Kilkenny Street Names

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Butts Green

Receives its name from the fact that the citizens practised archery at “Butts” on the green.

Chapel Lane

At one time the old James’ Street chapel (built between 1772 and 1774), stood nearby.

Dean Street

This street had an entrance to the Dean’s residence before the construction of the Coach Road.

Friary Street

A very old street known as Walkin Street until quite recently. The origin of the name is uncertain.

Horseleap Slip

One of Kilkenny’s famous slips, was probably gained its name because of the veterinary surgeons who practised here and the horses who exercised there.

John’s Green

During the eighteenth century this was a refuge of the dispossessed farming folk and other travelling people. A gallows also functioned in John’s Green, from which its former name of Gallow’s Green derives.

Kierans’ Street

Named after St. Kieran’s Well and site of an ancient church at the northern end. Previously named Low Lane, Back Lane, King Street and Kieran Street.

Parliament Street

This is named after the Confederate Parliament of 1641 – 1648, it was earlier called the Coal Market.

Patrick Street

Patrick Street leads from the Parade to the Waterford road, through the former St. Patrick’s Gate named after the old St. Patrick’s Church.

Pennefeather Lane

Constructed around 1700 by John Pennefeather, a local land owner.

Rose Inn Street

Traditionally the street of the inns but appears on old documents as Rozyn, derivation uncertain

The Butterslip

Where butter was sold for centuries on market days.

The Coach Road

An entry in the Chapter Book of St. Canice’s Cathedral dates September 20th 1689 notes that a coachway be made from Dean Street to the south door of the cathedral for the convience of the Duke of Ormonde.