Kilkenny Courthouse, Kilkenny

Kilkenny Courthouse, also recognized as Grace's Castle, stands as a prominent judicial facility in Parliament Street, with a rich historical background. The site previously housed Grace's Castle, an edifice with roots dating back to the 13th century. Originally constructed as a castle, it took on the additional role of a prison from 1566, and remnants of these functions are still evident in the surviving features at the basement level.

In 1792, the current neoclassical-style courthouse, designed by Sir Jerome Fitzpatrick and built in ashlar stone, took its place. The architectural design reflects a symmetrical main frontage facing Parliament Street. The ground floor is arcaded, featuring flights of steps leading up to the end bays. The central section stands out with a tetrastyle portico on the first floor, adorned with Doric order columns supporting an entablature and a modillioned pediment. This elegant design pays homage to the neoclassical architectural style prevalent during its construction.

Originally intended as a judicial facility, the courthouse underwent a transformation in the latter part of the 20th century. Following the implementation of the Local Government (Dublin) Act 1993, it assumed an additional role as the meeting place of Kilkenny County Council. However, with the county council's relocation to new offices at John's Green House, the courthouse continued to stand as a testament to Kilkenny's historical and architectural heritage.