User:Mrchris/Timeline of County Kilkenny

This is a timeline of County Kilkenny history.

To read about the background to these events, see History of County Kilkenny. See also the List of kings of Leinster.

This timeline is incomplete

Mesolithic - Neolithic - 1st - 2nd - 3rd - 4th - 5th - 6th - 8th - 9th - 10th - 11th - 12th - 13th - 14th - 15th - 16th - 17th - 18th - 19th - 20th - 21st

Mesolithic period

 * 7000 BC - Mesolithic stone age inhabitants arrived some time after 8,000 BC.
 * 4,500 BC - Agriculture followed with the Neolithic Age around 4,500 to 4,000 BC when sheep, goats, cattle and cereals were imported from the Iberian peninsula.

Neolithic

 * 4500 BC - Neolithic agriculture and domestication of plant and animal life.
 * 4000 BC - The great burial mounds soon begin to appear including the portal tombs and dolmens at Owning, Harristown and Borrismore, as well as the passage graves like those at Clomantagh Hill and Knockroe.
 * 3500 BC - Neolithic single burial tombs known as Linkardstown Cists. One was excavated at Jerpoint West.

Copper and Bronze Ages (2500–700 BCE)

 * 2500 BC - Bronze Age metal working, Ring-ditches, standing Stones, Cairns and Fulachta Fiadha. Standing stones include at Mount Misery, Ferrybank, and the three Friars at Smithstown. Stone circles present in other parts of Ireland are absent from Kilkenny.
 * Nicroliths, polished-stone axes and early Bronze bowl cremation have been found.
 * A late Bronze Age fishtrap was excavated from underneath St John's Bridge, Kilkenny.

Iron Age


Tribes of Ireland according to Ptolemy's Geographia.


 * 600 to 500 BC - The Irish Iron Age begins.
 * Goidelic-speaking Celts (from Spain? and elsewhere) possibly arrive in Ireland.
 * 300 BC - Iron Age La Tene (Celtic) objects.
 * 250 BC - The Laigin from Armorica in northwestern France are said to arrive in southeast Ireland. The term Laigin is an early name for Leinster.
 * 100 BC - Hillforts and huge linear earthworks make their appearance sometime before or around this period. Earthworks on hilltops include Freestone Hill, Clomantagh Hill, Foulksrath and Cairndubh Hill.
 * The Celtic tribes of Ireland include the Brigantes, a name which also belonged to the largest tribe of northern and midland Britain. Another tribe by the 2nd century AD was the Manapii, possibly the same people as the Menapii, a Belgic tribe of northern Gaul.
 * Pottery and stone tools used by the first farmers and the remains of houses found in Granny and Newrath.

1st century
The ancient Osraige inhabited the fertile land around the River Nore valley, occupying nearly all of what is modern County Kilkenny and the western half of neighbouring County Laois. To the west and south, Osraige was bounded by the River Suir and what is now Waterford Harbour; to the east, the watershed of the River Barrow marked the boundary with Leinster (including Gowran); to the north, it extended into and beyond the Slieve Bloom Mountains. These three principal rivers- the Nore, the Barrow, and the Suir- which unite just north of Waterford City were collectively known as the "Three Sisters" (Cumar na dTrí Uisce). Like many other Irish kingdoms, the tribal name of Osraighe also came to be applied to the territory they occupied; thus, wherever the Osraige dwelt became known as Osraige.

2th century

 * Ptolemy's 2nd-century map of Ireland places a tribe he called the "Usdaie" roughly in the same area that the Osraige occupied. The territory indicated by Ptolemy likely included the major late Iron Age hill-fort at Freestone Hill and a 1st-century Roman burial site at Stonyford, both in County Kilkenny.
 * c100 - According to tradition, Osraige was founded by Óengus Osrithe in the 1st century and was originally within Laigin's polity.
 * c150 - Óengus Osrithe flourishes as first king of the ancient kingdom of Osraighe).
 * Loegaire Birn Buadach (fl. 1st or 2nd century AD) was the second king of Osraige after the death of his father, Óengus Osrithe. His epithet "Búadach" means "Victorious". His name became the appellation of his later descendants the Dál Birn who ruled Osraige until the Norman Invasion of Ireland.

4th century

 * c300 - Agricultural activity increases and the population expands. Ringforts and Early Church sites develop.
 * c350 - Christianity reaches Ireland.
 * c380 - Roman artifacts at Freestone Hill and at a Stonyford burial site.

5th century
From the fifth century, the name Dál Birn ("the people of Birn"; sometimes spelled dál mBirn) appears to have emerged as the name for the ruling lineage of Osraige, and this name remained in use through to the twelfth century. From this period, Osraige was originally within the sphere of the province of Leinster.


 * Bressal Bélach (died 436)
 * 446 - Mac Cairthinn mac Coelboth, King of Leinster, died. The Annals of Innisfallen record his death at the battle of Mag Femen in the kingdom of Brega in 446.
 * 402 - Ciarán of Saigir founds the see (diocese) of Ossory at Sier-Kieran, in the territory of the Ely O'Carroll. The martyrologies, notably the Félire Óengusso, and medieval Irish genealogies identify Ciarán's father as Lugna (also Laighne), a nobleman of the Osraige, and his mother as Liadán, of the Corcu Loígde. He is later cited as the first Bishop of Ossory.
 * 431 - The first reliable historical event in Irish history, recorded in the Chronicle of Prosper of Aquitaine, is the ordination by Pope Celestine I of Palladius as the first bishop to Irish Christians in 431 - which demonstrates that there were already Christians living in Ireland. Prosper says in his Contra Collatorem that by this act Celestine "made the barbarian island Christian", although it is clear the Christianisation of the island was a longer and more gradual process.
 * 432 - The mission of Saint Patrick is traditionally dated around the same time – the earliest date for his arrival in Ireland in the Irish annals is 432 – although Patrick's own writings contain nothing securely dateable. It is likely that Palladius' activities were in the south of Ireland, perhaps associated with Cashel, while Patrick's were later, in the north, and associated with Armagh.
 * 436 - Death of Bressal Bélach, King of Leinster. Bressal Bélach's grandson, Énnae Cennsalach founder of the Uí Cheinnselaig sept of the Laigin] became [[King of Leinster.
 * Mac Cairthinn mac Coelboth of the Uí Enechglaiss becomes King of Leinster.
 * 445 - Death of Nath Í (mac Fiachrach)  legendary king of Connacht and High King of Ireland.
 * 446 - Mac Cairthinn mac Coelboth King of Leinster, killed at Battle of Femen, in Brega. Recorded in the Annals of Innisfallen.
 * 446 Crimthann mac Énnai was King of Leinster, died 483.
 * c450 - Saint Patrick visits Ossory and erects a church under the invocation of St. Martin, near the present city of Kilkenny.
 * 457 - Probable death of Palladius.
 * c460 - The neighbouring tribe of the Déisi, aided by the Corcu Loígde, conquer South Ossory, and for over a century, the Corca-Laighde chiefs rule in place of the dispossessed Ossory chiefs.
 * 483 -Crimthann mac Énnai, King of Leinster died.
 * 483 - Assassination of Crimthann mac Énnai, King of Leinster
 * 483 Fincath mac Garrchu was King of Leinster, died 485.
 * 485 Fráech mac Finchada was King of Leinster, died 495.
 * 486 - Death of Crimthann mac Énnai Cennsalach was a King of Leinster from the Uí Cheinnselaig sept of the Laigin. He was the son of Énna Cennsalach, the ancestor of this dynasty.
 * 489 - Several sources indicate that towards the end of the fifth century the Osraige ceded a swath of southern territory to the displaced and incoming Déisi sometime before 489.
 * 495 - Illan mac Dúnlainge became King of Leinster. He died in 527.

6th century
583  -  Around that time (in either 581 or 583) the Ossorians (also referred to in the Fragmentary Annals as Clann Connla) had slain one of the last usurping Corcu Loígde kings Feradach Finn mac Duach and reclaimed most of their old patrimony.
 * 501 Ciarán of Saigir born. An early Irish bishop and patron saint of Ossory. The martyrologies, notably the Félire Óengusso, and medieval Irish genealogies identify Ciarán's father as Lugna (also Laighne), a nobleman of the Osraige, and his mother as Liadán, of the Corcu Loígde.
 * c516 - Cainnech of Aghaboe was born, at Glengiven near Dungiven in Ulster.
 * 527 - Illan mac Dúnlainge, King of Leinster, died.
 * Ailill mac Dúnlainge, King of Leinster
 * 535 - Cormac mac Ailillo, King of Leinster, died.
 * c530 - Ciarán of Saigir founds a monastery at Grangefertagh.
 * 531 - Ciarán of Saigir dies. An early Irish bishop and patron saint of Ossory.
 * 546 - Coirpre mac Cormac, King of Leinster, died.
 * 549 - Roman Catholic Diocese of Ossory, which still exists, founded in Ireland.
 * 571 - The Annals record, the battle of Tola where the people of Osraighe and Eile were defeated. Tola is the name of a plain situated between Cluain Fearta Molua and Saighir.
 * 574 - Colmán Már macCoirpre O'Dúnlainge, died. King of Osraige until 574, also King of Leinster.
 * 576 - Colmán Már mac Coirpre, a King of Leinster died.
 * c580 - Cainnech of Aghaboe founds a monastery at Aghaboe (Aghavoe).
 * c582 - The Annals record, Fearadhach, son of Duach, Lord of Osraighe, was slain by his own people.
 * 582 - Fergus Scandal mac Crimthainn, the king of Munster was slain by Leinstermen and Osraige was therefore ceded from Leinster as blood-fine payment and attached the kingdom to the province of Munster.
 * 592 Áed Dub mac Colmáin, King of Leinster, resigned 592, died 639.
 * c599 - Death of Cainnech of Aghaboe at Aghaboe.

