Thomastown

Thomastown (Irish: Baile Mhic Andáin) is a 13th Century medieval walled town in County Kilkenny. It is on the bank of the river Nore and is famous for Jerpoint Abbey, Kilfane Glen gardens, and Mount Juliet Golf Course. Thomastown lies in a valley. Thomastown is 17km southeast from Kilkenny on the R700. It is the middle town on a series of towns dotted along the River Nore. To the northwest is Bennettsbridge. To the southeast is Inistioge. If driving please note that the centre of Thomastown operates a one way system due to the narrow nature of the streets in its core. The town has grown substantially over the past decade due to its proxminity to Kilkenny and less expensive housing. The town has all the essential services required for tourists. In the last year a new Super Valu and Lidl supermarket opened on the road towards Gowran on the edge of town. The town's best aforementioned attractions lie a couple of kilometres outside the town all in different directions so a car will be required to see them. Be sure to visit the watergarden in the town just off the main street.

Jerpoint Abbey

Get in

JJ Kavanangh's bus services between Waterford and Dublin pass through the town. Thomastown is also serviced by a bus run between New Ross and Kilkenny City.

By Car

• Kilkenny, Gowran - Take N9 north.
• Waterford, Ballyhale, Mullinavat - Take N9 south.
• Bennettsbridge, Inistioge, New Ross - Take R700.

By Train

Thomastown train station (Station Road, [phone]) was opened on 12 May 1848. It is on the Dublin - Waterford line, which also serves Athy, Carlow, Bagenalstown and Kilkenny. There are 6 trains a day in each direction. It is open M-Su 07:00-19:30.

The platform is very small and not suitable for wheelchairs. Tickets and timetable information can be got at the stations, online or by phone [phone] between 09:00-17:00 M-F).

Get around

Thomastown is a small town. Everywhere in the town is within walking distance. If driving bear in mind that the centre of Thomastown operates a one way system.

See

The River Nore, Thomastown

• Jerpoint Abbey (2.5 km west of Thomastown (N9)), ☎ [phone]. 09:30-17:00 (17:30 Apr-Sept, 16:00 Nov, Dec-Mar by arrangement). Built in the 12th century. It is Ireland's finest Cistercian monastic ruin with a magnificently sculptured cloister arcade. Includes visitor and exhibition centre. €5 adult, €3 child. 
• Kilfane Glen and Waterfall, Kilfane (3.2km north of Thomastown on N9), ☎ [phone]. 11:00-18:00 Jul-Aug. The gardens of Kilfane House were built in the 1790s. They were restored in the 1970s. They are listed as an Irish Heritage garden. There are woodlands, walks and a waterfall over 15 acres. €6. 
• Grennan Castle. A 13th century, built by Thomas FitzAnthony, after who Thomastown is named. 
• Watergarden, Ladywell Street, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Peaceful garden hidden in Thomastown with many interesting features – sparkling fountains, water wheel, waterfall, wonderful plants, coffee shop, craft shop and garden centre. 

Do

• The Irish Whiskey Event, Stoneyford, Kilkenny. But run in location of choice, ☎ [phone]. This group whiskey tasting has some excellent reviews. Learn about whiskey and try some rare Irish whiskies. 
• Mount Julie, ☎ [phone]. 

• Golf. This golf course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is one of the top golf courses in the country. It often holds international golf tournaments. Green fees €70-150. 
• Horse Riding (Mount Juliet Equestrian Centre), e-mail: [e-mail]. 08:00-18:00 Daily. Lessons, treking and cross country over 700 acres. 
• Spa. The perfect place to escape 

Buy

• Tara Antiques, 2 Market St, ☎ [phone]. Some beautiful old furniture, mirrors and clocks. 

Handcrafted Goods

Kilkenny is known for its excellent array of high quality arts and crafts. All of the items below are made in Thomastown. In most cases, you can visit the workshops themselves and see how the items are made.

The brand 'Made In Kilkenny' promotes the local craft industry. Look out for it.

• All That Glitters, Newtownbaker, Kells, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Kilkenny is known as the marble city. This designer makes necklaces from local marble and other gems/stones. (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 Clay Creations (Brid Lyons Ceramics), Low Street, ☎ [phone]. 10:00-13:00, 14:00-17:30 W-Sa. Ceramic studio that makes comtempory, original designs. There is also a gallery. 
• Jackie and Ed Keilthy Jewellery, Sugarstown, ☎ [phone]. By appointment. Have been making individual jewellery for over 17 years. 
• Jerpoint Glass Studio and Gallery, Stoneyford, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 10:00-18:00 M-Sa, 12:00-17:00 Su. A family run glass studio production handmade items since 1979. 

Eat

• Sol Bistro, Low Street, ☎ [phone]. 11:30-21:30 W-Su. good honest local food freshly cooked and tastefully presented at value for money prices. 
• Mount Juliet, ☎ [phone]. 
• Kendal's Restaurant. Informal French restaurant in The Hunters Yard. 
• Lady Helen Restaurant. Award winning formal restaurant. 
• The Long Man of Kilfane, Dublin Rd, ☎ [phone]. A restaurant running for over 17 years. Serves traditional food, steaks and seafood. 
• Watergarden Cafe, Ladywell, ☎ [phone]. Traditional cafe. Coffee, lunch, organic food. 

Drink

• The Bridge Brook Arms. Traditional family run pub. Has live music and poetry readings. Also has internet café. 
• Carroll’s Bar, Logan Street, ☎ [phone]. Over 70 years old, this pub is knows for its traditional old surroundings. Have beer garden, serve lunch, and has live gigs and exhibitions. 
• Presidents Bar (Mount Juliet), ☎ [phone]. The main bar at Mount Juliet. Also serves light food. 
• Murphy's, Low St, ☎ [phone]. 

Sleep

• Abbey House, Jerpoint, ☎ [phone]. Beside Jerpoint Abbey, this refurbished country house with six rooms. B&B €42-55. 
• Ballyduff House (5km from Thomastown), ☎ [phone]. This house was built in 1760, in parkland overlooking the River Nore. Tastefully decorated rooms. €50 per person. 
• Carrickmourne House, New Ross Road, ☎ [phone]. Five en-suite rooms in a picturesque location. €35-60. 
• Mount Juliet, ☎ [phone]. This four star hotel, set in one of Ireland's best golf courses which has played host to Tiger Woods and Pardaig Harrington, is a luxury. Its unbeatable setting with rivers, valleys and forests is worth a day in itself for fishing and riding. Has two restaurants. €155-625. 
• Oldtown Farmhouse, Oldtown, Stoneyford, ☎ [phone]. B&B with four ensuite rooms €32-35. 

Go next

• Kilkenny - The capital city of County Kilkenny is an attractive medieval town is 17km from Thomastown. It is home to the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, held annually in early June.
• Inistioge - a beautiful little village on the river Nore. Just above the village, are Woodstock Gardens, which are being restored to period 1840 -1890. Only a few km south of Thomastown.