Kilkenny Limestone quarries in Ireland

Kilkenny Limestone is quarried at three sites in south-east Ireland: Old Leighlin in Co. Carlow, and Kellymount and Holdensrath in Co. Kilkenny. Together, the three quarries produce around 75,000 m³ of Irish blue limestone per year, drawn from reserves of approximately 3 million cubic metres formed during the Carboniferous period, roughly 340 million years ago. Each site supplies blocks, slabs, paving, cladding and finished stone products for projects across Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe.

Two Varieties

Our three quarries produce two varieties of Kilkenny Limestone: classic blue and fossil. Classic blue accounts for the majority of extraction, while fossil is drawn from a distinct geological seam with high fossil content.

• Classic blue: A bright blue-grey Kilkenny Limestone, with ancient crinoid fossils providing minor tonal variation. It suits a wide range of finishes: a dry-sanded finish brings out the blue tone, while honing or polishing produces a near-black surface.
  
  

• Fossil: A distinct variety sourced from a narrow seam of fossil beds, with visible ancient oyster and coral fragments set against a dark background. These large fossils are characteristic of this specific seam in the Kilkenny and Carlow region of Ireland.