| Bennettsbridge Droichead Bineád |
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| Location | ||
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| Statistics | ||
| Province: | Leinster | |
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| County: | County Kilkenny | |
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Population (2006) |
685[1] | |
Bennettsbridge (Irish: Droichead Bineád) is a village in County Kilkenny in Ireland. It is situated on the river Nore 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) south of Kilkenny city, in the centre of the county. It is located in the province of Leinster in the south-east of the island of Ireland. Bennettsbridge is a census town with a population of 685.
The village is on the R700 road at a stone bridge crossing of the Nore between Kilkenny and Thomastown. It has become a craft centre in recent years, with several pottery and craft producers located at the old mill beside the weir.
The village is part of the parish of Tullaherin which contains an almost intact 9th century round tower.
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History
Bennettsbridge owes its name to Saint Bennet 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[citation needed] 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.[2]
Geography
Bennettsbridge is located along the river Nore at a ford of the river about 10 kilometres (6 mi) from Gowran. There are two old mills downstream from the bridge. Ducks and swans and other river life are present in abundance.
Transport
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.
Bennettsbridge railway station opened on 2 September 1861, but closed permanently on 15 February 1965.[3]
Landmarks
Nore Valley Park includes a farm trail, Crazy Golf course and a picnic & barbecue area.
Sport
- Bennettsbridge GAA is the local Gaelic Athletic Association club.
People
- Noel Skehan, the hurling player.
- Hubert Butler, the essayist.
See also
References
- ^ Census 2006 — Volume 1 - p. 136.PDF (4.22 MB) – Central Statistics Office (Ireland). Retrieved on 2008-05-22.
- ^ Lewis 1837
- ^ "Bennettsbridge station". Railscot - Irish Railways. http://www.railscot.co.uk/Ireland/Irish_railways.pdf. Retrieved on 2007-09-12.
Further reading
- Lewis, Samuel (1837). A Topgrahical Dictionary of Ireland. London: S. LEWIS & Co. 87, Aldergate Street.. http://www.libraryireland.com/topog/index.php.
External links
- Kilkenny Photographic Society Pictures
- Bennettsbridge GAA
- Cemetery records
- Tullaherin Heritage Society
Coordinates: 52°36′N 7°11′W / 52.6°N 7.183°W
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