How is Kilkenny’s Carnegie Library being reimagined through THRIVE?

A new chapter for a historic building

This case study explores the future transformation of the Carnegie Library, located in the heart of Kilkenny, into a vibrant cultural hub, focusing on local studies and telling the stories of Kilkenny’s rich medieval history. This THRIVE project incorporates New European Bauhaus principles and will ensure that the building, first opened in 1910, continues to be relevant and a valuable asset for the people of Kilkenny into the future.     

Kilkenny is a vital urban hub in the south-east of Ireland, a medieval city with a population of 27,184, accessible to major urban centres in the east and south-east of Ireland.  It is well known for its heritage sites and has many significant architectural landmarks, including Kilkenny Castle, St Canice’s Cathedral, Rothe House and the Black Abbey. As with many other large urban centres, however, Kilkenny has suffered from dereliction in the town centre, particularly in the area of John St, adjacent to John’s Quay, where the Carnegie Library is located.   

Breathing new life into John Street

Through THRIVE Strand 1 funding, an Urban Design Strategy was developed for the John’s Quay/John Street area. Several projects were identified as part of the consultation process with the community and stakeholders and the Carnegie Library refurbishment project was prioritised out of this process. Its redevelopment will help to revitalise this part of Kilkenny and attract visitors to the area.  

A historic landmark with a rich legacy to a cultural hub

The building itself is located by the River Nore and was established with a donation from the Scottish philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The site was purchased and the library furnished by local philanthropist Lady Desart, and it was opened officially to the public in 1910.  

A new city library, the Mayfair Library, was opened in Kilkenny’s Abbey Quarter on the 24^th of April 2024. This new library was itself an adaptive reuse of the old Mayfair ballroom, a strong part of Kilkenny’s social history.  The Carnegie Library has remained vacant since that time. The aim now is to regenerate the building and to develop it as a Local Studies cultural hub. The building will be extended to the rear and will provide an improved space for exhibitions and other gatherings, as well as for library staff.  The surrounding public realm area will also see improvements.  

Heritage meets sustainable design

The Southern Regional Assembly, as Managing Authority for the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027, is collaborating closely with Kilkenny County Council to deliver this ambitious regeneration project, through THRIVE. The Carnegie Library Refurbishment Project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027, having secured €3.98m in THRIVE funding.

The project has been designed to incorporate the New European Bauhaus values of sustainability, inclusivity and beauty. Work to the surrounding public realm will enhance sustainability by developing EV charging infrastructure, providing additional bicycle facilities, sustainable urban drainage interventions and improving biodiversity. The building’s energy efficiency will be upgraded while at the same time, the development will conserve its important architectural features. In the realm of aesthetics, the building itself is an iconic building with a classical design and is of important cultural heritage to Kilkenny. Its appearance will be preserved, including plans to remove the existing stainless steel railings and replace them with wrought iron upright railings. Inclusivity is at the heart of this project, with events providing for ongoing engagement with the community. This has been a feature of the proposal and will continue to be part of the project as it develops. 

Who is delivering the vision?

The design team to bring this ambitious project to fruition has been selected through a tender process. They have started meeting and progressing the plans, with a clear pathway to the delivery of the project. A stakeholder engagement event will take place in early Quarter 3 2026. It is anticipated that work will begin on site in the second quarter of 2027. 

Looking ahead – what’s next?

Updates on progress will be provided on the project webpage – Carnegie Library Kilkenny, so follow the journey of the Carnegie Library, or better still, plan a visit to Kilkenny, a medieval city with fascinating stories to tell!