- John Banim: Born in Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny 1798–1842) A novelist, playwright, and poet, John Banim, often collaborating with his brother Michael, is best known for Tales by the O’Hara Family (1825–1826), which includes novels like The Nowlans and Crohoore of the Billhook. These works, written under the pseudonym “The O’Hara Brothers,” depict Irish peasant life and Catholic struggles with a realist style, pioneering the Irish novel. Born in Kilkenny City, John’s early career as an artist and his local experiences shaped his vivid portrayals of the region. He later lived in Dublin and London, where illness and poverty marked his final years.
- Michael Banim: Born in Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny 1796–1874) Michael Banim, John’s elder brother, co-authored several novels in the Tales by the O’Hara Family series, including The Croppy (1828), which depicts the 1798 Rebellion. His contributions focused on historical and social themes, complementing John’s narrative style. Michael managed the family business in Kilkenny and later served as postmaster, remaining rooted in the county while supporting his brother’s literary efforts. His novels helped establish a distinctly Irish voice in 19th-century fiction, challenging romanticised views of Ireland.
- Francis Hackett: Born in Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny 1883–1962) A novelist, historian, and journalist, Hackett wrote novels such as The Green Lion (1912) and The Invisible Censor (1921), which explore Irish identity and social change. Educated in Kilkenny, he emigrated to the United States in 1901, becoming a prominent literary critic for The New Republic. His novels, though less known today, reflect his Kilkenny upbringing and engagement with Irish nationalism and transatlantic perspectives. His historical works, like Ireland: A Study in Nationalism (1918), further cement his literary significance.
Novelists
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Poets
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Writers
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Kilkenny:
Ireland’s county Kilkenny is a county of medieval charm, with Kilkenny City’s castle and St Canice’s Cathedral showcasing well-preserved architecture and round towers. The Dunmore Cave offers intriguing limestone formations, while the Nore Valley’s walking trails provide scenic beauty. Other attractions include the historic Jerpoint Abbey’s intricate carvings. Kilkenny is Ireland’s 16th largest county by size (2,062 square km) and 21st largest by population (104,160). Population peaked at 202,420 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 60,463 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Kilkenny is Ireland’s eleventh most visited tourist county with around 207,000 international visitors per year.
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