7th century

 * 600 - St. Canice dies at Aghaboe.
 * c601 - The Annals record the death of Colman, son of Fearadhach, chief of Osraighe.
 * 602 or 604- Death of Áed mac Diarmato or Áed Sláine (Áed of Slane), the son of Diarmait mac Cerbaill. Legendary stories exist of Áed's birth. Killed his nephew and was in turn slain by his grandnephew.
 * 603 - Death of Brandub mac Echach an Irish king of the Uí Cheinnselaig of Leinster. His father, Echu mac Muiredaig had been a king of the Ui Cheinnselaig. They belonged to a branch known as the Uí Felmeda.
 * 607 - Áed Uaridnach or Áed mac Domnail' (died 612), ended his reign as High King of Ireland. He is sometimes also known as Áed  Allán, a name usually reserved for the 8th century king of the same name, this Áed's great-great-grandson.
 * 622 - The ancient Church of St Lachtain, near Freshford, County Kilkenny, is founded.
 * c630 - The ancient Ossory chiefs recover much of their lost possessions, the foreigners overcome, and the descendants of Aengus Osrithe rule once more.
 * 640 - The Annals record the death of Scannlan Mor, son of Ceannfaeladh, chief of Osraighe.


 * Death of Colmán Mór son of Feradach who appears in the life of Saint Cainnech of Aghaboe as king of Osraige,
 * 643 - Death of Colmán's son Scandlán who appears in the life of Saint Cainnech of Aghaboe and who is mentioned in Adamnán's life of Saint Columba, appears also to have been king, dying in 643.


 * c650 - St. Mullin's Church, just across the Kilkenny border, is built.
 * 658 - The Annals record, Faelan, chief of Osraighe, was slain by the Leinstermen.
 * c676 - The slaying of Tuaimsnamha, chief of Osraighe, by Faelan Seanchostol.
 * c690 - The annals record a battle between the Osriaghi and the Leinstermen.

8th century
The kingdom of Osraige, later anglicised as Ossory, was one of over 100 small kingdoms which existed in 8th century Ireland. In the middle years of the eighth century, Anmchad mac Con Cherca was the most militarily active king in Munster, and was the first Ossorian king to gain island-wide notice by the chroniclers.

The Osraige—their name means people of the Deer—inhabited much of modern County Kilkenny and parts of neighbouring County Laois. The most important churches were at Aghaboe (County Laois), chief church of Saint Cainnech, and at Seir Kieran (County Offaly), chief church of Saint Ciarán of Saighir.


 * 703 - Death of Loingsech mac Óengusso . He was an Irish king who was High King of Ireland.
 * Congal Cennmagair becomes High King of Ireland. He belonged to the northern Cenél Conaill branch of the Uí Néill.
 * 704 - Death of Adomnán, ninth abbot of Iona (b. c 627).
 * 707 The Uí Néill High King of Ireland Congal Cennmagair campaigned in Leinster and obtained Cellach Cualann's submission to his authority.
 * 708 or 710 - High King of Ireland Congal Cennmagair died 708, or 710 according to some sources.
 * 709 or 710 Fergal mac Máele Dúin in 709, or 710 according to some sources, becomes High King of Ireland. Fergal belonged to the Cenél nEógain sept of the northern Uí Néill
 * c711 - The death of Cucearca, Lord of Ossory.
 * Cú Cherca mac Fáeláin (died 712), Kings of Osraige
 * Fland mac Congaile, Kings of Osraige
 * Ailill mac Fáeláin, Kings of Osraige
 * 713 - Anmchad mac Con Cherca father Cú Cherca, was king and died c.713.
 * c730 - The death of Ceallach, son of Faelchair, chief of Osraighe, at the battle of Bealach Ele between the men Leinster and Munster.
 * c735 - The Annals record the slaying of Forbasach, son of Ailell, Lord of Ossory.
 * 735 - Cellach mac Fáelchair, King of Osraige, killed in 735 in a battle between Cathal mac Finguine and the Leinstermen
 * c737 - The devastation of Cinel Fiachach and of Dealbhna by the Osraighe.
 * 740 - Forbasach mac Ailella died,
 * 740 - Forbasach mac Ailella, King of Osraige, was probably killed in 740, but how and by whom is not recorded.
 * 740 - Anmchad mac Con Cherca is presumed to have become king after Forbasach's death.
 * 742 - The first record of Anmchad mac Con Cherca reign is in 742, the year in which Cathal mac Finguine died. Here the Annals of Ulster and the Annals of Tigernach state the Osraige devastated the lands of Cenél Fiachach and Delbna - the valley of the River Brosna, between Durrow Abbey and the River Shannon, in modern County Offaly.
 * 744 - bishop Laidcnén son of Doinennach, abbot of Saighir was slain in 744.
 * 745 - Perhaps in 745, Anmchad defeated the Déisi Mumain, of what is now the east of County Waterford, killing their king Uargus mac Fiachrae.
 * 746 - The following year Anmchad defeated and killed the three sons of Cumascrach, but who Cumascrach and his sons were, and the reasons why Anmchad was at war with them are now lost.
 * 749 - The men of Osraighe cause devastation in Fotharta Fea.
 * 750 - The battle at Inis Snaic which Anmchad mac Con Cherca won, against whom is not stated, recorded in about 750, It may be that it concerned Leinster, the principal target of Anmchad's later wars was Leinster, and in particular the kingdoms and peoples of southern Leinster, modern County Carlow, chief among which were Uí Bairrche Tire and Uí Cheinnselaig.
 * 754 - the Osraige ravaged a territory to their east known as Fotharta Fea, in the eastern portion of modern Carlow.
 * 756 - The battle of Belach Gabhrain was fought between the men of Leinster and Osraighe, in which the son of Cucerca had the victory over the Ui Ceinsealiagh and other chieftains.
 * 756 - In 759, Anmchad fought at Belach Gabraín—the pass of Gowran—the main route between south Leinster and Osraige. He defeated the Leinstermen.
 * 756 - Again in 761, Anmchad fought at Belach Gabraín—the pass of Gowran—the main route between south Leinster and Osraige. Again he defeated the Leinstermen, and in the second battle Donngal mac Laidcnén, king of Uí Cheinnselaig, was killed. No mention of Anmchad is found in the Irish annals after the death of Donngal mac Laidcnén. Accordingly, is presumed that Anmchad died at some time between his last appearance in 761 and the coming to power of Tóim Snáma in 769 or earlier. Anmchad had at least one son who survived him, Fergal mac Anmchada, who was also king of Osraige and died in 802.
 * 761 - Death of Anmchad mac Con Cherca (died circa 761) Upon his death Osraige witnessed civil war over the throne and Tóim Snáma mac Flainn, a scion from a different lineage emerged as king. Tóim Snáma was opposed by the sons of Cellach mac Fáelchair (d. 735), and presumably Dúngal mac Cellaig (d. 772).
 * c764 - The Annals record, a battle between the Osraighe themselves; by Tuaimsnamha, in which the sons of Ceallach, son of Faelchar, were routed.
 * c765 - The slaying of Tuaimsnamha, son of Flann, lord of Osraighe.
 * c767 - The death of Dunghal, son of Ceallach, lord of Osraighe.
 * Tóim Snáma mac Flainn (died 770)died, King of Osraige
 * Dúngal mac Cellaig (died 772) died, King of Osraige
 * 769 - Tóim Snáma mac Flainn was successful in battle versus sons of Cellach mac Fáelchair (d. 735), and presumably Dúngal mac Cellaig (d. 772) and they were put to flight.
 * 769 - In 769 a war among the Osraige is recorded in which Tóim Snáma mac Flainn, apparently now ruling Osraige, defeated the sons of Anmchad's predecessor Cellach, among whom will have been his eventual successor Dúngal mac Cellaig.
 * 770 Tóim Snáma mac Flainn was slain, presumably by Dúngal his successor.
 * c781 - The Annals record, Faelan, son of Forbhasach, one of the Osraighe, was slain by the Osraighe themselves.
 * 786 - Fáelán mac Forbasaig King of Osraige died.
 * Máel Dúin mac Cummascaig, King of Osraige, died.
 * c795 - The Vikings complete their first recorded raids in Ireland.
 * c797 - Fearghal, son of Anmchaidh, lord of Osraige, died.

