on display in Kilkenny Castle, while the final panel depicting the Battle of Ossory is being worked on in public view in Rothe House.
Council Cathaoirleach Fidelis Doherty thanked Countess Ann and her daughter Alexis for an inspiring presentation.
“The Ros Tapestry is truly an historic tale told in thread; it depict the Norman history and the influence of William Marshall in the South East.” Fidelis told Kilkenny Press.
TRANSFORMING INTO WOLVES
Another highlight of Kilkenny Day celebrations was an outdoor screening of Cartoon Saloon’s Oscar-nominated Wolfwalkers, in the grounds of Kilkenny Castle.
Inspired by the landmarks and forests of Kilkenny, Wolfwalkers was nominated for best animated feature film at the 2021 Oscars.
It tells the story of Robyn, a young apprentice hunter and her father who journey to Ireland to help wipe out the last wolf pack.
But everything changes when she befriends a free-spirited girl from a mysterious tribe rumoured to have the ability to transform into wolves by night.
The screenings were attended by 452 people of all ages, and were backlit by the magnificent Kilkenny Castle.
Audiences were introduced to the movie by Wolfwalkers Producer Paul Young and co-director Ross Stewart.
Callan, Ballyragget and Castlecomer played hosts to the last in a series of performances by Festival in a Van’s Words Move tour.
The tour by Festival in a Van and Poetry Ireland, saw 10 poets and 10 singer songwriters perform across Ireland in a purpose-built, Covid-safe mobile venue.
Kilkenny-based poet Mark Roper and Kilkenny singer songwriter Mick McAuley travelled around the county delighting audiences.
ON YER BIKES
A Meet Your Community, Clubs and Council event introduced the public to clubs and organisations in Kilkenny, showing all the ways people can get involved.
On the River Nore were Nore Dragon Paddlers, a great supportive group.
Cycle Kilkenny was on Canal Square encouraging everyone to consider this greener method of transport.
There were bike maintenance workshops, obstacle courses and High Nellies to be enjoyed.
On the Parade, Music Generation offered instrument taster sessions, Kilkenny Library had story telling with author Carol Ann Treacy and Nore Vision and Keep Kilkenny Beautiful were encouraging people to get involved.
Other highlights of the weekend included a tour of Nowlan Park, live concerts in the Castle Park with headliners The Kilkennys and Jerry Fish and the launch of the Kilkenny Catwalk Trail, an art trail around the city that will be in place till Easter 2022.
Colette Byrne, Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council said it was great to see so many people out enjoying Kilkenny in the sunshine.
