Criminals and those with not so murky pasts who are requested to attend court in Kilkenny, will be treated to five-star treatment in the stunning setting of the newly refurbished Kilkenny Courthouse.
Stunning is an understatement and for anyone that hasn’t had a look to date — it’s worth your while popping by.
The court is due to open its doors after three years of works and the end result is truly impressive. (Clearly the money for this was secured while in the throes of the Celtic Tiger years! )
The on-street facade on John Street is beautifully restored in stone and slate and the old steps have been restored with a clear hand rail topping off the stone wall.
The facade of the courthouse still looks the same and the developers have managed to juxtapose old and new perfectly with the end result being accessible and stylish, while still maintaining the traditional and historical feel of the building, which will be used for years to come by the public.
The grass has been removed from in front of the building and an open slated space has been laid complete with benches and three towering flag posts.
It will be business as usual for the court staff who have been relocated to Parnell House and to the temporary courthouse on Barrack Street while works were ongoing, as they return to their refurbished premises on Monday week.
But things have changed. Now there is a possibility for five courts to sit at the one time, so that judges are not interrupted when in session which was always a way of the past.
Another interesting fact is that the High Court can now also sit in Kilkenny as we are now considered to have state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate the court. This court has never yet sat here and this will be a first for the Marble City.
Also the cream of Kilkenny’s criminals can now be held in state-of-the-art cells which have maximum security! Very helpful for those that may wish to attempt to escape! Don’t even think about it because it is not happening in the new courthouse.
This facility will be the pride of the city adding hugely to the tourist attractions already on offer including the castle and Rothe House. A trip to Kilkenny Courthouse will be on every visitor’s list of things to see in the city.
And although Chez Pierre across the road has always catered admirably for the culinary needs of those that work and use the courthouse on a regular basis, there is also to be a new addition to the eatery scene of Parliament St. Rumour has it that Blueberry are to open a restaurant on the top floor of Winstons lovely new store. This will be a welcome addition to the business community of Parliament St. Winstons has a beautiful new shop and a restaurant would really be the icing on the cake — particularly Blueberry!
