The first city charter was granted to Kilkenny in 1609 by James I. This was as a result of the actions of Black Tom the 10th Earl of Ormonde who was a trusted friend of Queen Elizabeth. His support of the crown was rewarded by a royal charter constituting Kilkenny as a City in 1609 by James the 1st.

Following the Ulster Rebellion of 1641 a Confederacy was set up to unite Catholics of English and Irish extraction in defence of their common faith, their rights and liberties. Kilkenny was selected as the national Parliament. Buildings such as Rothe House and Kilkenny Castle served as useful meeting places for the Parliament, the Supreme Council and the Bishops & Clergy. The Confederation sat for six years 1642-1648 and governed the country during a period of extreme turmoil.

The Second charter was granted in 1687 by James II who also established a the University of St.Canice in Kilkenny College. Sadly his involvement in the Battle of the Boyne and the flight of James put an end to the six month old university. Kilkenny is to celebrate its 400th aniversary as a City in 2009.