JUNE 2025KILKENNY AS PHOTOGRAPHED BY WILLIAM MURPHY
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All photographs are eventually available via the Infomatique Flickr account. https://www.flickr.com/photos/infomatique/
All photographs are eventually available via the Infomatique Flickr account. https://www.flickr.com/photos/infomatique/
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Navigating Kilkenny: My Experience with the KK1 and KK2 Bus Routes
For years, my travel routine in any new town or city involved extensive walking, often covering 11–15km daily, especially when burdened with heavy camera equipment. However, my doctor recently advised me to ease up on this intense pace. This year, I've embraced a new strategy: I'm now using lighter, more compact fixed-lens cameras and making a point of utilising public transport whenever it's available. A crucial factor for me is frequency; a bus or train needs to arrive every 20 minutes at most. Kilkenny's KK1 and KK2 bus services just about meet this requirement, making them a welcome addition to my travel toolkit.
Introduction of Services
Kilkenny's local bus services, the KK1 and KK2 routes, were officially launched by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Kilkenny County Council (KCC) on 18 December 2019. These routes, operated by City Direct and fully funded by the NTA, marked the first introduction of urban-style bus routes in Kilkenny, providing a much-needed public transport option within the city.
The KK1 Bus Service
The KK1 route efficiently connects the N77 Roundabout (Castlecomer Road) in the north with the Danville Business Park in the south. This route effectively links key amenities and residential areas across the city.
Key stops on the KK1 route include:
Cnoc Baun, N77 Roundabout: The route's northernmost point, offering connections to the N77.
Glendine: Serving the Glendine residential area.
Newpark Hotel: Providing access to the hotel and surrounding facilities.
Castlecomer Road: Various stops along this major arterial route.
MacDonagh Junction: A significant transport and retail hub, also offering train connections.
John Street Upper: A central city street bustling with shops and businesses.
Market Yard: Another central city location, convenient for shopping and dining.
Parliament Street: Part of the shared city centre spine for both KK1 and KK2 routes.
Dean Street: Serving the Dean Street area and nearby homes.
Dominic Street: Providing access to this city street.
Stephens Street: Another stop within the city centre.
Old Callan Road: Servicing residential areas along this road.
College Road: Convenient for educational institutions.
Ormond Road: A key thoroughfare.
Upper Patrick Street: Another important city street.
Waterford Road: Serving areas along the Waterford Road.
Larchfield: A residential area.
Laurel Drive: Another residential stop.
Loughboy SC (Shopping Centre): A major retail destination.
The Watershed: A prominent sports and leisure complex.
Danville Business Park: The southernmost point of the route, serving a commercial area.
The KK2 Bus Service
The KK2 route links St. Luke's Hospital in the west with the Cillín Hill Agri-Business Park in the east, serving important institutions and connecting different parts of the city.
Key stops on the KK2 route include:
Friarsinch, St. Luke's Hospital: The western terminus of the route, directly serving the hospital.
Sycamores (Ayrfield): Serving the Ayrfield residential area.
Parliament Street: A shared city centre stop.
Market Yard: A shared city centre stop.
John Street Upper: A shared city centre stop.
MacDonagh Station: Connecting to the railway station.
Nowlan Park: Serving the prominent GAA stadium.
Newpark SC (Shopping Centre): A retail centre.
Beechlawns (Garrincreen): Serving this residential area.
Johnswell Road (Garrincreen): Another stop along the Johnswell Road.
Dukesmeadows, Dublin Road: Serving areas along the Dublin Road.
Archersgrove, Leggetsrath: Providing access to these areas.
Cillín Hill Agri-Business Park: The eastern terminus of the route, serving the business park and agricultural centre.
It's important to note that, as of April 2025, the KK2 route has undergone some changes due to planned roadworks on Vicar Street. This has led to the discontinuation of stops at Loreto and Vicar Street. New stops have been introduced at Grange Road near Dunningstown Junction, Ayrfield, and Butt's Green.
Public Reaction to the Services
The public's response to the KK1 and KK2 bus services has been largely positive. When the service officially launched, it had already transported almost 10,000 passengers in its initial period, clearly indicating a significant demand. The NTA and Kilkenny County Council highlighted these services as providing reliable, accessible public transport for residents, students, families, and visitors, also serving as an environmentally friendly alternative to private car use.
