Freshford

Freshford (Irish: Achadh Úr) is a village in County Kilkenny.

Understand

The river Nuenna runs through the village, which is an important tributary of the river Nore. The Slieveardagh Hills are to the southeast.

There was a monastery built here in the 7th century.

Get in

Freshford is 14km north of Kilkenny on the R693.

By Bus

Buses stop in front of the community Hall.

• To Kilkenny: 08:05 & 14:20, except Sundays. €3.50
• To Johnstown, Urlingford: These buses leave Kilkenny(Parade) at 12:00 & 17:30. They drive to Freshford, then Johnstown and Urlingford.

You are advised to ask the driver if the bus is going to Freshford as the buses don't have destinations marked on them.

Two bus companies offer these services:

• JJ Kavanagh, ☏ +353 56 883-1106. 
• Bernard Kavanagh bus company, ☏ +353 56 883-1189. 

Get around

Freshford is very small and easy to walk around.

See

A detail from the portal of St Lachtain's Church

• St. Lachtain's Church. n the centre of Freshford sits St. Lachtain's Church. The present church dates from 1731, but there are remains of older churches incorporated in it. The first church on this site was built after 622AD, the year St. Lachtain dies. It was burnt by the Vikings in the 9th century after they robbed it. It was rebuilt in the 1100's. The sandstone Romanesque portal, at the main entrances, dates from this time. It is a national monument, and one of only two in Ireland. 
• Uppercourt Manor. In 1225, a bishop's palace was built on the site of Uppercourt Manor. But in 1553, the bishop fled after five of his servants were murdered. The present building dates from 1790. 
• Freshford Cross. The remains of a cross stands in the village green. It was made of sandstone and has been worn away by the weather. It was originally erected behind Uppercourt Manor in 1622, in memory of Lucas Shee. In 1790, it was moved to its present location. 
• Ballylarkin Abbey (Ballylarkin Parish Church) (About 1 1/2km from Freshford, up a winding road. On private land, but easy to get to.). Built in 1350. The abbey is small in size but contains a wealth of splendid Gothic carvings and architectural features. There is also a perfect sedilia. 
• Millennium Park. A news park in Freshford. 

Do

• Nuenna Farm Equestrian Centre, Kilkenny Rd, ☏ +353 56 883-2614. Family run equestrian centre. 
• Brown's Wood, Tullaroan Rd (Less than 1 km from the village). A 2 km walk through a woodland. 

Sleep

• Moate Farm B&B, Moate, ☏ +353 56 883-2283, email@moatefarm.net. Moate Farm offers all guests a special Irish farm experience where home baking, a friendly, farm family atmosphere and peaceful stay are guaranteed. Open: 1 Mar-30 Oct. Single:€45-50, Double:€70-80. 
• Pomadora House, Clinstown Rd, ☏ +353 56 883-2256, fax: +353 56 883-2256, info@pomadora.com. A B&B on a small stud. Single: €45. Double: €70. Dinner €25. 
• Cradóg Bed & Breakfast, ☏ +353 56 883-5224, info@cradog.com. A B&B on a beef farm. Double: €62. Single:€42. Dinner: €20. 

Connect

• Freshford Garda Station, ☏ +353 56 883-2122. 
• Post Office, Kilkenny St., ☏ +353 56 883-2231. M-F 09:00-13:00, 14:00-17:30, Sa 09:00-13:00. 
• Health Centre, ☏ +353 56 883-2261. 

Go next

• Kilkenny - The capital of County Kilkenny is only 14km away. It's famous for it medieval history.
• Urlingford, Johnstown and Thurles in the north west of the County.
• Ballyragget - a small town near Freshford, really off the tourist trail.
• Castlecomer - The main town in north Kilkenny. Coal was mined here for over 300 years. Visit Castlecomer Discover Park and Footprints in Coal Experience to learn more.