Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny

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Kilkenny (Irish: Cill Chainnigh or Church of Canice) is the county seat of County Kilkenny. It is Ireland's smallest city both by area and population. Kilkenny is located on the River Nore and is famed for its history and nightlife.

The city is famous for its many medieval buildings and has been referred to as the "Marble City" for centuries. The black stone with decorative white fossils that forms the backbone of many of Kilkenny's fine buildings was quarried locally, particularly from the Black Quarry located by the roadside, one mile south of the city, past the castle. An exposed rock face can still be seen from the road. Kilkenny Marble or Black Marble was exported to all corners of the British Empire.

Kilkenny plays host to the annual Smithwicks Cat Laughs Comedy festival which makes Kilkenny the "Comedy Capital of the World". However, not only is Kilkenny a great place to have a laugh but it also has an annual Arts Festival, usually in late August. During this time Kilkenny is flooded with traditional and foreign music, beautiful paintings and sculptures and many other creative things. The rythm and roots festival brings more music, but from a broader spectrum, and the annual concerts in Nolan Park have brought more popular acts.