The snow enlivened rather than diminished the scenic effect of the place.

Bits of old architecture here and there give character to the otherwise commonplace streets.

Notable on the way to the castle is a bit of mediaeval wall with Gothic windows, and fretted with the scutcheon in stone of the O'Sheas.

The connection of a gentleman of this family with the secret as well as the public story of the Parnellite movement may one day make what Horace Greeley used to call "mighty interestin' reading." A dealer in spirits now occupies what is left of the old Parliament House of Kilkenny, in which the rival partisans of Preston and O'Neill outfought the legendary cats, to the final ruin of the cause of the Irish confederates, and the despair of the loyal legate of Pope Innocent.
Of Kilkenny Castle, founded by Strongbow, but two or three towers remain.

The great quadrangle was rebuilt in 1825, and much of it again so late as in 1860.