Kilkenny [key], Gaelic Cill Chainnigh, county (1991 pop. 73,635), 796 sq mi (2,062 sq km), S Republic of Ireland. The county seat is Kilkenny. The region is mainly a rolling plain, part of the central plain of Ireland, with low hills to the south. The principal rivers are the Suir, the Nore, and the Barrow. Grains and vegetables are grown, and livestock is raised. Industries include software and computer services, food processing, brewing, agricultural engineering, clothing, and handicrafts. The county has concentrated on reforestation programs for the past several years. Kilkenny is roughly coextensive with the ancient kingdom of Ossory, and it is rich in antiquities.
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