Thomastown (Baile Mhic Andáin - “MacAnthony Town”) (pop. 2500) is the second biggest town in the County of Kilkenny. It is scenically located on the River Nore, used for many years to power the local textile and grain industries. Nowadays it is home to Ireland’s only dedicated Craft School, housed in a converted mill, and many artists and musicians live locally.


The city of Thomastown was founded in the 13th century by Thomas FitzAnthony, a Welsh mercenary of the 1169 Norman landings. Thomas FitzAnthony was the Governor of Leinster in the 13th century. He built the fortifications at Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, fragments of which can still be seen today, together with nearby Grenan Castle, now in ruins.