Thomastown & Local Attractions

Thomastown & Local Attractions - County Kilkenny, Ireland
Thomastown is a market town with scenic streetscapes on the river Nore.
There are a number of disused water mills along the banks of the river. River water was diverted to a waterwheel along a head race. The force of the water rotated a wheel that in turn rotated an axle that drove the mills machinery to grind wheat, barley and oats. Grain was stored and dried in the lofts of the mill. The milled wheat was used for making bread and the milled barley and oats were used to feed cattle, horses, sheep and hens.
Grennan Castle was built in 1210. In 1650 is was besieged by Cromwell’s army.
It is said that in 1533, Anne Boleyn second wife of King Henry 8 and mother of Elizabeth 1, stayed overnight in Grennan Castle on her way to London to her wedding. There was a banquet held in her honour.
Anne’s Grandmother was Lady Margaret Butler of Kilkenny Castle.
George Berkeley 1685 - 1753, philosopher, physicist, mathematician, Dean of Derry and Bishop of Cloyne, was born in Dysart Castle. The university town of Berkeley in California is named in his honour.
Dysart Castle is an abandoned ruin tower house and is a roofless shell with structural problems. The openings have been strutted to prevent further collapse.
Here is a 3 D model of a typical tower house with a cut-away section to show the inside. The tower house was renovated and fitted with modern amenities.
Jerpoint Abbey is a ruined Cistercian abbey that was built circa 1170.
The Railway Viaduct over the river was built in 1850, it has a single-span arched iron deck supported on masonry piers. Originally the deck was a timber structure.
Mount Juliet Manor House was built in 1760 by the Butler Family. In 1902 The McCalmont Family purchased Mount Juliet, the family was known for horse breeding and for their famous race horses. In 1987 it was bought by Tim Mahony who turned the estate into a world class hotel and golf resort.
Ballylinch Stud is on the north bank of the River Nore opposite Mount Juliet. Ballylinch Stud is home to some of the most high-status stallions. John Malone owns Ballylinch stud. He is an American billionaire businessman, landowner and philanthropist.
Kells Priory is 12 km and a 15 minute drive west of Thomastown. It was an Augustinians Priory and was built in 1193. There are a number of tower houses spaced along the perimeter wall.
James Hoban was an Irish architect who grew up nearby. He is best known for designing the White House in Washington, D.C.
Kilkenny Castle was the seat of the Butlers, who came to Ireland during the Norman invasion of 1169.
Some of the birds and mammals in the area include, ducks, Grey Herons, Swans, Pheasants, geese, deer, foxes and squirrels.

[@sabina8618]

Very interesting; Thomastown and surrounds look so nice - thankyou from Australia

[@MimiYouyu]

Thanks David

[@shanecody15]

Where did the computer model of Grennan Castle come from?