9th century

 * c. 800 - In Laigin, Uí Dúnlainge was the dominant dynasty. They were closely associated with the large monastery of Kildare. Their main rival for dominance in Leinster, the Uí Cheinnselaig had not been able to claim the title king of Leinster since 728. The Uí Cheinnselaig now controlled a territory in the south-eastern part of Leinster, and had close links to the monastery of Ferns. The kingdom of Osraige, occupying roughly the same area as the present County Kilkenny, was considered part of Munster.
 * 802 - Death of Fergal mac Anmchada, son of Anmchad mac Con Cherca, who was also king of Osraige and died in 802.
 * c. 800-820 Ossory Crosses of Kilkieran and Ahenny. Celtic Crosses
 * c800 - Fedelmid mac Crimthainn from the Eóganacht Chaisil acceded to the kingship of Munster in 820, beginning a 130-year domination by this branch of Eóganachta. Combining military campaigns with manipulation of ecclesiastical affairs, he embarked a policy of aggressive expansion to counter the growth in power of the Uí Néill.
 * 819 - Conchobar mac Donnchada succeeded Áed Oirdnide as Uí Néill over-king.
 * c823 - Annals of the Four Masters record a victory by the foreigners (Norse) over the Osraighi.
 * 833 - Conchobar was succeeded by Niall Caille in 833. With Niall, we for the first time see a reference in the annals of a Uí Néill leading an army against the Vikings, he defeated Viking raiders in Derry the same year. He sought to further expand Uí Néill influence in the south, in 835 he led an army to Leinster and installed Bran mac Fáeláin as king of Leinster.
 * c841 - Dunghal, son of Fearghal, lord of Osraighe, died.
 * 845 - The Annals record a slaughter made of the foreigners of Ath Cliath (Norse of Dublin), at Carn Brammit, by Cearbhall, son of Dunghal, lord of Osraighe, where twelve hundred of them were slain.
 * 846 - Tradition says that Niall Caille MacAeda, High King of Ireland, was buried at the site of Kilree High Cross.
 * c846 - A defeat was given by Echthighern and the Leinstermen to the Osraighe, at Uachtar Garadha.
 * c846 - A defeat by Dunadhach, son of Dunghaile, and the Osraighe, to the Deisi.
 * 847 - Cerball mac Dúnlainge King of Osraige, came to prominence after the death of Feidlimid mac Cremthanin, King of Munster, in 847. Osraige had been subject for a period to the Eóganachta kings of Munster, but Feidlimid was succeeded by a series of weak kings who had to contend with Viking incursions on the coasts of Munster. As a result, Cerball was in a strong position and is said to have been the second most powerful king in Ireland in his later years.
 * 856 - A victory was gained by Cearbhall, lord of Osraighe, and by Imhar (a Norse chieftain), in the territory of Aradh Tire, over the Cinel Fiachach, with the Gall Gaeidhil (the Dano-Irish) of Leath Chuinn. Four hundred above six thousand was the number which came with Cearbhall and Imhar.
 * c857 - A great army was led by Amhlaeibh and Imhar, and by Cearbhall, lord of Osraighe, into Meath.
 * c860 - Crosses of Ullard, Graiguenamanagh, Castledermot, Newtown and St. Mullins.
 * 861 - King Cerbhall of Ossory repels a Viking raid on Grangefertagh monastery.
 * c862 - The Annals record a prey by Cearbhall, lord of Osraighe, from Leinster, and another prey in a fortnight afterwards from the Osraighi, by the Leinstermen.
 * 863 King of Leinster, Muirecán mac Diarmata died. Domnall mac Muirecáin became King of Leinster, he was of the Uí Fáeláin sept of the Uí Dúnlainge branch of the Laigin. Francis John Byrne suggests that the Uí Dúnlainge kings exercised little real authority due to the aggressions of their western neighbour Cerball mac Dúnlainge, King of Osraige. Cerball, while unable to install himself as king of Leinster, was able to prevent any rival king exercising real power there.
 * c864 - Sruthar Slebhte and Achadh Arglais were plundered by the Osraighi.
 * c864 - A slaughter was made of the foreigners by the people of the north of Osraighe.
 * c868 - The plundering of the Deisi by Cearbhall, son of Dunghal, and the Osriaghi.
 * King of Leinster, Ailill mac Dúnlainge of the Uí Muiredaig sept died.
 * c871 - The plundering of Connaught by Cearbhall and the Osraighi, along with Donnchadh, the King of Caiseal (Cashel).
 * c876 - A slaughter was made of the South Leinstermen at Fulachta, by the Osraighi.
 * c876 - A victory was gained by Cearbhall, and by the Deisi, over the men of Munster.
 * 863 - Domnall mac Muirecáin died, was a King of Leinster of the Uí Fáeláin sept of the Uí Dúnlainge branch of the Laigin.
 * c885 - Cearbhall, son of Dunghal, lord of Osraighe, died.
 * c887 - A slaughter was made of the Osraighi by the Deisi, and the killing of Braenan, son of Cearbhall, and also of Suibhne, son of Dunghus, lord of Ui Fearghusa.
 * 888 - Cerball mac Dúnlainge the King of Osraige dies. Cerball had repeatedly attacked Leinster over the previous decades in an attempt to subject Cerball mac Muirecáin, king of Leinster.
 * 890 - The Annals record the slaying of the lord of Feara Cul and the lord of Caille Follamhain in Ossory.
 * c890 - Tullaherin Round Tower is built near modern Bennettsbridge.
 * c891 - A slaughter was made of the Eoghanachta at Grian Airbh, by the son of Cearbhall, and the Leinstermen.
 * c893 - An army was led by the Deisi, the foreigners, and Ceallach, son of Cearbhall, over Osraighe, as far as Gabhran.

10th century

 * 894 - Diarmait mac Cerbaill Kings of Osraige 894-905
 * c900 - Waterford, next to the Kilkenny border, is established by the Vikings.
 * c900 - In Osraighe, Diarmaid, son of Cearbhall, was driven from the kingdom of Osraighe; and Ceallach, son of Cearbhall, was made king in his place.
 * c900 - A battle was gained by Ceallach, son of Cearbhall, and by the Osraighi, over the Eili and the Muscraighi, in which fell one hundred and ten persons.
 * c903 - Ceallah, son of Cearbhall, lord of Osraighe, fell in the great battle of Bealach-Mughna.
 * 905 Cellach mac Cerbaill              Kings of Osraige             905-908
 * 908 Diarmait mac Cerbaill            Kings of Osraige              908-928
 * c914 - Diarmaid, son of Cearbhall, is cited in the Annals as lord of Osraighe, dying about 927.
 * c920 - Ath na nUrlaidhe, "the ford of the sledgings", was the site of a battle between the Irish and the Danes. The town of Urlingford is said to take its name from this battle.
 * 928 - Dunmore Cave is plundered by Godfrey and the Vikings of Dublin. It was said 1,000 people were slain.
 * 928 - Cuilen mac Cellaig Kings of Osraige 928-933
 * c929 - The Annals cite that Godfrey went into Osraighe to expel the grandson of Imhar Magh-Roighne.
 * c931 - Cuilen, son of Ceallach, lord of Osraighe, died.
 * 934 Donnchad mac Cellaig              Kings of Osraige             934-976
 * c938 - A great slaughter was made of the Osraighi by Ceallachan, King of Caiseal.
 * c939 - Muircheartach, son of Niall, with the men of the North and of Breagha, went into the territory of Osraighe and Deisi and totally plundered and ravaged the entire country.
 * c945 - A battle was gained by Donnchadh, son of Ceallach, lord of Osraighe, over the Leinstermen, in which Braen, son of Maelmordha, King of Leinster, was slain along with the lord of the Ui Ceinnsealaigh.
 * c960 - Clonmacnoise was plundered by the Osraighi.
 * c962 - A victory was gained over Amlaeibh, son of Sitric, by the Osraighi, at Inis Teoc.
 * c965 - Murchadh, King of Leinster plundered Magh Raighne in Osraighe, but was driven out by the men of Munster, Osraighe and Deisi.
 * c967 - Murchadh, King of Leinster, raided Osraighe and was again driven out.
 * c967 - Aedh Allan, son of Fearghal, lord of Osraighe, died.
 * 970 - A hoard of 43 silver and bronze items was left in a rocky cleft deep in Dunmore Caves near Kilkenny. It consisted of silver, ingots and conical buttons woven from fine silver and was discovered in 1999.


