The trail consists of 21 wonderful Cat sculptures which have been decorated by some of Kilkenny’s most talented artists for public display in and around Kilkenny City until next April. Visitors are invited to follow the trail on the official Kilkenny Catwalk Trail App and find sculptures that will be located in Kilkenny’s beautiful public spaces, many of which are attached to the heritage buildings around the city.
Inspired by the feline character Pangur Bán that features in the film ‘Secret of Kells’, the 5ft tall sculptures are scattered around the city and make for a great way to see some of Kilkenny’s best-loved attractions and get some iconic photos and memories on your next Kilkenny getaway.
Here, we are giving you a great opportunity to get a ‘taste’ for the trail with an itinerary that takes in the first half of the Kilkenny Catwalk Trail, that couples, solo travellers and families alike will revel in …
Pangur a Lán and The Original Pangur Bán displayed in Kilkenny Castle grounds
After an overnight in one of Kilkenny City’s best hotels, start your journey at the renowned Butler House and Gardens where you will meet your first cat sculptures aptly named ‘The Cat that got the Cream’. Take the time to walk the magnificent Georgian gardens which were restored to its former glory in 1999 and after grab a mid-morning coffee in the hotels Orangerie, as you soak in the autumn colours that surround you.
Only a couple of minutes further and you will meet ‘The Age Friendly Cat’ at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre. Created from colourful papercuts, the sculpture represents creativity in older age and is an utter celebration of growing older in current times.
Inspired by the Magdalen Laundry’s, the artist on the next sculpture communicates her experience of visiting the laundries in this incredibly moving piece of work. Situated at The Thosel in Kilkenny’s High Street, it’s worth taking in the history of this 18th building, once used to collect tolls and today is home to Kilkenny’s City Hall.
With a trail like this your stop off for lunch must be at The Black Cat café. The Black Cat Café has huge south-facing outdoor terrace that overlooks the medieval rooftops of Kilkenny City. Couple the amazing views with the very best local produce and you have the perfect spot for lunch or lite bite, while you sit back and review the great photo’s you’ve taken of these feline creations.
Next stop is the beautiful Medieval Mile Museum Gardens to visit ‘Stella’. Stella is full of power and energy, from the sunburst tail, to the night sky body, to the head where moons and stars populate! And a hidden creature lurks within the head region…. So, keep your wits about you!!
Upscaling and recycling old objects is what the next sculpture is all about! ‘Black Cat’ was created from a mix of paper, offcuts of wood and even broken records. In its final glory it’s a strikingly beautiful black cat, whose home is inside the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, where you will find exhibitions and the centre of Irish craft and development. So definitely worth taking a look around!
Did you know that ‘Cats Can’t Swim’? Well, take the short walk to the Heritage Council on Church Lane and you will find the next artistic revelation. Here the artist took her inspiration from her home beside the River Nore and its breath-taking banks and walkways. The colours and textures used reflect the colour of river water during floods and the impact climate change has on our rivers, wildlife and animals.
The Kilford Arms Hotel is the location of cat number 7 on the trail. Entitled ‘Shadow Slide’, this cat is known as a ‘shape shifter’; turning blue colour at night reminiscent of midnight sky, and its swirling tail is like the galaxy! While at the hotel, treat yourselves to an indulgent Afternoon Tea and refuel before meeting your final two sculptures!!
Rothe House is carefully watching over the next creation, ‘Pangur Ban Overwhelmed by a Pandemic of Mice’. The manicured gardens that surround this Sculpture make for a wonderful afternoon stroll as you admire the late 16th Century House in all its Autumnal glory. Refuel and pop into the market next door at La Rivista for a delicious pastry, scone and coffee to go.
The Mountain range at ‘Marmalade Mountain’ was the inspiration for the Cat number 9! This is a wild sculpture, that pays homage to these Kilkenny mountains and is something you will get lost in with all its colour and vibrancy! Cakeface Patisserie is proud to be overseeing this sculpture… and this is a great chance to treat yourselves to one of their wonderful French-style patisseries, sandwiches and barista coffees!… Any excuse!!
The final visit on this itinerary will also give you both a chance to catch up with some shopping! Located at the wonderful Market Cross Shopping Centre, here boutiques and high-street brands are just waiting to be discovered, so leave a little extra time for this final stop!! CAT-AT Walker is the title of this creation and gives you one last photo opportunity of your day!!
Other Cats along the trail.....
‘Voodoo’ – Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel ‘The Future is Written in the Stars’ – ‘Cooper’ – Butlers Gallery
Sullivans Taproom
‘The Cats’ – MacDonagh Junction ‘Pangur in Bloom’ – Langton House ‘Catfish’- St Canice’s Cathedral
Shopping Centre
‘Where I Swim’ – ‘Pangur Dubh’ – Talbots Tower ‘All Together Now’ – Butler House & Gardens
Kilkenny River Court Hotel
Download the App for the full Catwalk Trail itinerary at: www.kilkennycatwalk.ie and explore this once in a lifetime trail on your next visit to Kilkenny www.visitkilkenny.ie
