Thomastown

Many thanks to  The Salmon Pool Inn for facilitating this camera's location and to Thomastown Anglers Association for capitally funding its installation. The River Nore, known as An Fheoir in Irish, stretches over a length of 140 kilometers. It forms one of the three constituent rivers, along with the River Suir and River Barrow, collectively referred to as the Three Sisters. This river system encompasses approximately 977 square kilometers of Leinster. Originating from the Devil's Bit Mountain in North Tipperary, the River Nore flows in a southeasterly and then southerly direction, ultimately reaching the Celtic Sea at Waterford Harbour in Waterford.The Nore is renowned for its exceptional Brown Trout fishing, particularly in the vicinity of Thomastown. The primary Salmon fishing takes place from Inistioge up to the confluence of the River Dinan, located upstream of Kilkenny City. The Thomastown area offers some of the finest fly fishing spots. While spring fishing can be somewhat inconsistent, the Grilse runs, especially in May, are generally quite impressive. However, it is during August and September that the Nore truly showcases its remarkable fishing opportunities.Historically, milling was the dominant industry in Thomastown, with mills powered by the waters of the River Nore. The mills, known as Pilsworth's Mills, played a central role in the town's economy until the early 1960s. At one point, there were twelve water-powered mills operating within the parish, serving the grain and cloth industries. The final operational mill in Thomastown ceased operations in 1963 and has since transformed into the site of Grennan Mill Craft School. Upstream from the bridge, several well-preserved mill buildings can be observed.Throughout the centuries, the River Nore played a vital role in facilitating the transportation of goods to and from the port of New Ross. However, this boat trade experienced a decline towards the end of the 18th century.