Get in Lads, We're Going on an Adventure: Crafting Heritage: Nicholas Mosse & Jerpoint Abbey
Just outside Kilkenny city in County Kilkenny, lies the town of Bennettsbridge, where we stopped for a visit and lunch at the renowned Nicholas Mosse Pottery.
Karen Relates
Bennettsbridge’s history is rich, with roots reaching back to the arrival of the Normans in the 12th century. This area’s fertile lands made it ideal for farming, and its proximity to Kilkenny—a Norman stronghold at the time—added to its importance.
The village’s seven-arch stone bridge, first constructed in 1285, became a vital crossing over the River Nore, facilitating trade and travel between Bennettsbridge and Kilkenny. Although the original bridge was destroyed by flooding in the late 1700s, it was soon rebuilt and remains in use today. Now, this picturesque bridge, framed by the lush countryside, is a favorite spot for photographs and quiet reflection.
Farming was Bennettsbridge’s economic backbone in medieval times, but over the centuries, it also became a center for traditional crafts. In the 1970s, Nicholas Mosse Pottery established itself here, repurposing an old flour mill right on the riverbank. Inside the building you can learn more about the history of the mill.
Nicholas Mosse
At Nicholas Mosse Pottery, each piece is handmade, using techniques that date back to the 18th century. Watching artisans at work—carefully shaping and painting intricate patterns—helps visitors appreciate the time and skill poured into each creation. The showroom brims with unique pieces, from platters and baking dishes to vases, all crafted with distinctive designs that reflect the area’s artistry and heritage.
A cozy café on the second floor offers visitors a chance to rest and enjoy light fare served directly on Nicholas Mosse pottery. We enjoyed a lunch of sandwiches, vegetable soup, fresh brown bread made from locally sourced flour, scones, and tea while taking in a view that felt like the essence of Ireland itself.
From our table, we gazed out over the River Nore, with the historic Bennettsbridge bridge framed perfectly in the distance. This scene from the window—a winding river, a lush green landscape, and a timeless stone bridge— is one to savor. These moments that slow you down, remind you to take a minute to appreciate the beauty around you.
Shannon Relates
Jerpoint Abbey
Visiting Ireland will put your American perspective of history in check. I suppose visiting a place that is from the 12th century will do that. Thanks to our driver Philip, we got to encounter a place that was not on our original itinerary, but should be on everyone’s radar when visiting County Kilkenny.
Founded in the 12th century (around 1180) by Cistercian monks, Jerpoint Abbey was originally established by Donal MacGillapatrick, King of Osraige. The architectural styles within the church, constructed in the late twelfth century, reflect the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. The tower and cloister date to the fifteenth century.
One does not have to be a medieval expert to appreciate the history that is palpable when visiting. The structure is a unique experience of open and closed spaces.
The Abbey itself is surrounded by countryside, leading to a more isolated feeling. There is a peace here.
Perhaps that makes sense, but there is a comforting thought of past monks bustling about with their daily tasks that started with rising at 2am every day and engaging in a strict regime of prayer, meditation and the manual labor.
This is a tough life, but one filled with purpose. A Cistercian monk in England, Ailred of Rievaulx, described the daily experience: “Our food is scanty, our garments rough; our drink is from the stream and our sleep often upon our book.
“Under our tired limbs there is but a hard mat; when sleep is sweetest, we must rise at bell’s bidding. Self-will has no place; there is no moment for idleness or dissipation.”
Jerpoint Abbey is a treasure trove of art, architecture, and history. Its 15th century cloister arcade stands as the main attraction, featuring a stunning sequence of intricately carved pillars.
These pillars depict a rich array of figures, from knights and noblewomen to common townsfolk, each exquisitely rendered in stone. Inspired by medieval manuscripts, these sculptures are considered among the finest surviving examples of Irish medieval art.
Inside the abbey, the tombs hold their own allure, especially those adorned with “weepers”—figures of apostles and saints sculpted around the tomb base in mourning postures. The abbey’s ceiling is equally captivating: look up into the crossing tower to see its beautifully crafted rib vaulting, a masterpiece of medieval design. Words like “stunning” don’t quite do justice to the artistry on display here.
You don’t need to be a historian to appreciate the cultural treasures of Jerpoint Abbey. While Kilkenny Castle is nearby, make Jerpoint Abbey your main destination — it’s truly a place where history comes alive.
Read more of Karen & Shannon’s Get In Lads, We’re Going on an Adventure, HERE
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Karen Bennett and
Shannon Thomas-Ziemnik
*Karen and Shannon are two old friends who share a passion for all things Irish. You can find them at PJ’s on Tuesday nights with a Jameson and ginger in hand, attending the Speak Irish Cleveland class. As far as their column-writing abilities are concerned, this is, in fact, their first rodeo. They can be reached at [email protected].