 * c971 - Dunchadh, the foster-son of Diarmaid, distinguished bishop and chief poet of Osraighe, died.
 * c972 - Another battle was gained by the Osraighi over the Ui Ceinnsealaigh.
 * c974 - Donnchadh, son of Ceallach, lord of Osraighe, died.
 * 976- Gilla Pátraic mac Donnchada, namesake and progenitor of the clan Mac Giolla Phádraig; becomes king of Osraige from 976 to 996.
 * c981 - Brian Boru plunders Osraighe.
 * 984 - Brian Boru gains control of all southern Ireland (Munster).
 * c995 - Gillaphadraig, son of Donnchadh, lord of Osraighe, was killed by Donndubhan, son of Imhar, and by Domhnall, son of Faelan, lord of the Deisi.
 * 995 - The Kings of Ossory and their clannspeople become known as Mac Giolla Phadraig.
 * 996 - Cellach mac Diarmata Kings of Osraige 996-1103

11th century

 * c1002 - Ceallach, son of Diarmaid, lord of Osraighe, was slain by Donnchadh, son of Gillaphadraig, the son of his father's brother.
 * c1003 Donnchad mac Gilla Pátraic, son of Gilla Pátraic mac Donnchada; king of Osraige from 1003 to 1039.(Also king of Leinster from 1033 to 1039.) First king to bear the surname Mac Giolla Phádraig.
 * c1014 - An army led by Maelseachlainn, Ua Neill, Ua Maeldoraidh and O'Ruairc plundered Osraighe.
 * c1014 - Brian Boru defeats the Vikings at Clontarf. He reigns as High King of Ireland from 1002-1014.
 * c1015 - Maelseachlainn plunders Osraighe and slays Dunghal, son of Gillaphadraig.
 * c1021 - The Annals of the four Masters record, "A shower of wheat was rained in Osraighe".
 * c1022 - Sitric, son of Imhar, lord of Port Lairge, was slain by the lord of Osraighe.
 * c1026 - A plundering army was led by the Osraighi into Ui Muireadhaigh (in Leinster), and they obtained great spoils.
 * c1026 - An army was led by the lord of Osraighe (Donnchadh Mac Gillaphadraig) into Ui Ceinnsealaigh, and plundered it.
 * c1027 - An army was led by Donnchadh, son of Brian Boru, into Osraighe where his people were defeated.
 * c1031 - Osraighe was plundered by Donnchadh, son of Brian, and the Osraighi slew many on that occasion.
 * c1033 - The Mac Gillápadraig (Donnchadh) assumes the kingship of Leinster, king from 1033 to 1039.
 * c1034 - Donnchadh, son of Brian, plundered Osraighe.
 * c1036 - Muircheartach, son of Gillaphadraig, lord of half Osraighe, was treacherously slain by O'Caellaighe, one of his own people.
 * c1039 - An army was led by Donnchadh Mac Gillaphadraig and the Osraighi into Meath.
 * c1039 - Donnchadh Mac Gillaphadraig, lord of Osraighe and of the greater part of Leinster, died after long illness.
 * c1042 - Murchadh, son of Dunlaing, King of Leinster, and Donnchadh, son of Aedh, lord of Ui Bairrche, fell by Gillaphadraig, son of Donnchadh, lord of Osraighe, and others, in the battle of Magh Mailceth.
 * c1050 - Cleirchen Ua Muineoc, noble bishop of Leithghlinn, and head of the piety of Osraighe, died.
 * c1052 - The seat of the diocese of Ossory is moved from Aghaboe (Aghavoe) to Sier-Kieran.  Some historians place this date as 1118.
 * c1055 - Gillaphadraig, son of Donnchadh, lord of Osraighe, died.
 * 1066 - William the Conqueror), King of Normandy, invades England. 100 years later, Cambro-Normans will invade Ireland and have a dramatic impact on Ossory.
 * c1085 - One of the original churches at the site of St. Canice's Cathedral burned.
 * c1087 - Domhnall Mac Gillaphadraig, lord of Osraighe, died after a long illness.

12th century

 * c1111 - The Synod of Ráth Breasail took place marking the transition of the Irish church from a monastic to a diocesan and parish-based church. Many Irish present day dioceses trace their boundaries to decisions made at the synod including Kilkenny (subsequently renamed Ossory), the limits of the diocese of Ossory are permanently fixed. . About the same time the see was transferred from Seir-Kieran to Aghaboe.
 * c1123 - Donnchadh Mac Gillaphadraig Ruaidh, lord of Osraighe, fell by his own tribe.
 * c1126 - Toirdhealbhach Ua Conchobair (Turlogh O'Conor) made a great slaughter of the Osraighi, together with the Ua Carog, and carried off the hostages of the Osraighi on that occasion.
 * c1134 - An army was led by the son of Mac Murchadha and the Leinstermen into Osraige, and the Osraighi resisted and slaughtered them. Later the son of Mac Murchadha made a slaughter of the Osraighi and of the foreigners of Port-Lairge.
 * c1146 - Gillaphadraig, the grandson of Donnchadh, lord of Osraighe, was killed by the O'Braenains, by treachery, in the middle of Cill Cainnigh.
 * c1150 - Ossory inhabited by the Gaelic septs of the Mac Giolla Phadraig (Fitzpatrick), O Braonain (Brennan), O Caollaidhe (Kealy), O Faoileain (Phelan), Mac Braoin (Breen), O Maoldomhnaigh (Muldowney), and O Cearbhaill (Carroll), among others.
 * c1151 - The gransdon of Donnchadh, grandson of Gillaphadraig, lord of half Osraighe, was taken prisoner by Diarmaid, son of Mac Murchadha, (Dermot McMurrough), King of Leinster, through treachery and guile.
 * c1152 - Donal O'Fogarty is consecrated as vicar-general and bishop of Ossory.
 * 1154. Pope Adrian IV gave Norman King Henry II of England permission to claim Ireland
 * c1154 - A battle was gained by the Osraighi over the Ui Ceinnsealaigh, in which many were slain.
 * c1155/60 - The coming of the Cisternians to Jerpoint and Kilkenny.
 * c1158 - Jerpoint Abbey is founded by Donal MacGiollaPhadruig, King of Ossory.
 * c1158 - An army was led by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair as far as Leithghlinn, and he took the hostages of Osraighe and Laeighis.
 * c1162 - Donnchadh, son of Mac Gillaphadraig, lord of Osraighe, died.
 * c1165 - Domhnall Mac Gillaphadraig, lord of Osraighe, was slain by the people of Laeighis Ui Mordha.
 * c1165 - Domnall macCerbaill MacGilla Pátraic, King of Osraige through the coming of the Anglo-Normans, 1165 to 1176.
 * c1169 - On his quest to retake Leinster, Dermot MacMurrough enlists the aid of the Norse of Wexford and a Cambro-Norman led contingent from Wales. The combined army route the Osraighi near modern Freshford.
 * c1171 - Richard de Clare, 2nd Earl of Pembroke (Strongbow), a Norman earl, becomes lord of Leinster.
 * c1172 - Strongbow builds a motte and bailey at the present site of Kilkenny Castle to control the crossing point on the river Nore. The building of Norman fortresses, castles and towns began.
 * c1173 - Destruction of Strongbow's fortress and settlement by O'Brien and Mac Gillapatrick. The Gaelic clans resist the subinfeudation of the Normans.
 * c1174 - Ossory consists of twelve cantreds (pre-baronies): Aghaboe, Callan, Erley, Galmoy, Iverk, Kells, Kilkenny, Knocktopher, Odogh, Ogenty, Oskelan, and Shillelogher.
 * c1175 - The Annals record the treacherous slaying of Donnell, son of Donough, Lord of Ossory, by Donnell O'Brien.
 * c1175 - Strongbow initiates grants of territory to Miles Fitz David (the cantred of Iverk), Adam de Hereford (half the cantred of Aghaboe), and Griffin fitz William (cantred of Knocktopher).
 * c1176 - The Annals record Donnell Mac Gillapatrick (now Fitzpatrick), Lord of Ossory, died.
 * c1178 - Donnell O'Fogarty, bishop of Ossory, died.
 * c1178 - The "See of Ossory" is moved from Aghaboe to the city of Kilkenny by the newly consecrated bishop of Ossory, Felix O'Dullany (1178-1202). He lays the foundation of the cathedral church of St. Canice. For some historians this happened after O'Dullany died in 1202.
 * c1185 - The Annals record the death of Donnell Mac Gillapatrick, Lord of Ossory.
 * c1190 - King John grants Theobald fitzWalter the title, Butler of Ireland, and the fief of Oskelan (Gowran). Land grants awarded to the Cambro-Normans continue.
 * c1192 - William Marshall, a Norman earl, becomes lord of Leinster.
 * c1192 - Donnell O'Brien defeated by the Cambro-Normans of Ossory.
 * c1193 - The Augustinian Kells Priory is founded by Geoffrey FitzRobert de Marisco.
 * c1194 - Melaghlin, the son of Donnell, who was the grandson of Gillapatrick, Lord of Ossory, died.
 * c1195 - William Marshall rebuilds a fortress at Kilkenny city, later to be rebuilt (close-by) in the thirteenth century as Kilkenny Castle.
 * c1196 - Grants are made to Marshall's household knights: Thomas fitz Anthony (cantred of Ogenty); Geoffrey fitz Robert (cantred of Kells); John de Erlee in succession to Baldwin de Hamptonsford (cantred of Erley; and William Maillard, his standard-bearer (Mallardstown in Erley. Marshall retains the cantreds of Kilkenny and Callan.
 * c1198 - The remaining cantreds of Odogh, Galmoy and Shillelogher were sub-divided among a number of lesser knights: Grace (Tullaroan); St. Leger (Tullaghanbrogue and Attanagh); de Valle (Ballubur with Castleinch); fitz Gerald (Burnchurch); Avenal (Kilferagh); bishop of Ossory (Freshford and Durrow); Bigod (Aghmacart); Drohull (Tubbridbritain); Fanyn (Clomantagh); Syward, later fitz Gerald (Glashare with Fertagh); Archdeacon (Galmoy maybe Erke)); Smith (Coolcashin); de Rochford (Sheffin and maybe Odagh); fitz Warin, later Freyne (Rathbeagh); Devereaux (Aharney).