However, like any public transport system, there have been some areas for improvement. Reports have emerged of buses being overcrowded during peak times, particularly with school pupils and students, prompting calls for increased frequency during these periods. There have also been occasional complaints regarding the reliability of services and driver behaviour. Furthermore, there were unfortunate instances of stone-throwing attacks on buses, which temporarily jeopardised the service. Despite these challenges, the overall sentiment remains one of welcome for a service that has significantly enhanced connectivity within Kilkenny city.
Future Plans for Kilkenny's Bus Services
Future plans for Kilkenny's bus services primarily focus on enhancement and integration within the broader Transport for Ireland (TFI) network. The NTA and Kilkenny County Council are actively developing a Kilkenny Local Transport Plan (KLTP). This plan will guide future transport investment in the city and its surrounding areas up to 2027 and beyond 2040, aiming to coordinate transport and land use planning to reduce reliance on private cars.
Specific anticipated developments include:
Route Adjustments: As demonstrated by the recent KK2 changes, routes may be continually adjusted to accommodate new infrastructure projects and optimise service delivery. New stops and diversions will be part of this ongoing adaptation.
Increased Frequency and Connectivity: There is a clear push to boost bus frequency, especially during peak times, to address overcrowding and meet growing demand. The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan also seeks to improve regional connectivity, with Kilkenny serving as a vital hub.
Improved Infrastructure: The initial launch saw investment in new paved bus stops with Kassel kerbs for wheelchair accessibility and enhanced passenger information. Future plans will likely continue this investment in accessible and informative infrastructure.
Integration with Other Modes: The KLTP stresses the importance of examining how all transport modes, including bus and rail, can interact seamlessly to provide a cohesive travel experience.
New Services: While specific new city routes beyond the KK1 and KK2 haven't been explicitly outlined, the general trend is towards expanding public transport options. This is already evident with new local link services, such as the "Lingaun Valley Loop," which connect to areas around Kilkenny.
In essence, the future of bus services in Kilkenny looks set for continuous improvement, driven by increasing passenger numbers and a strong commitment to sustainable transport solutions.
Maudlin Street in Kilkenny, Ireland, is a street steeped in history, particularly its association with medieval healthcare and defence. Its name derives from "Maudlins" or "Magdalen Place," a reference to the leper hospitals that were historically located there.
One of the most significant features of Maudlin Street is the Maudlin Castle, a formidable tower house that once formed part of the Hospital of St. Mary Magdalen. This hospital, established potentially as early as the 12th century, was one of Ireland's main leper houses in medieval times. The surviving tower, dating from post-1500, stands at 25 metres high and provided defence for the hospital and its surrounding farmlands, which supplied agricultural produce to Kilkenny Castle. While the castle today is a national monument, it offers a tangible link to a past when medical care was intertwined with religious institutions.
Beyond the castle, Maudlin Street has evolved over centuries. Historically, it was a hub for various crafts and trades, with evidence of blacksmiths, shoemakers, dressmakers, and even laundresses. It was once a street of smaller dwellings, with some larger houses scattered throughout. The street was also home to an earlier iteration of St. John's Parish Church, which was completed in the mid-19th century and later had its stone reused in other local constructions.
Today, Maudlin Street retains some of its historical charm while also being a residential area with a mix of properties. It offers a quiet location with good proximity to Kilkenny City Centre and its many attractions, including Kilkenny Castle, the River Nore walking trail, and various shopping centres.
One of the most significant features of Maudlin Street is the Maudlin Castle, a formidable tower house that once formed part of the Hospital of St. Mary Magdalen. This hospital, established potentially as early as the 12th century, was one of Ireland's main leper houses in medieval times. The surviving tower, dating from post-1500, stands at 25 metres high and provided defence for the hospital and its surrounding farmlands, which supplied agricultural produce to Kilkenny Castle. While the castle today is a national monument, it offers a tangible link to a past when medical care was intertwined with religious institutions.
