About Local Studies

Kilkenny Local Studies' Department is a reference and research service dedicated to preserving and enhancing the collective memory of Kilkenny City and County. In order to fulfil this role we firstly, offer access to the history and heritage of County Kilkenny and secondly, continuously collect, catalogue and preserve all types of Kilkenny-related material. The Library holds a wide range of material on the history, geography, antiquities, archaeology, folklore and culture of Kilkenny City and County.

The collection consists of books, journals, newspapers, photographs, audio visual material, manuscripts, maps and microform. Kilkenny Local Studies aims to make this material freely accessible in its modern and dedicated research facilities.

What services are available when I arrive?

• Standard access to microforms, etc. is available.
• Archives  must be ordered in advance.
• We will ask you when booking what resources you require to make your visit as productive as possible.
• The Library possesses four microfilm reader printers and two dedicated pcs for public local studies' research.
• All readers can copy from microfilms, the cost for an A4 copy is 25c, the larger reader can also copy A3 size, the cost is 30c.

The service is access only, we cannot provide guidance in the research room, however we can provide this by phone or email. You must bring your own writing materials if required. Wi-Fi is available if you want to bring your own devices. Kilkenny Local Studies’ can provide information, guidance and help in the following areas:

• Genealogical research and family history
• Access to local newspapers, past and present
• Maps – Library collection and Historical Maps online
• Information on local historical events, people and places
• Photographic archive and old postcards
• Kilkenny Studies – authors and works
• Kilkenny folklore and traditions

Materials can be reproduced subject to copyright.

Location

The main Local Studies collection is situated in Library Headquarters,

Address

John's Green House, Kilkenny. R95 YH61

Opening hours

You will need an appointment to access the service, 2-5 Monday - Friday. Please also note that the service 

You can book an appointment by phone or email:

Our hours can be subject to change, please check the main web-site or contact us directly if you are going to travel.

 It is not necessary to be an existing member of Kilkenny County Library to use our services.

What do I do when I arrive?

Please ring 056 7794160 and a staff member will escort you to the Research Room. 

Contact details:

Telephone: 056 7794160

E-mail: lstudies@kilkennycoco.ie

Web: http://www.kilkennylibrary.ie

The collection can be searched on the on line catalogue at www.kilkennylibrary.ie