13th century

 * c.1202 - Hugo de Rous, O.S.A., became Bishop of Ossory circa 1202 until he died before december 1218. He is also recorded as Hugo Rufus.
 * 1202 - Hugh De Rous, Bishop of Ossory began work on St. Canice's Cathedral.
 * 1204 - Duiske Abbey, a Cisternian church near Graiguenamanagh, is built at the site of the 9th century Celtic crosses of Akylthawn and Ballyogan.
 * 1204 - The first stone castle was begun in 1204 by William Marshall, now Kilkenny Castle.
 * c1205 - Thomastown is founded by Thomas FitzAnthony.
 * 1207 - A charter of 1207 from William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke confirmed privileges on the town of Kilkenny and the town was extended northwards as far as the River Breagagh by an exchange of lands with the bishop of Ossory.
 * 1209 - Hugh Rufus (le Rous, of Bodmin) is cited as Bishop of Ossory.
 * c1210 - Around 1210 Kilkenny became a liberty as part of Leinster Province.
 * 1211 - The Augustinian Priory of St. John the Evangelist is founded.
 * 1217 - William Marshal the Elder granted a Charter to the town of Callan.
 * 1219 - In 1219 William Marshall, seneschal of Ireland died.
 * c1221 - Peter Malveisin becomes Bishop of Ossory, and serves until 1230/31.
 * 1225 - The Black Abbey was founded in Kilkenny city by William Marshall the younger.
 * c1232 - Walter de Brackley serves as Bishop of Ossory until 1243.
 * c1232 - St. Francis' Friary is founded by Richard the Marshal.
 * 1234 - Richard Marshal, brother of William the 2nd Earl Marshal, dies at Kilkenny of wounds received on the Curragh in Kildare.
 * 1244 - Geoffrey de Turville cited as Bishop of Ossory, and serves until 1250.
 * 1245 - The last of the male line of the Marshals, Earl Anselm, dies, and Leinster is partitioned into five liberties. Among the  divisions the lordship of Kilkenny descends to Isabel Marshal and her husband Gilbert de Clare, earl of Gloucester, and to their son Earl Richard de Clare.
 * 1247 - Donough, the son of Anmchadh O'Gillapatrick, and Turlough O'Conor of Connaught kindled a great war against the English of Connaught.  Donough slew Mac Elget, Seneschal of Connaught.
 * 1249 - Donough O'Gillapatrick, i.e. the son of Anmchadh, son of Donough, was killed by the English in retaliation.
 * 1251 - The Episcopal Palace at Uppercourt is built by Hugh de Mapleton, Bishop of Ossory (1251-1260). He continued the work on St. Canice's Cathedral at great expense.
 * 1260 - Geoffry de St. Leger serves as Bishop of Ossory until 1286/87.
 * c1270 - St. Canice Cathedral is completed by Bishop Geoffrey St. Leger. Note: This completion date is also said to be in the year 1280 and 1285.
 * 1287 - Geoffrey St. Leger, Bishop of Ossory, dies. Roger of Wexford assumes his place until his death in 1289.
 * 1289 - Michael of Exeter serves as Bishop of Ossory until his death in 1302.
 * 1293 - First parliament in Kilkenny during medieval times. 12 parliaments sat in Kilkenny over the next 70 years.
 * 1294 - A great council of barons of the English Pale is held in Kilkenny city.
 * 1297 - The castle of Moifillith (Muckalee?), near Castlecomer, is burnt down by the Gaelic O'Brennan clan.
 * 1297 - The Butlers acquire the lordship of Rathdowney from John Pippard.

14th century

 * 1302- William FitzJohn is Bishop of Ossory, and serves until 1317. Elected 10 September 1302; consecrated after 6 January 1303; translated to Cashel 26 March 1317
 * The first attempt to record Ireland's wealth at the parish level was made in the records of Papal Taxation of 1303 (Ireland's equivalent of the Domesday Book), which was required to operate the new tithing system.
 * 1307 - Offerlane, in northern Aghaboe, is a beleagured Norman outpost surrounded by the indigenous population (MacGillapatricks). The Anglo-Norman settlement in much of northern Kilkenny is assumed in the form of a military aristocracy governing a largely unassimilated Gaelic population (including the O'Brennans).
 * 1308/14 - The suppression of the Templars, a Christian sect.
 * 1309 - A parliament was assembled at Kilkenny city in which severe laws were enacted against English settlers who adopt the Irish customs.
 * 1314 - Gilbert de Clare, grandson of Richard fitz Gilbert of 1245, absentee lord of Kilkenny, falls at the battle of Bannockburn (Scotland).
 * 1314 - The Butlers gain the manor and cantred of Knocktopher fom Nigel le Brun.
 * 1315 - Parliament called to resist the invasion of Edward Bruce.
 * 1316 - The army of the Bruces visit Gowran, Callan and Kells. Edward Bruce, brother of Robert Bruce of Scotland, crowned King of Ireland.
 * 1317 - The Lordship of Kilkenny is divided among Gilbert de Clare three sisters, Eleanor le Despenser, Margaret de Audley, and Elizabeth Dammory. The lordship of Kilkenny is partitioned among 3 of Gilbert de Clare's absentee sisters.
 * 1317 - Richard Ledred, O.F.M. Appointed Bishop of Ossory 24 April 1317; consecrated circa May 1317; died circa 1361
 * 1317 - Edward Bruce of Scotland captures Gowran, a town which was for a time was an early seat of the Kings of Ossory.
 * 1317 - Roger Mortimer, justiciary of Ireland, and the English nobles hold a council in Kilkenny city to deliberate on the most effectual means of opposing the ravages of Edward Bruce. An army of 30,000 is assembled.
 * 1318 - The accession of Richard Ledrede, an English Franciscan, to bishop of Ossory (1317-1360).
 * 1319 - The Butlers acquire the lordship of Iverk, in lower Co. Kilkenny.
 * 1324 - Donough Mac Gillapatrick, Lord of Ossory, died.
 * 1324 - Alice Kyteler's trial in Kilkenny by secular and ecclesiastical authorities for diabolism, invocation and sorcery. She escapes.
 * 1327 - Simon Purcell, the sheriff of the liberty of Kilkenny, is killed with twenty others fighting the O'Brennans.
 * 1328 - James Butler, 1st Earl of Ormonde from 1328 to 1337.
 * 1329 - The O'Brennans burn Drumhythyr (Kilmadum in northern Oskelan).
 * 1330 - A parliament is held in Kilkenny city, when an army assembled here to drive Brien O'Brien from Urkuffs, near Cashel.
 * 1332 - The fall of the original belfry and tower at St. Canice's Cathedral.
 * 1334 - The paving of the streets of Kilkenny.
 * 1335 - The Market Cross is erected at Kilkenny city.
 * 1338 - Imprisonment in Kilkenny castle of Sir Oliver and Sir Fulco de la Freyne, by Eustace le poer, seneschal of Kilkenny. Oliver escapes, alerts his friends, and attacks and breaks down the castle gates.
 * 1338 - James Butler, the "Noble Earl", 2nd Earl of Ormonde, 1338 to 1382.
 * 1338 - A year of a very great flood according to the annals of John Clyn.
 * 1340 - Henry de Valle, seneschal of Kilkenny, repels a Mac Murrough invasion.
 * 1343 - Building of the bell tower of St. Mary's.
 * 1348 - The Black Death takes its toll on the households of the county.
 * 1349 - Patrick de la Freyne engaged in fighting the McGillapatricks who storm the castle of Aghaboe.
 * c1350 - The Anglo-Normans abandon serious effort to recover the north following a Gaelic resurgence.
 * c1350 - Ballylarkin Abbey, in Freshford, is founded by the Shortall family.
 * 1352 - John fitz Oliver de la Freyne is commissioned as new sheriff of a united county. Prior to this. parts of Kilkenny were politically sub-divided into the "county of the cross" which included the crosslands (church lands) as administered by the government in Dublin.
 * 1356 - A foundation was made at Jerpoint Abbey by the Earl of Ormond, James Butler (the Noble Earl), for the Carmelite Order of Friars.
 * 1361 Richard Ledred, O.F.M. Bishop of Ossory died.
 * 1361 - John de Tatenhall serves as Bishop of Ossory until his death in 1366.
 * 1361 John de Tatenhale, O.P. Appointed 8 November 1361; consecrated before 14 December 1361; died after March
 * 1364 William Became bishop before February 1366
 * 1367 - The Statutes of Kilkenny are enacted. The statutes unsuccessfully try to legislate the English who "live and govern themselves according to the manners, fashion, and language of the Irish enemies."
 * 1370 - John de Oxford serves as Bishop of Ossory, but dies before the end of the year.
 * 1370 John of Oxford, O.E.S.A. died circa 1370
 * 1370 Alexander Petit (de Balscot) Elected circa 1370 and appointed 9 February 1371; translated to Meath circa 10 March 1386
 * 1371 - Alexander de Balscot serves as Bishop of Ossory until 1386.
 * 1371/72 - Parliament in Kilkenny.
 * 1374 - A parliament at Kilkenny city swears Sir William I Windsor into the office of Lord-Lieutenant.
 * 1375 - Parliament held by King Richard II in person.
 * 1376 - Alexander Balscot, bishop of Ossory.
 * 1382 - The "Noble Earl" dies at Knocktopher Castle, His son, James Butler becomes the 3rd Earl of Ormonde, 1382 to 1405.
 * 1383 - The Annals record Mac Gillapatrick, Lord of Ossory, died of the plague.
 * 1386 - Numbers of the English of Ossory fell by Mac Murrough, King of Leinster.
 * 1386 - Richard Northalis, O.Carm. Elected Bishop of Ossory 1386, appointed before 17 February 1387 and consecrated 4 December 1387; translated to Dublin 25 October 1395
 * 1387 - Richard De Northalis ascends to the Bishop of Ossory (1387-1395).
 * 1391 - Kilkenny Castle, and the 1317 'le Despenser' share of Kilkenny, is granted to James, Earl of Ormonde.
 * 1395 Thomas Peverell, O.Carm. Bishop of Ossory Appointed 25 October 1395; translated to Llandaff 2 July 1398
 * 1395 - Thomas Peverell serves as Bishop of Ossory (1395-98).
 * 1398 John Waltham, O.S.A. Appointed Bishop of Ossory 1 February 1398; translated to Dromore 14 May 1400
 * 13991399 - King Richard II is entertained for 14 days by the Earl of Ormonde.
 * 13991399 - King Richard II confirms charter granted to Kilkenny by William the Earl Marshall.
 * 1399 - John Griffin Bishop of Ossory Translated from Leighlin 2 July 1399; died circa March 1400
 * 1399 - John ?? becomes Bishop of Ossory, and is replaced within months by John Griffin (1399-1400).

