Sights in Central Kilkenny
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Jerpoint Abbey
One of Ireland’s finest Cistercian ruins, Jerpoint Abbey is about 2.5km southwest of Thomastown on the N9. It was established in the 12th century and has been partially restored. The tower and cloister are late 14th or early 15th century. Look for the series of often amusing figures carved on the cloister pillars, including a knight. There are also stone carvings on the church walls and in the tombs of members of the Butler and Walshe families. Faint traces of a 15th- or 16th-century painting remain on the northern wall of the church. This chancel area also contains a tomb thought to belong to hardheaded Felix O’Dulany, Jerpoint’s first abbot and bishop of Ossory, who…
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Woodstock Gardens
Approximately 3km south, on Mt Alto, is the heavily forested Woodstock Gardens, a beauty of a park with expansive gardens, picnic areas and trails. The panorama of the valley and village below is spectacular. Coming from town, follow the signs for Woodstock Estate and enter the large gates (despite appearances, it’s a public road) then continue along the road for about 2km until you reach the car park.
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Kilfane Glen & Waterfall
Kilfane Glen & Waterfall is a pretty spot with wooded paths winding through its wild 6-hectare gardens, which date from the 1790s. An elaborately decorated thatched cottage is worth hiking to. Kilfane Glen is 2km north of town along the N9.
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Jerpoint Glass Studio
The local highlight, the nationally renowned Jerpoint Glass Studio, is housed in an old stone-walled farm building where you can watch workers craft molten glass into exquisite artistic and practical items.
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Reptile Village
Brave souls can handle some of the slithering creatures at the indoor (ie rainy-day friendly) ReptileVillage; the less brave can peer at them through glass.
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Clay Creations
Clay Creations displays the quixotic ceramics and sculptures of local artist Brid Lyons.
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