Beyond the castle, Maudlin Street has evolved over centuries. Historically, it was a hub for various crafts and trades, with evidence of blacksmiths, shoemakers, dressmakers, and even laundresses. It was once a street of smaller dwellings, with some larger houses scattered throughout. The street was also home to an earlier iteration of St. John's Parish Church, which was completed in the mid-19th century and later had its stone reused in other local constructions.
Today, Maudlin Street retains some of its historical charm while also being a residential area with a mix of properties. It offers a quiet location with good proximity to Kilkenny City Centre and its many attractions, including Kilkenny Castle, the River Nore walking trail, and various shopping centres.
RED VALERIAN REALLY CAUGHT MY ATTENTION THIS VISIT TO KILKENNY [SECOND WEEK IN JUNE 2025]
I may have noticed this plant on previous visits and failed to pay any attention but when I explored the old grave yard on the Old Dublin road a few days ago I was really surprised by how much the site was dominated by the plant and I found many other examples at various locations throughout the city.
The Red Menace on Our Walls? Unpacking the Truth About Red Valerian
You've seen it, haven't you? Those vibrant splashes of red, pink, or even creamy white adorning old stone walls, railway embankments, and forgotten corners of our towns and cities. In Kilkenny, as in many parts of Ireland, Red Valerian, scientifically known as Centranthus ruber (though sometimes listed as Valeriana rubra), is a familiar sight. But beneath its charming facade lies a tale of Mediterranean origins, surprising resilience, and growing ecological concern.
A Closer Look: Beauty and Brawn
Let's start with what we know about this striking plant. Red Valerian is a perennial, typically reaching heights of up to 75cm, sometimes stretching to 80cm. Its fragrant flowers, usually 8-10mm long, are clustered in dense panicles, each with a slender tube and spur at the base. The leaves, a distinctive grey-green, are untoothed and ovate, growing in opposite pairs. You'll notice the lower leaves have stalks, while the upper ones cling directly to the stem. Its flowering season is impressively long, from June to September, and in milder conditions, it can even extend into autumn.
From Mediterranean Gardens to Irish Wilds
Originally hailing from the sun-drenched Mediterranean region – think Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and North Africa – Red Valerian was introduced to Britain and Ireland as a garden ornamental around the late 16th century. Since then, it's made itself very much at home, becoming widely naturalised across the Emerald Isle, particularly thriving in our warmer, often coastal or southern sites.
It’s a plant that loves a challenge, flourishing in dry, disturbed, or unstable habitats. Give it low-nutrient, high-pH, calcareous conditions, and it’s in its element. This explains its penchant for maritime cliffs, shingle beaches, rocky outcrops, old stone walls (where it expertly roots into lime mortar), railway embankments, and even urban wasteland. So, your observations in Kilkenny – spotting it on walls, wasteland, and even graveyards – are spot on and perfectly illustrate its preferred stomping grounds.
The Elephant in the Room: Is Red Valerian a Problem?
While the National Biodiversity Data Centre currently classifies Red Valerian as having a "Low risk of Impact" in Ireland, with an invasive score of 11, there's a growing consensus that its vigorous nature warrants closer attention. It’s undeniably a non-native invasive species that can, and does, cause problems.
One of its key superpowers lies in its seeds. Equipped with tufts, much like a dandelion's, they are readily dispersed by wind, allowing Red Valerian to self-seed prolifically and spread rapidly. It's thought that even the wind gusts from passing trains along railway lines have played a part in its widespread colonisation.
More Than Just a Pretty Face: The Environmental Impact
When Red Valerian takes root in old stone walls, its vigorous, rhizomatous growth and branched, woody rootstock can be destructive. It can loosen stones or bricks, potentially compromising the structural integrity of these historic structures.
Globally, its invasive tendencies are far more pronounced in some regions. In parts of South Africa and Auckland, New Zealand, for instance, it’s a significant invasive species, actively controlled due to its ability to form dense populations that outcompete and displace native vegetation. Here, it can prevent native seeds from germinating and even compete with threatened short-stature plant species.
Closer to home, an ecological adviser in Bray, Ireland, has strongly advocated for placing Red Valerian on a prohibited list due to its rampant growth at the expense of native plants. Volunteers have already put in considerable effort to uproot large quantities along the coastline.
