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Europe > Britain and Ireland > Ireland > Southeast Ireland > County Kilkenny > Thomastown

Thomastown

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Jerpoint Abbey

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 17 km 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.

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

By Train

Thomastown train station (Station Road, +353 56 24218) 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. 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 (+353 1 703-4070 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)), ☏ +353 56 772-4623. 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), ☏ +353 56 774-7105. 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, ☏ +353 56 774690, . Peaceful garden hidden in Thomastown with many interesting features – sparkling fountains, water wheel, waterfall, wonderful plants, coffee shop, craft shop and garden centre. 

Do

  • 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), . 08:00-18:00 Daily. Lessons, treking and cross country over 700 acres. 
  • Spa. The perfect place to escape 

Buy

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.

Eat

  • Sol Bistro, Low Street, ☏ +353 56 775-4945. 11:30-21:30 W-Su. good honest local food freshly cooked and tastefully presented at value for money prices. 
  • Mount Juliet, ☏ +353 56 777-3000. 
  • Kendal's Restaurant. Informal French restaurant in The Hunters Yard. 
  • Lady Helen Restaurant. Award winning formal restaurant. 
  • The Long Man of Kilfane, Dublin Rd, ☏ +353 56 772-4774. A restaurant running for over 17 years. Serves traditional food, steaks and seafood. 
  • Watergarden Cafe, Ladywell, ☏ +353 56 772-4690. Traditional cafe. Coffee, lunch, organic food. 

Drink

Sleep

  • Abbey House, Jerpoint, ☏ +353 56 772-4166. Beside Jerpoint Abbey, this refurbished country house with six rooms. B&B €42-55. 
  • Ballyduff House (5 km from Thomastown), ☏ +353 56 775-8488. This house was built in 1760, in parkland overlooking the River Nore. Tastefully decorated rooms. €50 per person. 
  • Carrickmourne House, New Ross Road, ☏ +353 56 772-4124. Five en-suite rooms in a picturesque location. €35-60. 
  • Mount Juliet, ☏ +353 56 777300. 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, ☏ +353 56 772-8224. B&B with four ensuite rooms €32-35. 

Go next

  • Kilkenny - The capital city of County Kilkenny is an attractive medieval town is 17 km 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.
This city travel guide to Thomastown is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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