Thomastown & Around

Introducing Thomastown & Around

Thomastown is a small market town known for its crafts. Nicely situated by the Nore, the Dublin–Waterford road (N9) runs right through the centre and the traffic can be awful. Named after Welsh mercenary Thomas de Cantwell, Thomastown has some fragments of a medieval wall and the partly ruined 13th-century Church of St Mary. Down by the bridge, Mullin’s Castle is the sole survivor of the 14 castles that were originally here.

Ignore the traffic and explore the compact centre, which has a surprising assortment of intriguing shops and cafés. Clay Creations (772 4977; Low St) displays the works of local artist Brid Lyons. Her whimsical ceramics and sculptures include an iconic dog captured mid-snarl.

Food For Thought (779 3297; Market St) is a shrine to Irish artisan foods. Some of the local products carried include G’s Preserves (made from their own organic raspberries), Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese (fresh goat-milk cheese), Carlow Cheese (an amazing hard cheese made with nettles) and chocolates from the Truffle Fairy.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009