15th century

 * 1400-  Robert Talbot encompasses the greater part of Kilkenny city with walls. Kilkenny Walls.
 * 1400- John appointed Bishop of Ossory before 14 May 1400; died after 8 June 1400
 * 1400 - Roger Appleby, O.S.A. Appointed Bishop of Ossory 26 September 1400; resigned October 1402. 1400 - Roger de Appleby serves as Bishop of Ossory (1400-1403).
 * 1402 - John Waltham, O.S.A. Bishop of Ossory again. Translated from Dromore 9 or 11 October 1402; died 5 November 1405
 * 1403 - John Vulcan serves as Bishop of Ossory (1403-1405).
 * 1401 - The Earl of Gowran James Butler, was appointed Lord Justice of Ireland.
 * James Butler was the patron of the Irish literary work, 'The Book of the White Earl'.
 * 1404 - On the departure of Sir Stephen Scrope 3rd Baron Scrope of Masham to England, the Earl of Gowran  James Butler was appointed keeper of the peace and governor of counties Kilkenny and Tipperary.
 * 1405 - The Earl of Gowran James Butler 3rd Earl of Ormond dies and his son the White Earl James Butler, the White Earl, becomes 4th Earl of Ormond, 1405 to 1452.
 * 1405- Bishop of Ossory See vacant 1405 - 1407
 * 1407- Thomas Snell serves as Bishop of Ossory (1407-17).Translated from Waterford and Lismore 11 March 1407; died 16 October 1417
 * 1417- Patrick Ragged, or Patrick Foxe Bishop of Ossory Translated from Cork 15 December 1417; died 20 April 1421 Patrick Ragged, or Fox, serves as Bishop of Ossory from 1417 to 1421.
 * Sir Richard Butler of Polestown (b.1395-c.1443), son of the 3rd Earl.
 * c.1420 - Sir Edmund MacRichard Butler (c.1420-1464), the son of Sir Richard Butler of Polestown (b.1395-c.1443) was born.
 * 1421 - Dionysius Ó Deadhaidh appointed Bishop of Ossory 4 July 1421; died before 12 December 1426. Denis O'Dea serves as Bishop of Ossory (1421-26).
 * 1427 - Thomas Barry Appointed Bishop of Ossory 19 February 1427; died 3 March 1460 1427 -  Thomas Barry ascends to the bishopric of Ossory (1427-1460).
 * c1431 - Donnell Mac Gillapatrick, the son of the Lord of Ossory, died.
 * 1443 - The Annals record Fineen and Dermot, two sons of Mc Gillapatrick, Lord of Ossory, were treacherously slain at Kilkenny, at the instigation of Mac Richard Butler.
 * 1452 - The death of the White Earl of Ormonde. His son, James, becomes 5th.
 * 1460 - Bishop David Hacket ascends to the bishopric of Ossory
 * 1460 - Bishop David Hackett appointed Bishop of Ossory 4 July 1460; died 24 October 1478
 * 1461 - John Butler, son of James the 4th, becomes the 6th Earl of Ormonde.
 * 1462 - Callan Augustinian Friary is founded in Callan.
 * 1462 - Edmund MacRichard Butler of Polestown given control of the Kilkenny lordship (Lordship of Kilkenny). Eamonn Mac Risderd Butler of Pottlerath founded the Augustinian Friary at Callan. His son James erected the existing buildings between 1467 and 1470. Butler dynasty
 * c1462 - The Earl of Desmond takes Kilkenny and the other towns in the country of the Butlers.
 * c1467 - Piers Butler (c. 1467 – 26 August 1539), the son of Sir James. Later elevated to the peerage of Ireland as the 8th Earl of Ormond.
 * 1477 - Thomas Butler, son of James the 4th, becomes the 7th Earl of Ormonde.
 * 1478 - The Annals record, Richard, the son of Edmond Mac Richard Butler, was slain by Fineen Roe, the son of Fineen, one of the Ossorians, in the doorway of the church of St. Canice.
 * 1479 - John O'Heyden is promoted to the Bishopric of Ossory and serves until his death in 1486/87.
 * 1479-1487 Seaán Ó hÉidigheáin Appointed Bishop of Ossory 15 January and consecrated 21 February 1479; died 6 January 1487


 * 1485 - Brian Mac Giolla Phádraig, 1st Baron Upper Ossory (1485–1575) born.
 * 1487- Oliver Cantwell, O.P. Appointed Bishop of Ossory (1487-1527) 26 March 1487; died 9 January 1527. He later rebuilds the bridge of Kilkenny which was destroyed by a flood.
 * 1489 - The Annals record, Geoffrey Mac Gillapatrick, Lord of Ossory, died.
 * 1499 - The burgesses of Kilkenny city marched out in aid of the Butlers against Tirlagh O'Brien, but were defeated.

16th century

 * 1504 - Lord Leonard Grey's, 1st Viscount Grane campaign against the O'Connors, O'Carrolls, McGeoghegans, O'Malleys, O'Tooles, and O'Briens.
 * 1508 - A fine tombstone memorial is built at St. Canice's Cathedral for James Shortal by O'Tunney (visible today).
 * 1515 - Piers Butler, 8th Earl of Ormond (1515 to 1539) and 1st Earl of Ossory was born.
 * 1527 - Milon Baron (Milo Barron, otherwise Fitzgerald) is consecrated bishop of Ossory. He dies in 1551.
 * 1532 - Thomas, the son of Pierce Roe, Earl of Ormond, was slain by Dermot Mac Gillapatrick, who was heir to the lordship of Ossory. Dermot was delivered to the Earl byhis own brother, the Mac Gillapatrick.


 * 1535 - Barnaby Fitzpatrick, 2nd Baron Upper Ossory (c. 1535–1581) born.
 * 1536 - The last parliament held in Kilkenny city is adjourned to Cashel.
 * 1536 - The suppression of the Abbeys and Monasteries by Henry VIII begin.
 * 1537 - Henry VIII was declared head of the Church of Ireland, but most Irish Christians maintained loyalty to Rome.
 * 1538 - Kilkenny College is founded by Piers Butler, 8th Earl of Ormond.
 * 1539 - James Butler, son of Piers the 8th, becomes 9th Earl of Ormonde. Piers Butler, 8th Earl of Ormond dies and James Butler becomes the 9th Earl of Ormonde and 2rd Earl of Ossory.
 * 1541 - Henry VIII proclaimed himself king (rather than feudal lord) of Ireland, the first English monarch to do so.
 * Kingdom of Ireland* 1546 - Thomas Butler, son of James the 9th, becomes 10th Earl of Ormonde and 3rd Earl of Ossory. James Butler, 9th Earl of Ormond dies and Thomas Butler becomes the 10th Earl of Ormonde and 3rd Earl of Ossory.
 * 1552 - John Bale, Anglican Bishop of Ossory (1552-1553).
 * 1553 - The Annals record that James, son of Pierce Butler, returned from exile and succeeded his father as Earl of Ormond.
 * 1554 - John O'Tonory serves as Bishop of Ossory to 1565, appointed by Queen Mary.
 * 1558 - Reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1603). System of counties adopted.
 * 1566 - Christopher Gaffney is appointed by Queen Elizabeth to be the Protestant Bishop of Ossory. The Catholic Diocese is vacant for 17 years.
 * 1565 - Catholic Bishops of Ossory govern as exiles from 1565 to 1620, apart from Thomas Strong during a short residency in 1583-1584.
 * 1577 - Nicholas Walsh ascends as Anglican Bishop of Ossory (1577-1586). He is the first who introduced prayer-books and catechisms printed in the Irish language.
 * 1580 - The Annals record, John, the son of the Earl of Desmond, plundered the Butlers and Ossory.
 * 1580 - Birth of Sean MacBhaiteir Breathnach (Walsh), cited as one of the most important and powerful gaelic poets of that age.


