Overview
Belmore House is a Georgian country house perched on the banks of the River Nore near Thomastown, County Kilkenny. Set within a sweeping 115‑acre estate, the house fronts onto the River Nore and the adjoining Mount Juliet Estate. The property is best known for its elegant architecture, its connection to the long‑lost medieval settlement of Newtown Jerpoint, and the vibrant family‑run Jerpoint Park that surrounds it. Visitors to the house can enjoy a blend of history, architecture, and countryside leisure – from tea and scones in the tea rooms to guided walks among ancient church ruins.
History
Constructed in 1790 as a hunting lodge for the Earl of Belmore, Belmore House was designed by the celebrated architect Sir Richard Morrison. The lodge cost £5,000 to build and was erected on land leased from the Hunt family, a site that is believed to have previously hosted a manorial house. The Hunt family retained close ties to the estate; in the mid‑19th century they began archaeological investigations that uncovered the scale of Newtown Jerpoint, a thriving 12th‑century Anglo‑Norman settlement.
The settlement comprised roughly 27 dwellings, a courthouse, a woollen mill, a brewery and a church. It survived until the 17th century when a loss of its toll bridge and a road re‑routing led to abandonment. Today the most visible remnants are the ruined Church of St Nicholas, its graveyard, and the faint outlines of the original burgage plots.
A notable feature in the churchyard is an early 14th‑century slab effigy of an ecclesiastic, presumed to be a local priest. Local legend links the site to St Nicholas – the inspiration for Father Christmas – suggesting his remains were once interred here. While unverified, the story adds a layer of intrigue to the ruins.
In recent years the house and its surrounding lands have been restored and are now owned by the O’Connell family, who operate the adjoining Jerpoint Park and tea rooms. The estate is listed as a protected structure of regional importance under the Planning & Development Act.
Getting There & Parking
- Road access – The estate is reached via a sweeping lime‑tree avenue off the N10 road, just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Thomastown.
- Public transport – Thomastown railway station (approximately 3.2 km away) offers regular Dublin‑to‑Kilkenny services, making the site easy to reach by train.
- Parking – A free, on‑site car park sits beside the tea rooms. During peak summer weekends the lot can fill quickly, so early arrival or pre‑booking a parking space is advisable.
- Electric gates – Visitors enter through automated gates; the gate code is supplied on booking confirmation for Jerpoint Park activities.
Architectural Highlights
- Main Hall & Reception Rooms – The heart of the house features a grand main hall, a drawing room with a sweeping bay window, a study with original barrel‑vaulted ceilings, and a dining room that retains its period charm.
- Living Spaces – The living room boasts a flagged floor and another barrel‑vaulted ceiling, while the kitchen is equipped with a four‑oven Aga and a pantry.
- Bedrooms – The first floor holds five bedrooms, three of which have ensuite facilities, plus a main bathroom.
- Stable Yard & Outbuildings – An enclosed courtyard houses a range of lofted stable buildings, a coach house, tack room and feed house, all dating from the late 18th century. The stable block includes twelve loose boxes and living accommodation above the central block, offering development potential subject to permission.
- Walled Garden – A one‑acre walled garden, recently restored, offers a tranquil spot for seasonal planting and quiet contemplation.
Medieval Ruins
The ruins of the 12th‑century Church of St Nicholas and its graveyard lie within the estate’s parkland. Visitors can walk the outlines of the former burgage plots and imagine the bustling life of Newtown Jerpoint.
Jerpoint Park Activities
Jerpoint Park, operated from the Belmore House grounds, provides a range of countryside pursuits:
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Pony & trap rides | Traditional rides across the estate for families. |
| Sheep‑dog demonstration | Watch a skilled handler and dog work together in a classic herding display. |
| Angling | Salmon and wild brown trout fishing on the River Nore – the estate holds about 520 m (568 yd) of single‑bank fishing rights. |
| Horse riding | Guided rides across open countryside with panoramic views. |
| Heritage walk | Guided tours of the Newtown Jerpoint footprints, including the church ruins. |
| Tea rooms | Homemade scones, cakes and light lunches served in a historic setting. |
Fishing & Angling
The River Nore, a Special Area of Conservation, runs along the front of the estate. Anglers with a permit can fish the 520 m stretch of single‑bank rights for wild salmon and brown trout. The river’s clear waters and healthy trout runs make it a popular spot for both experienced anglers and families learning to cast.
Seasonal Events & Special Activities
During the summer months Jerpoint Park runs a series of family‑friendly events, such as:
- Sheep‑dog demonstrations on Saturday mornings, showcasing traditional herding skills.
- Heritage festivals featuring live music, storytelling and craft stalls that celebrate the medieval history of Newtown Jerpoint.
- Guided themed walks (e.g., “St Nicholas Legends” and “Anglo‑Norman Life”) which run on select weekdays. All events are listed on the Jerpoint Park website and may require advance booking.
Wildlife & Conservation
The park’s meadows are dotted with ancient oaks, chestnuts, lime and beech trees, providing habitat for a variety of bird species and river‑bank wildlife. The River Nore is a Special Area of Conservation, supporting diverse aquatic life, including salmon and brown trout. The Little Arrigle River runs along the estate’s eastern boundary, adding further riparian habitat.
Practical Information
Belmore House itself is a private residence and is not open for general tours, but the adjoining Jerpoint Park welcomes visitors throughout the year. The tea rooms operate seasonally; opening times and any entry fees for specific activities are listed on the Jerpoint Park website.
- Booking – Activities such as pony rides, angling and guided heritage walks are best booked in advance, especially during the summer months, through the Jerpoint Park website.
- Accessibility – The tea rooms and main garden paths are level and suitable for most visitors; however, some historic areas (e.g., the church ruins) involve uneven ground.
- Opening hours – Seasonal opening hours for the tea rooms and activity areas vary; please check the latest times on the Jerpoint Park website before you travel.
- Entry fees – Most activities are fee‑based and prices are published on the Jerpoint Park site. Fees may differ for adults, children and groups.
- Contact – For enquiries about activity bookings, tea‑room opening hours or private events, visit the Jerpoint Park website.
Visitor Tips
- Parking – Free parking is provided in the main car park adjacent to the tea rooms. During peak summer weekends the lot can fill quickly, so arrive early or consider pre‑booking a parking space where possible.
- What to bring – Comfortable walking shoes for the heritage trail, a waterproof jacket (the River Nore can be misty), and a picnic blanket if you plan to relax in the walled garden.
- Dog friendliness – Dogs are welcome on the estate grounds but must be kept on a lead in the garden and are not permitted inside the tea rooms.
- Seasonal highlights – Spring brings a burst of colour in the walled garden, while autumn offers striking foliage along the riverbank walks.
Nearby Attractions
While exploring Belmore House, consider visiting these nearby sites:
- Jerpoint Abbey – A well‑preserved Cistercian abbey just a short drive away, offering impressive stonework and a tranquil cloister.
- Inistioge – A charming riverside village on the Nore, known for its historic bridge and colourful streets, perfect for a leisurely lunch.
- Mount Juliet Estate – The adjoining estate features a championship golf course, hotel and additional walking routes.
- Kells Priory – A striking medieval priory set beside the King’s River, ideal for a complementary historic walk.
- Aghaviller – A short drive north, this site hosts a well‑preserved round tower and church, adding another medieval stop to your itinerary.
Belmore House and its surrounding estate offer a rare combination of Georgian elegance, medieval intrigue and lively countryside experiences, making it a compelling stop for history enthusiasts, families and anyone seeking a taste of Kilkenny’s rich heritage.