"Be Plant Wise": Our Responsibility as Gardeners
The spread of invasive species from our gardens is a significant and often overlooked issue. The message is clear: "Be Plant Wise." Gardeners are encouraged to consider alternatives to known invasive plants. If you do have Red Valerian in your garden, a simple yet effective measure to prevent its self-seeding is to cut back the stems after the first flowering in July.
Not All Valerians Are Created Equal
It's crucial to distinguish Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber or Valeriana rubra) from its namesake, Common Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). The latter is a native Irish plant and is the herb traditionally used in herbal medicine for its purported sleep-inducing properties. They are entirely different plants.
A Beautiful Intruder with a Cost
In conclusion, an initial assessment of Red Valerian as a potentially serious problem in the future is well-founded. While its ornamental qualities and resilience are undeniable, its prolific seeding and ability to establish itself in disturbed and rocky areas – including our cherished built structures – mean it can outcompete native flora and cause structural damage. It serves as a stark reminder of how a seemingly innocuous and popular garden escape can evolve into a significant ecological concern.
I may have noticed this plant on previous visits and failed to pay any attention but when I explored the old grave yard on the Old Dublin road a few days ago I was really surprised by how much the site was dominated by the plant and I found many other examples at various locations throughout the city.
The Red Menace on Our Walls? Unpacking the Truth About Red Valerian
You've seen it, haven't you? Those vibrant splashes of red, pink, or even creamy white adorning old stone walls, railway embankments, and forgotten corners of our towns and cities. In Kilkenny, as in many parts of Ireland, Red Valerian, scientifically known as Centranthus ruber (though sometimes listed as Valeriana rubra), is a familiar sight. But beneath its charming facade lies a tale of Mediterranean origins, surprising resilience, and growing ecological concern.
A Closer Look: Beauty and Brawn
Let's start with what we know about this striking plant. Red Valerian is a perennial, typically reaching heights of up to 75cm, sometimes stretching to 80cm. Its fragrant flowers, usually 8-10mm long, are clustered in dense panicles, each with a slender tube and spur at the base. The leaves, a distinctive grey-green, are untoothed and ovate, growing in opposite pairs. You'll notice the lower leaves have stalks, while the upper ones cling directly to the stem. Its flowering season is impressively long, from June to September, and in milder conditions, it can even extend into autumn.
From Mediterranean Gardens to Irish Wilds
Originally hailing from the sun-drenched Mediterranean region – think Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and North Africa – Red Valerian was introduced to Britain and Ireland as a garden ornamental around the late 16th century. Since then, it's made itself very much at home, becoming widely naturalised across the Emerald Isle, particularly thriving in our warmer, often coastal or southern sites.
It’s a plant that loves a challenge, flourishing in dry, disturbed, or unstable habitats. Give it low-nutrient, high-pH, calcareous conditions, and it’s in its element. This explains its penchant for maritime cliffs, shingle beaches, rocky outcrops, old stone walls (where it expertly roots into lime mortar), railway embankments, and even urban wasteland. So, your observations in Kilkenny – spotting it on walls, wasteland, and even graveyards – are spot on and perfectly illustrate its preferred stomping grounds.
The Elephant in the Room: Is Red Valerian a Problem?
While the National Biodiversity Data Centre currently classifies Red Valerian as having a "Low risk of Impact" in Ireland, with an invasive score of 11, there's a growing consensus that its vigorous nature warrants closer attention. It’s undeniably a non-native invasive species that can, and does, cause problems.
One of its key superpowers lies in its seeds. Equipped with tufts, much like a dandelion's, they are readily dispersed by wind, allowing Red Valerian to self-seed prolifically and spread rapidly. It's thought that even the wind gusts from passing trains along railway lines have played a part in its widespread colonisation.
More Than Just a Pretty Face: The Environmental Impact
When Red Valerian takes root in old stone walls, its vigorous, rhizomatous growth and branched, woody rootstock can be destructive. It can loosen stones or bricks, potentially compromising the structural integrity of these historic structures.
