Jerpoint Park Newtown Jerpoint
Explore the atmospheric ruins of a 12th-century lost town and enjoy a charming sheepdog demonstration at this family-run gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid tour bus crowds
Jerpoint Park Newtown Jerpoint
Best Time
Avoid tour bus crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the atmospheric ruins of a 12th-century lost town and enjoy a charming sheepdog demonstration at this family-run gem.
"This was such a hidden gem of a historical tour - the owner was our tour guide and had a wealth of knowledge! "
🎯 Book Private Tours
Call ahead to secure a private tour for a more intimate historical experience.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Be prepared for uneven terrain and potential wet conditions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Medieval Lost Town Ruins
Jerpoint Park
Explore the atmospheric remains of a 12th-century town, a truly unique historical site.
Engaging Family-Owned Tours
Jerpoint Park
Hear captivating history from passionate owners who make learning fun and memorable.
Charming Sheepdog Demonstration
Jerpoint Park
Witness the incredible skill of sheepdogs in action – a heartwarming and entertaining spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Intimate Tours
Weather-Ready Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Private Tours
Call ahead to secure a private tour for a more intimate historical experience.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Be prepared for uneven terrain and potential wet conditions.
Lesser known places of interest in Ireland?
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
The ruins offer stunning photographic opportunities, especially after rain.
🐶 Don't Miss the Sheepdogs
The sheepdog demo is a highlight for many visitors!
What am I missing?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Private Tours
Call ahead to secure a private tour for a more intimate historical experience.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Be prepared for uneven terrain and potential wet conditions.
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
The ruins offer stunning photographic opportunities, especially after rain.
🐶 Don't Miss the Sheepdogs
The sheepdog demo is a highlight for many visitors!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Jerpoint Park as a hidden gem, praising the passionate and knowledgeable family owners who bring the medieval history to life. The sheepdog demonstration is a universally loved highlight, adding a charming rural element to the experience. While the site is atmospheric and historically rich, some visitors note that booking ahead is crucial to avoid larger tour groups and ensure a more intimate visit.
"The owner allowed me photogaph the ruins as I was not with a tour or private group and it was just after some very heavy rian, a lot of the land was covered under water, but she allowed me access and it was fantastic. It has so much to offer, I would loved to have had more time to photograph it from all angles but the owner was expection a visitor. A stunning location and well worth a visit, cheers"
Michael Raj Groves
"This place is reverently amazing. Hearing the history from the property owners was a gift. Their respectful tending to history is such a special vocation. But truly… the sheep herding demonstration won our hearts! What an incredible stop from beginning to end!"
amy siffer
"This was such a hidden gem of a historical tour- the owner was our tour guides and had a wealth of knowledge and presented it in a way that was matter-of-factly and not too heady or boring- it felt like we were talking with our cool aunt! By the end of the tour we were laughing so hard we were crying and for some members of our family the experience was very mystical. The grounds themselves are beautiful and it was an intimate and enriching way to engage with history."
Hailey McLaughlin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jerpoint Park is located near Thomastown in County Kilkenny, Ireland. It's best accessed by car, offering a scenic drive through the countryside. The park is situated west of Jerpoint Abbey, making it a convenient stop if you're visiting the abbey.
While it's a bit of a hidden gem, follow signs for Jerpoint Abbey and you'll be close. The family owners are very helpful if you need directions.
Public transport options to this specific rural location are limited. Having a car is highly recommended for the best experience and flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable, with tours and demonstrations typically costing around €15 per person. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for private tours.
It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially if you desire a private tour or want to ensure availability, as tour buses can arrive.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to contact the owners directly or check their website for the most up-to-date information. Booking ahead is key.
Yes, Jerpoint Park offers guided tours of the medieval town ruins and sheepdog demonstrations. Private tours can be arranged for a more personalized experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the fascinating ruins of a 12th-century town, learn its history from the knowledgeable owners, and enjoy an entertaining sheepdog demonstration.
Absolutely! Families often find the tours engaging and the sheepdog demonstration a highlight. The historical aspect is presented in a fun, accessible way.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged. The ruins offer beautiful, atmospheric shots, especially after rain.
Jerpoint Park was a thriving medieval town founded in the 12th century, featuring dwellings, a courthouse, and various mills and industries. It offers a glimpse into early Irish urban life.
While there isn't a full restaurant, some reviews mention a hearty breakfast being available if you stay overnight. It's advisable to bring snacks or plan for meals in nearby Thomastown.
📸 📸 Photography
The ruins are particularly atmospheric after rain, with unique lighting and reflections. Early mornings or late afternoons can also offer softer light for capturing the medieval town.
You can capture the evocative stone ruins, the surrounding countryside, and candid shots of the sheepdog demonstrations. The historical details of the town are great subjects.
Generally, photography is permitted. However, always be respectful of the site and any ongoing tours or private events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's recommended to book a private tour to ensure a more personalized experience for your family, allowing for questions and a pace that suits younger visitors. The grounds are beautiful for a stroll, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming and enriching for all ages.
📸 Photographers
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid larger groups and enjoy a more serene environment for your photography. The interplay of light and shadow on the ancient stones, combined with the surrounding Irish countryside, makes for compelling images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lost Medieval Town of Newtown Jerpoint
The family owners of Jerpoint Park are dedicated to preserving and sharing this unique history. Their guided tours are highly praised for being informative, engaging, and delivered with passion. Unlike large, impersonal historical sites, Jerpoint Park provides an intimate experience where you can truly connect with the stories of the past. The owners' commitment to history is evident in their respectful tending of the site, making it a special place for discovery.
Visitors often describe the tours as feeling like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend, making the history accessible and enjoyable. The grounds themselves are beautiful, and the experience is often described as both enriching and, for some, even mystical. It's a chance to step back in time and appreciate the layers of history that have shaped the Irish landscape.
The Heartwarming Sheepdog Demonstration
This demonstration adds a delightful, down-to-earth element to the historical exploration. It’s a chance to see traditional rural skills in action and appreciate the working heritage of the land. The sheepdogs themselves are often described as cute and the performance as heartwarming, making it a memorable part of the Jerpoint Park experience for all ages.
Social
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