Bennettsbridge

History

Bennettsbridge owes its name to Saint Benet and its strategic importance to its position at a major crossing of the river Nore. The first bridge was built on the site in 1285 and was dedicated to the saint, and was important for transport until the establishment of the railway. The current bridge dates from the 18th century after the original bridge was swept away in a flood in 1763. There were flour-mills at the weir and there was a Royal Irish Constabulary police station in the village.

Geography

Bennettsbridge is located along the river Nore at a ford of the river about 10 km from Gowran. There are two old mills downstream from the bridge. Ducks and swans and other river life are present in abundance.

Transport

Road

Bennettsbridge lies on the R700 regional road which carries much tourist traffic in the summertime from the Rosslare ferries, through Kilkenny and on into the midlands and Galway.

Bus

The village is served daily by Bus Éireann route 73 (Waterford – Kilkenny - Athlone). Kilbride Coaches' New Ross to Kilkenny route provides two journeys each way daily but none on Sundays. The first journey arrives into Kilkenny at 08.30 and the last return journey is at 18.00 making commuting possible. On Thursdays Bus Éireann route 374 provides a journey in each direction along the same route. Bus services to Rosslare Europort are available from New Ross and Waterford.

In the summer, a scheduled Ring A Link bus allows visitors to access local craft outlets before taking a riverside walk back to Kilkenny.

Rail

Bennettsbridge railway station opened on 2 September 1861, but closed permanently on 15 February 1965. Nowadays the nearest rail station is Kilkenny railway station around 9 kilometres distant.

Landmarks

Bennett's Bridge

There is record of Bennett's Bridge in 1393, when John Midleton, guardian of the chapel of St. Mary received licence to fortify the bridge.{{citation |author-link=Kilkenny Archaeological Society |access-date=7 August 2009

Parks and recreation

Nore Valley Park, 3.2 km from Bennettsbridge, includes a camping and caravan park, activity centre, open farm, farm trail, crazy golf course and a picnic and barbecue area. There is lake fishing at Wallslough Village.

Arts and crafts

Nicholas Mosse Pottery was established by Nicholas Mosse in 1976. It is located at an old riverside mill in Bennettsbridge. It is possible to watch potters at work as they produce pottery in the style of Irish Spongeware which was a traditional 18th Century type of pottery.

Stoneware Jackson is another local pottery studio. The pieces are hand-thrown, featuring two-color glazing and Celtic motifs.

Moth to a Flame is a local candle maker based on the Bennettsbridge road on the way into the village coming from Kilkenny city.

Sport

Bennettsbridge GAA is the local Gaelic Athletic Association club.

People

• Noel Skehan, former Kilkenny hurling goalkeeper.
• Hubert Butler, the essayist.
• James McGarry, former Kilkenny hurling goalkeeper.
• John McGovern, former Kilkenny hurling player.

References

References

1. "Sapmap Area – Settlements – Bennettsbridge". Central Statistics Office.
2. Lewis, Samuel. (1837). "A Topgrahical Dictionary of Ireland". S. LEWIS & Co. 87, Aldergate Street.
3. "Archived copy".
4. (November 2025). "Bus to Bennettsbridge lets walkers enjoy stroll along the Nore}}{{Dead link".
5. "Bennettsbridge station". Railscot – Irish Railways.
6. (2018). "William Robertson (1770-1850), Kilkenny's First Architect". [[Kilkenny Archaeological Society]].
7. "Bennett's Bridge, Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny". [[National Inventory of Architectural Heritage]].
8. [http://www.norevalleypark.com/ Nore Valley Park]
9. [http://www.nicholasmosse.com/ Nicholas Mosse Website]
10. Campbell, Georgina. (2007). "Georgina Campbell's Ireland 2007-The Guide". Georgina Campbell's Guides Ltd.
11. Harrison, Bernice. "Design Moment: Nicholas Mosse jug, 1980". The Irish Times.
12. "VISIT US {{!}} VISIT US IN BENNETTSBRIDGE, COUNTY KILKENNY".
13. [http://www.stonewarejackson.com/ Stoneware Jackson Website] {{webarchive. link. (14 August 2009)
14. Daugherty, Christi. (2006). "Frommer's Ireland 2006". John Wiley & Sons.