Globally, its invasive tendencies are far more pronounced in some regions. In parts of South Africa and Auckland, New Zealand, for instance, it’s a significant invasive species, actively controlled due to its ability to form dense populations that outcompete and displace native vegetation. Here, it can prevent native seeds from germinating and even compete with threatened short-stature plant species.
Closer to home, an ecological adviser in Bray, Ireland, has strongly advocated for placing Red Valerian on a prohibited list due to its rampant growth at the expense of native plants. Volunteers have already put in considerable effort to uproot large quantities along the coastline.
"Be Plant Wise": Our Responsibility as Gardeners
The spread of invasive species from our gardens is a significant and often overlooked issue. The message is clear: "Be Plant Wise." Gardeners are encouraged to consider alternatives to known invasive plants. If you do have Red Valerian in your garden, a simple yet effective measure to prevent its self-seeding is to cut back the stems after the first flowering in July.
Not All Valerians Are Created Equal
It's crucial to distinguish Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber or Valeriana rubra) from its namesake, Common Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). The latter is a native Irish plant and is the herb traditionally used in herbal medicine for its purported sleep-inducing properties. They are entirely different plants.
A Beautiful Intruder with a Cost
In conclusion, an initial assessment of Red Valerian as a potentially serious problem in the future is well-founded. While its ornamental qualities and resilience are undeniable, its prolific seeding and ability to establish itself in disturbed and rocky areas – including our cherished built structures – mean it can outcompete native flora and cause structural damage. It serves as a stark reminder of how a seemingly innocuous and popular garden escape can evolve into a significant ecological concern.
WOLFE TONE STREET
AND THE ST FRANCIS BRIDGE
The St. Francis Bridge, opened in 2017, is a key component of the Kilkenny Central Access Scheme (KCAS). This scheme aimed to improve traffic flow and connectivity within the city, particularly easing congestion on older bridges like Green's Bridge and John's Bridge.
THE RIVER NORE
KILKENNY CITY
The River Nore is one of the three principal rivers in Ireland's South-East Region, alongside the River Suir and the River Barrow. Collectively, these are known as the Three Sisters. The Nore stretches for approximately 140 kilometres (87 miles), draining a vast area of around 2,530 square kilometres (977 square miles) across parts of three counties: Tipperary, Laois, and Kilkenny, encompassing both Leinster and Munster.
PUBLIC ART
KILKENNY CITY
Kilkenny County Council plays a pivotal role in commissioning and supporting public art. Their vision is to ensure that residents and visitors alike can experience "captivating, challenging, culturally diverse high-quality public art projects." They aim to commission professional artists to create works that inspire thought, strengthen communities, and encourage inclusivity. This approach aligns Kilkenny with national and international best practices in the field.
NOT A HOLY WELL
I WAS DISAPPOINTED
"Based on the visual evidence from your photographs and the historical research, the well you have documented is indeed a historical public drinking well on the Canal Walk, rather than the Crow's Well lock or a traditional holy well with religious pilgrimage associations."
CASTLE PARK TRAILS
INCLUDING THE DUCK POND
Kilkenny Castle boasts splendid park trails within its extensive estate, offering a delightful experience for visitors seeking a leisurely stroll or more active pursuits. The castle grounds, managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), comprise approximately 21 hectares (50 acres) of rolling parkland, formal gardens, and mature woodlands.
KILKENNY PHOTO COLLECTIONS
SEPTEMBER 2022 AN EARLIER
A compreshensive collection of photographs
NEW ROSEHILL BRIDGE
AT COOTE'S LANE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC APRIL 2025
The new Rosehill Bridge did not replace a pre-existing bridge at the exact location. Instead, it "restored a historical link" or access across the River Breagagh at this point, indicating that while there might have been a previous crossing, the new structure provides a modern, dedicated pedestrian and cycling link that was previously absent or inadequate. It is part of the Coote's Lane Active Travel Scheme, aiming to improve facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.
MEMORIALS IN KILKENNY
INCLUDING WAR MEMORIALS
The Thomas Woodgate Memorial on Bateman Quay in Kilkenny is a powerful and intricately designed sculpture that commemorates Thomas Woodgate, the youngest Irishman of the Allied Forces to be killed by enemy fire during World War I.
