It soon became a famous school and so, in the 1780s, a new college was built on the same site overlooking the river Nore on John Street.

Twenty-nine headmasters of Kilkenny College are recorded, including such notable figures as Edward Jones, Bishop of St Asaph and John Mason Harden.

During Sam McClure's stewardship, the college moved to its new campus in 1985, relocating to the 63 acre (254,952m2) site at Celbridge House on the outskirts of the city.

Under Canon Robert John Black, Kilkenny College saw a significant phase of growth, development and expansion to the facilities and resources of the school during his nine years of leadership.

It's not clear if these small changes are attributable to artistic interpretation, simplified draughtsmanship (in the case of ermine) or possibly error (the lion).

The current campus on the outskirts of the city comprises a complex of classrooms, dormitories, catering and dining facilities, it is set on a landscaped 50-acre (200,000 m2) site.

[citation needed] The ethos of the school is one of a family community and an emphasis is placed on team sport in particular rugby and hockey.

[5] In its almost 500-year history, Kilkenny College has produced a number of notable past pupils, including: Academia Arts and Media Law and Politics Military Religion Sport