Folklore · County Kilkenny
Folklore and traditions of County Kilkenny
48 sites with recorded traditions.
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48 sites in County Kilkenny with traditions recorded by the Archaeological Survey. County Kilkenny guide.
Folklore on ErinSites is quoted from the Archaeological Survey of Ireland (or, when marked, from visitors). It records what people said or believed about a place; it is not presented as historical fact.
- Leggetsrath East High Cross High cross · Leggetsrath East, Co. Kilkenny
In the very centre of the enclosing ring, is an ancient pillar-stone of granite, standing to a height of 3½ ft. [c. 1m] over the ground, and about 17 in. [0.44m] wide and 12 in. [0.31m] thick; it is rough below, but chiselled smooth above, where a plain sunk…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Ullard high cross High cross · Ullard, Co. Kilkenny
The church is dedicated to St Fiachra, who according to tradition founded it in the latter part of the 6th-century (Vigors 1893, 257).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Ballylarkin Church Ancient church · Ballylarkin Upper, Co. Kilkenny
Though known by local tradition as an abbey, this is an undivided parish church (int. dims. 8.06m E-W; 5.83m N-S, wall T 0.88m; wall H c. 6m) constructed of limestone rubble, roughly coursed, though the E gable consists of roughly dressed coursed masonry…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Clonamery Church Ancient church · Clonamery, Co. Kilkenny
On an E-W ridge in undulating terrain, in pasture, with the River Nore running c. 400m to the SW. Probably dedicated to St Brendan, though according to Carrigan (1905, vol. 4, 120), the patron saint of the church was known locally as, ‘Naev [naomh] Broondhawn…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Freneystown Church (site of) Ancient church · Freneystown, Co. Kilkenny
According to local tradition the enclosure was the burial ground of seven bishops, all septuplet brothers (Carrigan 1905, vol. 3, 361)).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kilcollan Church (site of) Ancient church · Kilcollan, Co. Kilkenny
The church has been located based on local tradition, though there is no visible trace above ground.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kilmalog Church Ancient church · Purcellsinch, Co. Kilkenny
The church is associated with St Molaga or Malog, who, according to tradition, came from Wales to assist St. Patrick in his missionary work (O’Kelly 1969, 92).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kilmanagh Church (site of) Ancient church · Kilmanagh, Co. Kilkenny
According to the OS Letters (1839), ‘The old Church of Kilnamanagh is said to have been torn down about thirty years ago [c. 1809], to supply materials for building the parsonage house of the Parish (O’Flanagan 1930, vol. 1, 239).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kilree Church (site of) Ancient church · Kilree (Knocktopher By.), Co. Kilkenny
According to Carrigan (1905, vol. 3, 372), ‘Kilree castle [KK023-047001-], still traditionally remembered to have belonged to the “Friars,” stood within a few perches of Mr. Whitecroft’s house; a part of it yet remains.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kylebeg Church Ancient church · Blanchvillestown, Co. Kilkenny
Drennan (1955, 22-3) mentions a bronze cross, dated to the 17th century which was found hidden in the church in c. 1920, probably used for Masses which were reputedly held here during Penal times.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Pottlerath Church Ancient church · Pottlerath, Co. Kilkenny
On a gentle E-facing slope, with streams to the N and W. Local tradition associates the church, 'Teampull-na-Rath', with an enclosure or graveyard (KK022-002001-) which is no longer visible at ground level.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Martin's Church Ancient church · Templemartin (Gowran By., Clara Ed), Co. Kilkenny
According to the OS Letters (1839), ‘Tradition says that this Church belonged to the Vicars Choral of St. Kenny’s Church.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
- Tullaherin Church Ancient church · Tullaherin, Co. Kilkenny
According to the OS Letters (O’Flanagan 1930, vol. 1, 87-8), written in 1839, ‘a pattern was held here not long since on the 5th of March’ in honour of the patron saint.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Ullard Church Ancient church · Ullard, Co. Kilkenny
An early monastery was reputedly founded here by St Fiachra in the latter part of the 6th-century (Vigors 1893, 257).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tullaherin II (Ogham Stone Concept by the Ogham in 3D Project) Ogham stone · Tullaherin, Co. Kilkenny
