The Council has jurisdiction throughout its administrative area which is the city of Kilkenny in the Republic of Ireland.
All that remains of the office, per section 11 of the Act is a symbolic role: "Subject to this Act, royal charters and letters patent relating to local authorities shall continue to apply for ceremonial and related purposes in accordance with local civic tradition but shall otherwise cease to have effect.".
From the 13th century to the end of the 16th the chief magistrate was known as the Sovereign, and since then Mayor.
The Cathaoirleach for the civic year 2012/2013 was Councillor Sean O' hArgain.
[2][3] John Coonan was elected Mayor in 2020, succeeding Martin Brett.