Theatre and the Arts have always had a special place in Kilkenny. Today The Watergate Theatre provides entertainment with performances from home and abroad. In 1802 Sir Richard Power of Kilfane established a theatre in Kilkenny called The Athenaeum. Thomas Moore, ‘The Bard of Erin’ met his wife while performing at the theatre in 1811. The theatre attracted famous actors of the day. Performances were held over eight weeks, two weeks in the Summer season and six in Winter and many visitors came to the city to enjoy a great festival experience. Charitable organisations in the area were given most of the profits. The Athenaeum closed following a performance of Richard the Third in the year 1819 On This Day

Photo by yellow book