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Jerpoint Park
Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
Hidden gem
Family friendly
Free car parking
Cloudy days
Jerpoint Park, in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, is a special destination where you are immersed in the heritage and culture of a 12th century medieval town alongside the River Nore. The town was associated with St. Nicholas and is near the ruins of a Cistercian Abbey. Join a guided tour and see a sheepdog demonstration.

Jerpoint Park contains one of the finest examples of a deserted 12th century medieval town and is a prime stop along Ireland's Ancient East. A guided tour helps you unearth the history of the lost town of Newtown Jerpoint, founded by either Earl Marshall or Griffin Fitzwilliam. The tour is an easy walk with lovely views.

The town lies just west of the Cistercian Abbey, near a crossing point on the River Nore where a toll bridge was once built. The town had 27 dwellings, including a courthouse, woollen mill, a tannery, a brewery, and reputedly 14 taverns. The site also contains the tomb effigy of St. Nicholas (Bishop of Myra) plus the Church of St. Nicholas. The bones of St. Nicholas inspired the legend of Santa Claus.

Jerpoint Park also offers the popular option of watching a sheepdog demonstration, with man and dog working together as one. It is also possible to fish for wild brown trout and wild salmon on the River Nore from March through September. See Thomastown Anglers Association for advice.

A warm welcoming awaits you at Jerpoint Park.

Tips from locals

Don’t miss Joe’s fun sheepdog demonstrations. Marvel at how man and dog work together toward a common goal.

Contact details
Jerpoint, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
Visit duration

We recommend planning to spend 2 hours here.

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