Thomastown - County Kilkenny

Thomastown, historically known as Grennan, is a town in County Kilkenny in the south-east of Ireland. It is a pretty market town along a stretch of the River Nore which is known for its salmon and trout, with a number of historical landmarks in the vicinity. 

Right in the heart of the scenic Nore Valley this vibrant little town has a variety of shops, traditional pubs, restaurants and cosy cafes, a wonderful choice for a self-catering holiday in Kilkenny. There are also a number of historic ruins which include the well-known Jerpoint Abbey and Nicholas Mosse Pottery. 

Kilfane Glen and Waterfall is a 6-minute drive from our holiday homes in Thomastown, a pristine example of a romantic era garden dating from the 1790s. Untouched for 200 years, it is a picturesque paradise with a waterfall tumbling its way to a rushing stream and woodland paths leading to a cottage orné. Tiny bridges sit among ancient trees, wild fox-gloves, ferns and other historically correct 18th century planting.  

The garden is listed as an Irish Heritage Garden and was awarded assistance in 1993 by the European Union Cultural Commission. As an amenity it covers about 15 acres of easily accessible natural landscape. Other nearby gardens of historic significance are Altamount, Haywood (Luyteens), Mount Juliet, Woodstock and Ballymaloe Kitchen Gardens. 

Established in 1999, Moth to a Flame has been making a range of distinctive handmade candles beside the river in Bennettsbridge. Silkmoth-scented, Glow-globe, Rock, Irish Heritage, Gloworm candles and more can be seen in production and in the studio shop, where visitors are always welcome. 

The mediaeval town of Kilkenny itself is just 20 minutes away from our holiday accommodation in Thomastown, with its beautifully restored historic buildings, charming narrow alleyways, craft shops, fashion boutiques, traditional pubs, and many restaurants. There are several impressive historic sites in the town such as St. Canice’s Cathedral, the imposing Kilkenny Castle, and Rothe House & Gardens. 

The pretty town of Thomastown is a wonderful base for a self-catering holiday in Ireland, with an array of local amenities and attractions right on your doorstep.