Thomastown: Jerpoint Abbey, the River Nore and ceramics

Thomastown brings together cultural history, ceramics, paths along the River Nore and a local swimming spot. When planning your stay, it helps to consider the different time commitments and interests these activities involve: culture, walking, water and local produce each offer a different focus.

Culture and ceramics in Thomastown

Jerpoint Abbey is 2.5 km southwest of Thomastown. The medieval Cistercian abbey was founded in the 12th century and is considered one of the finest examples of its kind in Ireland. In the wider destination of County Kilkenny, it is also known for detailed stone sculptures dating from the 13th to the 16th century. The nearby visitor centre has a treasure hunt for children. The foundation date and sculptures point to different centuries in the abbey’s history.

Thomastown is also home to Brid Lyons Ceramics, a pottery studio with a gallery. The ceramics on display are inspired by the style of the 1920s. The studio also offers pottery workshops for beginners through to advanced potters. This lets you choose between viewing the ceramics and making a workshop a focus of your trip. If you want a workshop to be a fixed part of your stay, it’s best to ask about dates in advance.

Paths along the River Nore

The Grennan Loop runs along footpaths and the banks of the River Nore, through deciduous woodland and along quiet country roads. It starts and ends in the town centre. The route combines different path surfaces and landscapes in a single circular walk.

The section of the Nore Valley Walk between Inistioge and Thomastown takes about three hours and is easy to walk. It passes through varied landscapes, pastureland and biodiverse woodland. The route also follows the surroundings of the River Nore and its grassy banks, where salmon and bats can be found. For planning, this walk provides an approximate time; by contrast, the Grennan Loop is described in terms of its path types and its start and finish in the town centre.

By the water and local produce

Island Weir Pool is a local swimming spot with steps leading down to a quiet stretch of the River Nore. A lifeguard service is available there in summer. As this is seasonal, check current water quality and operating conditions before swimming.

At Goatsbridge Trout Farm in Thomastown, visitors can sample and buy products at the visitor centre and shop. Tours of the farm can also be arranged for individuals or groups; confirm availability directly before your trip. Visitors can look around the farm during opening hours. Check in advance which visits are currently permitted and what is available.

Getting there by train

The train service from Kilkenny to Waterford passes through Thomastown. The journey is listed as taking 12 minutes, with trains running every two to three hours. The station can be reached on foot from town via a 15-minute walk along a quiet country road with green hills. As journey times and frequency may change, check them before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Ballyragget, Urlingford, Mullinvat, Piltown, The Rower, Mooncoin, Callan, Jenkinstown

For the wider travel overview: County Kilkenny.