Photographed By William Murphy - Select Image To View Photographs

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ABOUT THIS SCULPTURE HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPHS LOW-RES BUT FASTER TO LOAD PHOTOGRAPHS DUBLIN NORTHSIDE DUBLIN SOUTHSIDE PHOTOGRAPHS - HARE SCULPTURE BUTLER GALLERY PHOTOGRAPHS - HARE AT SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2016 INDEX - PHOTO GALLERIES KILKENNY CITY KILKENNY CITY JUNE 2025

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The sculpture was part of a pilot scheme commissioned by the Kilkenny City Municipal District. The intention was twofold - to act as a traffic-calming measure by alerting motorists they were entering the city limits, and to celebrate the area's deep historical connection to archery.

A Pilot That Missed the Mark

The sculpture was part of a pilot scheme commissioned by the Kilkenny City Municipal District. The intention was twofold: to act as a traffic-calming measure by alerting motorists they were entering the city limits, and to celebrate the area's deep historical connection to archery.

However, the design—a flat, metal cut-out—drew sharp criticism from local councillors. Some described it as having a "Disneyfication" effect on the city, while others argued it felt more "English" than Irish, comparing it to heritage branding seen in cities like York.

Why was it removed?

The archer was always intended to be a temporary prototype. Following the mixed reception, the City Engineer clarified that any permanent installations must undergo a Part 8 planning consultation. This process requires formal public feedback and a vote by elected officials. Consequently, the archer was retired to allow the council to return to the drawing board.

Did the Normans really practice here?

The short answer is: they were legally required to. The area known as Archerstown (and nearby Archer’s Avenue) is named after the Archer family, one of the "Ten Civic Families" of Kilkenny who arrived during the Anglo-Norman period. History shows that archery wasn't just a hobby; it was a mandate:

The Statute of Winchester (1285): This law required every able-bodied man to own a bow and practice regularly.

The "Butts": Kilkenny still has an area known as The Butts, which refers to the targets used for mandatory practice. In 1537, it was recommended that children in Ireland practice for an hour or two after school to ensure the city’s defences remained sharp.

What’s next for Kilkenny’s Gateways?

The council hasn't abandoned the idea of marking the city's entrances. Current discussions suggest a shift away from "cut-out" silhouettes toward more robust, culturally resonant designs. Proposals include:

Mythological Figures: Such as Cú Chulainn, to emphasise Kilkenny’s hurling heritage.

Industrial Art: Projects like "From Hide to Heel" which celebrate the city’s history of leather-working and tanning.

For now, the Castle Road archer remains in storage, a casualty of the delicate balance between traffic safety and civic identity.

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LET MISTER SCREEN ASSIST YOU

The Urban Cartographer

So What Happened To The Archer Sculpture

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