Discover Kilkenny Through the Eyes of Local Business Leader Mag Kirwan

Mag Kirwan, a prominent business figure in Kilkenny, shared insights into local life, highlighting the area’s rich community spirit and unique offerings. Kirwan, a father of four, described a perfect weekend filled with family activities, underscoring the vibrant lifestyle in this medieval city.

Active Family Life in Kilkenny

A typical Saturday for Kirwan often starts with a 5km park run at Kilkenny Castle Park, followed by breakfast with fellow runners. “My girls love to shop,” he said, noting that afternoons often involve retail therapy in the city’s diverse shops. For entertainment, Kirwan and his family enjoy the newly opened cinema or opt for swimming at the local leisure centre. The weekend is punctuated by various festivals that showcase theatre and music, making Kilkenny an attractive destination for both residents and visitors.

Sundays are usually reserved for longer runs or cycling, as Kirwan prepares for upcoming races or triathlons. He expressed that during the summer months, the plethora of activities available makes leaving Kilkenny unnecessary, especially when the weather is pleasant.

Community Contributions and Local Identity

When asked about impactful figures in Kilkenny, Kirwan emphasized the collective effort of the community. He stated, “It’s very difficult to mention any one individual person with so many people who have contributed to make Kilkenny the best place to live.” His gratitude extends to those who volunteer their time to various local organizations.

Kirwan recalls his first memory of Kilkenny as a child shopping at The Monster House with his mother, a nostalgic moment that reflects his deep ties to the city. He considers Thomastown, where he resides, as a favorite part of the county. It offers a relaxing atmosphere and is close to notable sites like Jerpoint Abbey and Mount Juliet.

Kilkenny’s identity, according to Kirwan, is defined by its medieval architecture and preserved landmarks, including the stunning Kilkenny Castle, regarded as one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. The city also shines in sports, particularly hurling, and was ranked as the ninth friendliest city in the world last year.

Kirwan, a food producer, appreciates the contributions of local authors such as Edward Hayden, Ann Neary, and Olivia Goodwillie, who have helped elevate Kilkenny’s reputation as a culinary destination.

Challenges and Vision for the Future

Despite the city’s strengths, Kirwan identified challenges facing Kilkenny, particularly in the food sector. He advocates for the development of more commercially scalable food businesses that collaborate to position Kilkenny as Ireland’s food capital. “We are already a great place to eat with some of the finest eateries, including two Michelin star restaurants,” he remarked, highlighting the potential for growth in this area.

If Kirwan could change one aspect of Kilkenny, it would be the traffic congestion on Friday afternoons. He suggested revisiting the one-way traffic system or encouraging cycling to alleviate the issue.

Through his perspective, Kirwan not only reflects the spirit of Kilkenny but also showcases the potential for its continued development as a vibrant community.