Although this stone was found at Loughboreen, Co. Kilkenny it is believed to have originated at Tullaherin.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Balleen Castle Castle · Balleen Little, Co. Kilkenny
There is a local tradition that the building works on the house were never completed (ibid.).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Ballyragget Castle Castle · Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny
While not crediting her with the building of the tower house, Lewis (1837, vol. 1, 162), notes that this castle ‘had been a favourite residence of the celebrated Lady Margaret Fitzgerald, Countess of Ormonde, who is said to have frequently issued from the…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Cantwell's Castle Castle · Sandfordscourt, Co. Kilkenny
Carrigan (ibid.) recounts how in 1649 this castle was garrisoned against the Parliamentarians but that, 'the officers being English, Welsh, and Scotch, sent some of their number to Cromwell, offering him possession of the castle', under terms which were…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Castlecomer Motte Castle · Ardra, Co. Kilkenny
Orpen (1909, 318-19) writes that, ‘From an entry in the Liber Primus of Kilkenny it appears that a castle of some sort was erected here prior to the year 1200, as it is said to have been burned in that year by the O’Brenans’.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Courtstown Castle Castle · Courtstown, Co. Kilkenny
A description of the castle is included in Mason's 1819 publication (vol. 3, 530-31), where Courtstown Castle is said to have, ‘consisted of an outward ballium or envelope, having a round tower at each angle, and also at each side of an embattled entrance to…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Foulksrath Castle Castle · Foulksrath (Fassadinin By.), Co. Kilkenny
Gibb 1948, 53) notes that at this time, ‘the interior has been altered by making window openings larger, by panelling, plastering, making the fireplaces smaller – one of the originals was said to have been 17 ft. [c. 5m] across’.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny City Castle · Dukesmeadows (Shillelogher By., St. Patrick'S Par.), Co. Kilkenny
Isabel is said to have defended the castle from its 'battlements', perhaps an indication that a masonry castle was in place by this time.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Skerry's Castle Castle · Callan South, Co. Kilkenny
According to Carrigan (ibid. 295), ‘Local tradition seems to connect Skerry’s castle, in West Street, with Captain Geoghegan’s memorable stand.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tubbrid Castle Castle · Tubbrid Upper, Co. Kilkenny
He relates that the construction of the castle is traditionally attributed to, ‘Mairgread nhee Gearoid, whose “bed” [the look-out platform] is pointed out on the top of the old keep’, though this tradition is associated with a number of castles in Kilkenny…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Holy Trinity Well Holy well · Ballycannon, Co. Kilkenny
However this appears to be contradicted by O'Kelly (1969 (1985 reprint), 4), who notes, 'Holy Trinity well at which a pattern is still held on the second Sunday in July is 400 yards south-east of the church.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Maon's Well Holy well · Tullamaine (Ashbrook), Co. Kilkenny
A pattern was formerly held at the well on January 21st' (ibid. 322).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Our Lady's Well Holy well · Castlemarket, Co. Kilkenny
The well lies about a quarter of a mile north east of the Church [KK001-005001-] and is still resorted to for the cure of sore eyes, etc.' (O'Flanagan 1930, vol. 1, 82).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Brigid's Well (site of) Holy well · Ballyconra, Co. Kilkenny
When describing Barony church (KK009-013001-) in Ballyconra townland, O'Kelly (1969, 53) mentions, 'St. Brigid's Well at which a pattern was held on the saint's feast day is south of the church'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Dallan's Well Holy well · Burnchurch, Co. Kilkenny
A pattern was held at the well on the first Sunday of August, till the early part of the 19th century, but tradition says that the people attended it were divided as to whether the real pattern day, that is, the feast day of the saint, was the first day of…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Elakan's Well Holy well · Gorteennamuck, Co. Kilkenny
On the valley floor, at the heal of a stream.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Fiacre's Well Holy well · Ullard, Co. Kilkenny