 * 1580 - Brian Mac Giolla Phádraig, Irish poet (c. 1580 – c. 1652); not to be confused with the 1st through 8th Barons Upper Ossory.
 * 1582 - The Shee Almshouse was built and endowed by Sir Richard Shee.
 * 1582 - Thomas Strong is consecrated Catholic Bishop of Ossory in Rome, and serves most of his term as absentee until his death in 1601-02.
 * 1594 - John Rothe builds the Elizabethan merchants house known as 'Rothe House'.

17th century

 * From the 16th century onwards the English Government made strenuous efforts to impose Protestantism.
 * 1601 - The army of Elizabeth I of England defeated the Irish at the battle of Kinsale and for the first time the entire country was run by a strong English central Government.
 * 1602 - The See of Ossory is without a Catholic Bishop of Ossory until 1618.
 * 1603 - James I (James IV of Scotland) becomes the 1st Stuart king of England, and encourages new colonists to settle in Ireland.
 * 1608 - James I made the towns of Kilkenny and Irishtown (now Kilkenny city) a free borough, and made Kilkenny a distinct county.
 * 1609 - The borough of Kilkenny is raised to the status of a city, by charter of King James I.
 * 1609 - Dr. Richard Deane becomes Anglican Bishop of Ossory.


 * 1613 - Death of Florence Fitzpatrick, 3rd Baron Upper Ossory (died 1613)
 * 1613 - Jonas Wheeler] ascends to the bishopric of Ossory (1613-1618).
 * 1614 - Walter Butler, grandson of James the 9th, becomes 11th earl of Ormonde.
 * 1618 - Dr. David Rothe is appointed Catholic bishop of Ossory (1618-1650), consecrated in Paris in 1620. The See of Ossory had been without a Catholic Bishop of Ossory since 1602.
 * 1621 - David Rothe assumes residency in Kilkenny as Catholic bishop of Ossory, the first since 1564.
 * 1625 - Charles I becomes the 2nd Stuart king of England.


 * 1627 - Death of Thady or Teige Fitzpatrick, 4th Baron Upper Ossory (died 1627)
 * 1632 - Birth of James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde, 1632 to 1688.


 * 1638 - Death of Barnaby Fitzpatrick, 5th Baron Upper Ossory (died c. 1638)
 * 1641 - Griffith Williams is consecrated as Anglican Bishop of Ossory (1641-1672).
 * 1642 - The Catholic Confederation of Kilkenny establishes a provisional government in Ireland with Kilkenny city as its capitol; rebellion begins. The Catholic Confederation Parliament in Kilkenny remained in session until 1648.
 * 1648 - The Catholic Confederation Parliament in Kilkenny remained in session until 1648.
 * 1649 - The King of England, Charles I, (1625-1649) is executed and Oliver Cromwell invades Ireland and ruthlessly crushes the rebellion.
 * 1649 - The seige of Callan by Crowmwell.  Callan taken in February, 1650.
 * 1650 - Oliver Cromwell's bloody campaign reaches Kilkenny, and Kilkenny city is sieged and taken on March 28th with large reinforcements under Ireton.  Bishop David Rothe dies on April 20th.  The Catholic see is vacant until 1669.
 * 1650 - Gowran is besieged and captured by Cromwell's troops.
 * 1651 - Cromwell conquers a plague-stricken Kilkenny city.
 * 1652 - The English Parliament passes the Act for Settling of Ireland.
 * 1653 - A decree of banishment against the Catholic clergy is proclaimed. Bernard Fitzpatrick, who administered the diocese after Bishop Rothe's death, is tracked down and killed.
 * 1653 - Catholic and Jacobite lands are confiscated, and given to Cromwell's soldiers and supporters.
 * 1654 - Deadline for former land owners to "transplant" to Connacht (including Clare).
 * 1660 - A Catholic king, Charles II, is restored "Stuart" king of England, following 10 years of Commonwealth headed by the Cromwells.
 * 1662 - Petitions are granted or refused for restoration for certain lands lost during the confiscations of 1653.


 * 1666 - Death of Barnaby Fitzpatrick, 6th Baron Upper Ossory (died c. 1666)
 * 1669 - James Phelan appointed Catholic Bishop of Ossory (1669-1695).
 * 1672 - Bishop Parry becomes the Anglican Bishop of Ossory (1672-1679) after the passing of the previous bishop, Griffith Williams.
 * 1679 - Thomas Otway becomes Anglican Bishop of Ossory. He founded the library of St. Canice cathedral in the churchyard.
 * 1685 - Bishop George Berkeley, philosopher, is born at Dysert Castle, near Thomastown.
 * 1685 - James II comes to the throne of England, Catholic resurgence continues.
 * 1687 - A charter of James II revokes the Charter of James I creating the City and County of Kilkenny.
 * 1688 - James II is deposed and the Williamite War (William of Orange) in Ireland and England begins.
 * 1689 - Deposed King James II flees to Ireland to fight for his throne and is defeated at the Battle of the Boyne by the supporters of the new Protestant King of England, William of Orange. The supporters of James II are known as Jacobites.
 * 1690 - The Williamites occupy Kilkenny on July 16th.
 * 1690 - Five regiments of Irishmen sail for France, and form the nucleus of France's Irish Brigade.
 * 1690 - A charter of William III restoring the Charter of James I.
 * 1691 - The Williamite War in Ireland ends with more confiscation of lands.
 * 1692 - Many members of the former Irish army (Jacobites) have begun to leave and serve in the armies of France, Spain, and other Euopean countries. They are termed "The Wild Geese."
 * 1695 - The death of James Phelan, Catholic Bishop of Ossory.  Catholics are excluded from freeman status in Kilkenny city.
 * 1696 - William Daton appointed Catholic Bishop of Ossory (1696-1712), he is forced to flee the country in 1698.


 * 1696 - Death of Barnaby Fitzpatrick, 7th Baron Upper Ossory (died 1696). On 11 May 1691, the seventh baron was attainted and the barony forfeited.
 * 1697 - The Irish parliament passes the Banishment Act, banishing all those holding ecclesiastical jurisdiction by May 1, 1698.

18th century

 * 1702 - Partial lists of male householders for Kilkenney enumerated separately by religious denomination and parish.
 * 1703 - The proportion of land held by Gaelic and Anglo-Norman Catholic proprietors fell from about 49% in 1641 to nearly 10% in 1703.
 * 1704 - Penal Code enacted. Catholics barred from voting, education and the military. Non-reigistered priests had to leave the country by July 20, 1704.
 * 1710 - John Smithwick started brewing commercially at St. Francis Abbey.
 * 1713 - Malachy Dulaney appointed Catholic Bishop of Ossory (1713-1731), succeeding William Daton.
 * 1719 - Birth of John FitzPatrick, 1st Earl of Upper Ossory (1719 – 1758)
 * 1727 - Death of Richard FitzPatrick, 1st Baron Gowran (died 9 June 1727) was a British naval captain.
 * 1730 - Death of Sir Thomas Vesey, Anglican Bishop of Ossory (1714-1730).
 * 1731 - Patrick Shee appointed Catholic Bishop of Ossory (1731-1736).
 * 1735 - The death of Edward Tenison, Anglican Bishop of Ossory.
 * 1736 - Colman O'Shaughnessy, Catholic Bishop of Ossory (1736-1748).
 * 1736 - Acts passed requiring all persons to tithe to the Anglican Church, regardless of their own religion.
 * 1743 - Anthony Dopping, Anglican Bishop of Ossory, dies.
 * 1745 - Birth of John FitzPatrick, Lord Gowran, later 2nd Earl of Upper Ossory (1745–1818)
 * 1748 - Birth of The Hon. Richard FitzPatrick (24 January 1748 – 25 April 1813)
 * 1749 - James Bernard (O)Dunne, Catholic Bishop of Ossory (1749-1758).
 * 1756 - Richard Pococke, Bishop of Ossory (1756-65).
 * 1759 - Thomas de Burgo (Burke), Catholic Bishop of Ossory (1759-1776).
 * 1761 - The Tholsel (town hall) in Kilkenny city is built.
 * 1762 - Edmund Ignatius Rice, Educator and founder of the Christian Brothers, is born in Callan, Co. Kilkenny.
 * 1762 - James Hoban, architect of the White House at Washington. D.C., was born near Callan.
 * 1763 - The Whiteboy movement spreads into southern county Kilkenny, in response to laws on tithing, enclosure of common lands, and grazing.
 * 1763 - Two bridges over the river Nore are destroyed by a great flood at Kilkenny city. Green's Bridge and John's Bridge
 * 1765 - Robert Fulton, designer of the first steamship, was born in Callan.
 * 1775 - Battle of Ballyragget, the largest assembly of Whiteboys ever in Kilkenny, 300 horsemen and 200 on foot.
 * 1777 - John Thomas Troy succeeds Bishop de Burgo as Catholic Bishop of Ossory (1777-1786).
 * 1782 - Grattan's Parliament persuades British to declare Irish independence, but in name only. St Kieran's College is founded.
 * 1787 - Kilkenny is the first county to petition against tithes. John Dunne succeeds as Catholic Bishop of Ossory (1787-1789).
 * 1789 - James Lanigan consecrated as Catholic Bishop of Ossory (1789-1812).
 * 1791 - James Hoban, a native of Kilkenny, designs the White House in Washington D.C., modelled upon Leinster House in Dublin.
 * 1793 - The Catholic Relief Bill is passed.
 * 1795 - Thomas Lewis O'Beirne appointed Anglican Bishop of Ossory (1795-1787).
 * 1798 - Theobald Wolf Tone organizes an unsucessful Nationalist rebellion.
 * Kilkenny city is placed under martial law. In this year occurs the Engagement at Goresbridge and the Capture of Castlecomer, both in County Kilkenny.
 * 1798 - The British use the town of Ballyragget as an army base.

