Famed Kilkenny company begins process to take over former CBS school building
Do you have any memories of the former CBS Kilkenny school site?
Cartoon Saloon is preparing to embark on a new chapter as they put plans in place to move into the former CBS Kilkenny building in 2027.
Established in 1999 by Paul Young, Tomm Moore, and Nora Twomey, the local animation company has a world-renowned studio in Kilkenny City, receiving five Academy Award and two Golden Globe nominations.
Movies such as ‘The Secret of Kells’ and ‘Song of the Sea’ have generated the studio acclaim, not just in Ireland but across the world.
Meanwhile, since the new CBC (formerly known as CBS Kilkenny) school campus opened at their Dunningstown Road site in September 2025, the James’ Street building has been left vacant, with many locals in the area pondering over its long-term future.
The prominent city-centre location first opened its doors on September 24, 1860, providing countless generations with education from near and far.
However, a new chapter is set to be written in the building’s history as Cartoon Saloon hope to expand its operations, moving from its Barrack Street and Tilbury Place locations to a single, more spacious new home.
In the meantime, the process is underway, and they expect to apply for planning permission to change the building's use from education to commercial in the coming months.
According to a spokesperson for Cartoon Saloon, this will offer several benefits, including creating an exhibition and shop space for visitors.
No major construction work is planned as part of the move, with the focus instead on cleaning, decorating and equipping the building, the Kilkenny People has learned.
Once opened, between 120 and 250 people will work at the studio. No major traffic increase is anticipated, with the majority of staff walking or cycling to work.
It’s understood that the building will also be used to host public events, including exhibitions, studio tours and workshops.
The animation studio has also pledged to host screenings and workshops as well as deliver training and development programmes for crew and for students.
If successful, Cartoon Saloon intends to be operational in its new home by the summer of 2027.