County Kilkenny - Towns

One of the most beautiful vistas on any river in Ireland illuminates Fiddown on the romantic Suir. It was once another link in the long chain of sites which followed to such a comprehensive degree the transfer from Paganism to Christianity in Ireland. The 6th century monastery where the old churchyard is seen, was founded by the saintly Mo Medog, one of the most experienced of the early missionaries, a veteran of eveangelisation in Scotland and France. The only relic of his day is the stone font. The other ancient church site, called Killmodalla, later changed in an obvious family compliment to Kildatun, was cruelly dismembered to build stables on the Bessborough Estate, as recently as 1830. Tomb fragments from Kilmodalla can be seen in the Church of Ireland parish church dating from the 16th century. The church, which dated from the 13th century, was demolished in 1870 but its flavour can be surmised in the Ponsonby muasoleum which was modelled on its chancel. Memorials in the gable end are worth inspection. They include Kidwell executed monuments to the Ponsonbys and another by Sir William Atkinson to the 1st Earl of Bessborough. The Blessed Virgin Mary slab can also be seen on the east gable.

Services in Fiddown

Car Rental  | Vacation Packages

Six miles (10 km) south-west of Bally-ragget, in a gap of the Slieveardagh Hills, is Freshford. A twelfth-century church was built here on the site of the original foundation by St Lachtain (died 622); though since rebuilt, a beautifully sculptured Hiberno-Romanesque doorway and porch remain.

Services in Freshford

Bed & Breakfasts  |  Car Rental  | Vacation Packages

No village in Ireland was more appropriately named. A haven of peace, it snuggles into the side of an immense valley, at the depth of which runs the River Barrow. The views from Glenmor across into Co Wexford and the upper and lower reaches of the much availed of river, plus its seclusion, grants its people a place of rest and refuge few can match.

Services in Glenmore

Car Rental  | Vacation Packages

This somnolent river crossing village proclaims again the great wealth of fishing and natural river beauties that utterly captivated the Norman Knights and made Co. Kilkenny a land worth fighting for. Today it is a major Irish magnet for fishermen and women of all sorts and ages. The bridge across the River Barrow joins Co. Carlow to Co. Kilkenny and was a prime target for the Wexford rebels advancing toward Castlecomer on June 23rd 1798.

Services in Goresbridge

Car Rental  | Vacation Packages

Nationally known today for the sport of kings, still (it is suggested) horse racing, Gowran was for a time the seat of kings, the Kings of Ossory. When the fortunes of the Ossory rullng family the MacGiolla-Phadruig, declined in the 12th century, the town and lands came into the hands of the norman knight, FitzWalter, the ancestor of the Butler Earls of Ormond. Edward Bruce of Scotland in his essay at power in Ireland captured Gowran in 1317 and during the many battles in the next century against the Norman overlords, Gowran was burned to the ground. It was made a parliamentary borough and given a new charter in 1608 by James I. Gowran was a confederate stronghold in 'The Great Rebellion' but it was besieged and captured by Cromwell's troops in 1650. With customary efficiency they then burned down the castle and shot the surrendered garrison. Gowran's old church has in part been utilised in the Church of Ireland parish church and its many interesting features and monuments will reward a visit. In the grounds of today's Gowran Castle is the keep or enclosure of Ballyshawnmore Castle, also invested by Cromwell's troops in 1650.

Services in Gowran

Bed & Breakfasts  |  Car Rental  | Vacation Packages

Contact Reservations Toll-Free now at:
IRL - 00 800 369 87412
FR - 00 800 369 87412
DE - 00 800 369 87412
NL - 00 800 369 87412
UK - 0 800 783 8359
US - 1 888 827 3028
Canada - 1 866 433 9999
Rest of the World - International code followed by 066 9792093
Lines Open 9am to 8pm(Mon to Fri), 9am to 6pm(Sat) Irish times
Email:goireland@gulliver.ie.

GoIreland.com operated by Gulliver Ireland, FEXCO Center, Langford Street, Killorglin, Co.Kerry, Ireland