Kilkenny’s very own Christmas cards designed by world-famous animators

Kilkenny has its very own collection of three unique Christmas cards for 2021, designed by the world-famous Cartoon Saloon animation studio.

The trio of cards depict Kilkenny Castle, Rothe House and St John’s Bridge over the River Nore, with the proceeds of the card sales giving a much-needed boost to the local cancer support centre, Cois Nore.

And the local input is boosted further as the cards are printed by Modern Printers.

The formal launch of the unique ‘Kilkenny Christmas Card Collection’ took place at the beautiful Butler Gallery recently.

Cois Nore chairman Bill Cuddihy thanked Anna O’Sullivan and the Butler Gallery team for their support, saying: “This fantastic Gallery deserves to be seen by everyone – entry is free- and the atmosphere and elegance of the Gallery makes it a must visit attraction.

“The exhibitions are stunning, and we are fortunate to have this free facility on our doorstep and we very much appreciate the Gallery making the space available to us for the launch of our Christmas Cards.”

Cois Nore, which literally translates as ‘Noreside’, teamed up with Cartoon Saloon to give people a chance to send friends and family these beautifully produced cards.

Mr Cuddihy adds: “The past couple of years have been challenging for everyone and what better way to help us return to normal than by sending a beautiful Kilkenny Christmas card, and in doing so, helping Cois Nore to provide local people with the support they need to live well with cancer.”

The three cards were individually designed by Maria Pareja of Cartoon Saloon. Ms Pareja said: “Kilkenny has been a source of inspiration to the work of Cartoon Saloon, and our design of the Christmas cards for Cois Nore is our way of supporting the valuable work of Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre and bringing a little joy to the people who receive the cards ”.

For more information, visit the Cois Nore website: www.coisnore.ie/online