19th century

 * 1800 - The Acts of Union 1800, the Union with Ireland Act 1800 (1800 c.67 39 and 40 Geo 3), an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain, and the Act of Union (Ireland) 1800 (1800 c.38 40 Geo 3), an Act of the Parliament of Ireland united the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland..
 * 1801 - On 1 January 1801 the Acts of Union 1800 by Great Britain and Ireland took effect creating County Kilkenny parliamentary constituency (former UK Parliament constituencies ), the County constituency returned two Members of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Members William Brabazon Ponsonby Whig, later Baron Ponsonby and James Butler, later Marquess of Ormonde.
 * 1802 - Sir Richard and Sir John Power  of Kilfane of Kilfane established the Kilkenny Private Theatre which continued until 1819.
 * 1805 - Hugh Hamilton Church of Ireland Bishop of Ossory; died 1 December 1805
 * 1806 - John Kearney Church of Ireland Bishop of Ossory Nominated 4 January and consecrated 2 February 1806; died 22 May 1813
 * 1809 - John O'Donovan (Seán Mór Ó Dubhagáin) was born at his father's farm in Atatemore. He was educated in Dublin and edited and translated The Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland by the Four Masters, as well as published the Topographical Poems of O'Dubhagain and O'Huidhrin.


 * 1811 - John FitzPatrick, 1st Baron Castletown PC (23 September 1811 – 22 January 1883), known as John Wilson until 1842, was an Irish Liberal politician.
 * 1812 - James Lanigan Roman Catholic Bishop of Ossory died 11 February 1812.
 * 1812 -Roman Catholic Bishop of Ossory vacant 1812- 1814
 * 1813 - John Kearney Church of Ireland Bishop of Ossory; died 22 May 1813
 * 1813 Robert Fowler Appointed bishop of Ossory in 1813, became bishop of Ossory, Ferns and Leighlin when the dioceses were united on 12 July 1835; died 31 December 1841
 * 1814 -1827 Kyran Marum Appointed Roman Catholic Bishop of Ossory 4 October 1814 and consecrated 5 March 1815; died 22 December 1827.
 * 1823 - The Tithe Composition Act is enacted.
 * 1826 - William Kinsella appointed Catholic Bishop of Ossory (1826-1845)
 * 1827 - Kyran Marum Roman Catholic Bishop of Ossory died 22 December 1827.
 * 1827 -Roman Catholic Bishop of Ossory vacant 1827- 1829
 * 1829 - The Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829 was passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom on 24 March 1829, and received Royal Assent on 13 April. It was the culmination of the process of Catholic Emancipation throughout the nation. In Ireland it repealed the Test Act 1673 and the remaining Penal Laws which had been in force since the passing of the Disenfranchising Act of the Irish Parliament of 1728. Its passage followed a vigorous campaign on the issue by Irish lawyer, Daniel O'Connell.
 * 1830/38 - The Tithe Wars, which start in Graigue, violently protest payment of tithes on cattle, crops and other property.
 * 1831 - On December 14th, a mob of two thousand clashed with forty policemen on tithe duty in Carrickshock, Co. Kilkenny: the Chief Constable and sixteen of his men were killed and seventy people were wounded. Daniel O'Connell later represented twenty-five men put on trial for murder.
 * 1835 Robert Fowler Appointed bishop of Ossory in 1813, became bishop of Ossory, Ferns and Leighlin when the dioceses were united on 12 July 1835; died 31 December 1841
 * 1835 - The diocese of Ossory becomes one of five which comprise the ecclesiastical province of Dublin. The diocese comprehends the greater part of county Kilkenny, the whole of the barony of Ossory in Queen's county, and the parish of Seir-Kyran in King's county.
 * 1835 - Patent of William IV creating four additional fairs in Kilkenny city.
 * 1836 - The foundation stone of St. Kieran's College, Kilkenny, was laid.
 * 1836 Redmond Reade first Roman Catholic Mayor of Kilkenny since 1690.
 * 1838 - The Tithe Commutation Bill was passed reducing tithes by 25%.
 * 1838 - The Poor Relief Act establishes Poor Law Unions.
 * 1839 - Election of the Board of Guardians of the Kilkenny Poor Law Union.
 * 1841 - The population in the County Kilkenny 1841 census is cited at 202,420.
 * 1813 Robert Fowler Appointed bishop of Ossory in 1813, became bishop of Ossory, Ferns and Leighlin when the dioceses were united on 12 July 1835; died 31 December 1841. Bishop of Ossory, Ferns and Leighlin.
 * 1828 -(Miles Murphy)Appointed 8 June 1828 and by papal brief 5 March 1829, however, the appointment was not accepted
 * 1829 -1845 William Kinsella appointed Roman Catholic Bishop of Ossory 15 May and consecrated 26 July 1829; died 12 December 1845
 * 1842 James Thomas O'Brien Nominated 24 February and consecrated 20 March 1842; died 12 December 1874. Bishop of Ossory, Ferns and Leighlin.
 * 1843 - The foundation stone of the Cathedral of St. Mary is laid.
 * 1845/49 - The Great Irish Famine lays waste to the Irish landscape, one out of every nine inhabitants die. Also see The Famine in County Kilkenny.
 * 1845 - William Kinsella Roman Catholic Bishop of Ossory died 12 December 1845.
 * 1846 - Dr. Edward Walsh appointed Catholic Bishop of Ossory 24 April and consecrated 26 July 1846; died 11 August 1872
 * 1846 - Patent of Queen Victoria, granting twelve additional fairs in Kilkenny city.


 * 1849 - Birth Bernard FitzPatrick, 2nd Baron Castletown KP CMG PC (I) (29 July 1849 – 29 May 1937) was an Irish soldier and Conservative Member of Parliament.
 * 1849 - First tenant protection society established at Callan, County Kilkenny.
 * 1851 - Population of Ireland reduced to 6.5 million, from 8 million in 1841. The population in the County Kilkenny 1851 census is cited at 158,746, a 22% decline in ten years.
 * 1854 -
 * 1872 - Edward Walsh Roman Catholic Bishop of Ossory died 11 August 1872.
 * 1872 - Dr. Patrick Francis Moran Appointed Roman Catholic Bishop of Ossory coadjutor bishop 28 December 1871 and consecrated 5 March 1872; succeeded 11 August 1872; translated to Sydney 14 March 1884
 * 1874 James Thomas O'Brien Bishop of Ossory, Ferns and Leighlin died 12 December 1874.
 * 1874 - Robert Samuel Gregg elected Bishop of Ossory, Ferns and Leighlin 4 March 1874; translated to Cork, Cloyne and Ross.
 * 1875 Robert Samuel Gregg consecrated Bishop of Ossory, Ferns and Leighlin 30 March 1875.
 * 1874 - Robert Samuel Gregg Bishop of Ossory, Ferns and Leighlin translated to Cork, Cloyne and Ross 4 July 1878.
 * 1878 - William Pakenham Walsh elected 30 August and consecrated 29 September 1878; died 30 July 1902.
 * 1884 - Dr. Brownrigg appointed Catholic Bishop of Ossory.
 * 1884 - Patrick Francis Moran Roman Catholic Bishop of Ossory translated to Sydney 14 March 1884.
 * 1884 - Abraham Brownrigg, S.S.S. Appointed Roman Catholic Bishop of Ossory 28 October and consecrated 14 December 1884; died 1 October 1928
 * 1897 - William Pakenham Walsh resigned 30 September 1897; died 30 July 1902.
 * 1897 John Baptist Crozier Elected 20 October and consecrated 30 November 1897; translated to Down, Connor and Dromore 26 September 1907
 * 1898 - The Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898 created the County of Kilkenny along with the other counties of Ireland as administrative counties, on the same model of counties of that had been used in England and Wales.
 * 1899 - Kilmoganny United Irish League is formed.(Aug 28)

20th century

 * 1901 - The diocese of Ossory contained 41 parishes.
 * 1904 - Visit of King Edward VII to Kilkenny.
 * 1919 - James Authur Butler becomes the 22nd Earl of Ormonde.
 * 1923 - Kilkenny Castle is occupied by IRA forces.
 * 1967 - The Sixth Marquess of Ormonde presented Kilkenny Castle and part of the grounds to the people of Kilkenny.
 * 1973 - The Kilkenny Arts Festival is established.

21st century

 * 2007 - End of the Celtic tiger.