In 2024 I undertook a major piece of research on behalf of Regina Fitzpatrick. Heritage Officer. Kilkenny Co Council on the River Blackwater of Kilkenny.
The Blackwater River might be considered a backwater to the modern reader. Although in a navigable waterway sense it is certainly eclipsed by the river of the same name that acts as a boundary between Waterford and Cork, this in no way diminishes its historic role to the region of South Kilkenny which it drains. For this small river has a proud heritage, particularly as a location of early agricultural trade and commerce. A modest navigation, it certainly punched above its weight in the context of the quantity of traffic that used the waterway.
Exploring the Pill – River Blackwater of Kilkenny
This paper explores the navigable waterway, the types of trade, cargo, and craft. It also delves into the existence of the word Pill. For this old word which has an association with local water bodies, and navigable tidal waterways have several connections with the Blackwater. In some cases, it is a placename, a description, and a general location.
To view the full report visit the Kilkenny Heritage page.
The Blackwater is a tributary of the River Suir in south Kilkenny. It is formed by the confluence of the Derrylacky River and the Poulanassy or Assy River at Mullinavat, from where it flows southwards through the village of Kilmacow. At Grannagh the Blackwater is joined by the Smartscastle Stream and they enter the River Suir just above the “Red Iron” Railway Bridge. The word Pill had numerous associations with it, Kilmacow Pill, Grannagh Pill, Blackwater Pill or Dunkitt Pill for example. The paper explores this in much greater detail.
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