A-Z Placefinder
Towns of Kilkenny
Thomastown —County Kilkenny
This town, in beautiful surroundings in the Nore valley, is named after Thomas FitzAnthony Walsh, Anglo-Norman Seneschal (Governor) of Leinster. He is credited with building a wall, complete with 14 towers around the town and in it a religious house and a castle in the 13th century. The castle was destroyed by Cromwell in 1650. There are some interesting monuments among the ruins of a large, 13th century church together with a very ancient high cross.
Jerpoint Abbey is most interesting and is the best-preserved Cistercian ruins in the country, with finely sculpted lords and ladies forming part of the restored cloisters. It offers a visitor centre, guide service and facilities.
