Bull-baiting was a widespread blood sport in Ireland between the 17th and 19th centuries, involving the tethering of a bull and its attack by dogs, commonly bulldogs. The practice was closely associated with public gatherings, market towns, and specific urban locations. Kilkenny stands out as one of the Irish towns where bull-baiting was repeatedly documented over several centuries.
Historical records indicate that bull-baiting was practiced across many Irish towns, particularly those with strong butchers’ guilds and livestock markets. The activity often coincided with religious feast days, fairs, and civic celebrations, attracting large crowds. By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, bull-baiting had become increasingly controversial due to concerns over public disorder, animal cruelty, and public safety.
In Kilkenny, bull-baiting traditionally took place at a site known as The Ring, with records dating back to 1609. The location functioned as a designated urban space where the event was staged on specific occasions, most notably on the feast day of St John the Baptist (27 December). These events formed part of the town’s customary calendar and were attended by both local residents and visitors.
Bull-baiting was formally outlawed in Ireland under animal cruelty legislation in 1835. Despite the ban, isolated instances continued to occur for a short period. In Kilkenny, the last recorded bull-baiting event took place in 1837, marking the effective end of the practice in the town. Following its decline, former bull-baiting sites such as The Ring were gradually repurposed for other civic and cultural uses.
The history of bull-baiting in Kilkenny illustrates how blood sports were embedded in urban life in early modern Ireland and how evolving legal and social attitudes contributed to their disappearance. These records also provide context for the historical development of bulldog-type dogs, which were bred for strength and tenacity during this period.