The well is dedicated to St Fiachra, who according to tradition founded a church here in the latter part of the 6th-century (Vigors 1893, 257).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Scoheen's Well Holy well · Freneystown, Co. Kilkenny
There are no votive offerings at the bottom of the well and there is no present tradition of a local pattern or any cures asscoiated with this well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St John's Well Holy well · Johnswell, Co. Kilkenny
According to the OS Letters (1839), ‘There is a holy well (the popular Irish name of this well is Achadh, i.e., the Field) in the Townland of Johnswell at which devotees from all parts of the County Kilkenny and some of the neighbouring Counties attended in…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Mary's Well Holy well · Coolaghmore, Co. Kilkenny
According to O’Kelly (1985, 142), at Coolaghmore there is, ‘a well in the churchyard [KK030-004003-] field called Tobar an chillín, the little church well, where a pattern is held on the first Sunday in September’.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Patrick's Well Holy well · Gowran, Co. Kilkenny
According to local tradition it was known as 'St Patrick's Well' (pers. comm. Mary Moran, 7 July 1992) and this suggests it was a holy well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Brendan's Well Holy well · Troyswood, Co. Kilkenny
Stations were performed here long ago but they are now neglected' (O'Flanagan (ed.) 1930, vol. 2, 78 (26)).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Newtown (Shea), Co. Kilkenny
It is still held in veneration but not visited for cures or devotion’ (O’Flanagan 1930, vol. 2, 59 (20)).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Dallan's Well Holy well · Burnchurch, Co. Kilkenny
A pattern was held at the well on the first Sunday of August, till the early part of the 19th century, but tradition says that the people attended it were divided as to whether the real pattern day, that is, the feast day of the saint, was the first day of…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Finan's Well Holy well · Tinnalintan, Co. Kilkenny
According to local tradition the well moved c. 70m to the SW when an overhanging ash tree was uprooted.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. James's Well Holy well · Mill Island, Co. Kilkenny
O’Kelly (1969, 154) mentions that the pattern day of the well, known as ‘Tobar San Séain’ or ‘St. James’s Well’, was held on the last Sunday in July up until the early years of the twentieth century.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Margaret's Well Holy well · Brabstown (Crannagh By.), Co. Kilkenny
A pattern was formerly held there on the 15th of August (Carrigan 1905, vol. 3, 497).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Martin's Well Holy well · Templemartin (Gowran By., Clara Ed), Co. Kilkenny
Stations are performed at it on St. Martin's Day, 11th of November' (O'Flanagan 1930, vol. 1, 247 (83)).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Mogue's Well Holy well · Ennisnag, Co. Kilkenny
A pattern was held at the well till the beginning of the 19th century’.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobar na súl Holy well · Rathlogan, Co. Kilkenny
This well, as may be inferred from the name, was in great repute formerly for the cure of sore eyes, but now it is little frequented' (O'Flanagan ed. 1930, vol. 1, 156 (51)).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Toberbride Holy well · Kells, Co. Kilkenny
Stations were performed and a Pattern was held at this well not many years since on St. Bridget's Day, the 1st of February' (O'Flanagan 1930, vol. 2, 62 (20)).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobernadaun Holy well · Pottlerath, Co. Kilkenny
According to Holahan (1883, 107-8), 'It is said that many miraculous cures have been effected from time immemorial at the holy well called Tobernadaun, near Kilmanagh'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobernapeastia Holy well · Tobernapeastia, Co. Kilkenny
According to the OS Letters (1839), the well, 'in the Townland of Tobar na Peisté to which it gave its name signifying the Well of the Worm in which it is said people were accustomed to wash their hands to cure the worm.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Well of the Rags Holy well · Castle Eve, Co. Kilkenny
The OS Letters (1839) describe this holy well as, 'Tobar na nGiobog, i.e., the Well of the Rags, from the quantity of rags left there formerly and still by its votaries' (O'Flanagan 1930, vol. 2, 58 (19)).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact