The birthplace of Nicholas Mosse Pottery is the beautiful landscape of Kilkenny (Ireland); and its heritage, mystery and magic are a daily inspiration for all our decorative pottery.
Our Irish Country Shop & Café is located along Irelands Ancient East route; a unique discovery trail that extends from the stone-age tomb of Newgrange in Meath, through to Kilkenny’s medieval mile, Waterfords Viking Quarter and Cork City.
We are unashamedly biased in our praise and promotion of this resource, because whatever you’re in the mood for, Ireland’s Ancient East has it all!
If you fancy a quiet ramble amongst inspiring landscapes you will find beauty here, no matter the weather. You can touch crumbling walls of ancient heritage and hear traditional music alongside roaring fires. You will be inspired and intrigued by ancient tales of mystery and you can recharge and indulge in feasts of epicurean delight. It’s all on our doorstep.
In particular, Kilkenny’s medieval mile is a must-see. It’s a walking trail that links 800-year-old Kilkenny Castle to St. Canice’s Cathedral with all manner of medieval magic, shopping, pubs and music in between; including the National Craft Gallery, Smithwicks Brewery and the ancestral home of Dame Alice Kyteler, who was accused of witchcraft in the 14th century.
In addition, Kilkenny has just opened the Medieval Mile Museum, which is a gorgeously light and modern museum set in an old church that is brimming with relics, treasures and secrets.
Every time I walk the medieval mile, I imagine myself stepping through time. I turn up my nose at the smells that would have assaulted the senses in the Tudor inn…
I envisage myself in robes, kneeling to say a quiet prayer in the Dominican abbey…
I long for a time when mobile phones didn’t invade our lives while I stroll through the medieval gardens and climb the Round Tower…
And then, I come back to reality, with a plate of pan fried scallops at Zuni, followed by champagne at the Langton House Hotel (which has 7 different bars).
When I feel like getting away from the hustle and bustle of the ancient, yet cosmopolitan city of Kilkenny, I head to Kells Priory, which is just 12km away by car (or a 2 hour walk by foot).
The priory, which dates back to 1193, is one of our National Monuments because it is a unique example of both religious architecture and late medieval military architecture (think medieval cathedral meets fortress). The site is also the burial ground of Niall Caille, High King of Ireland, so if you’re in the mood for some ‘Game of Thrones’ role play…this is the place to do it! “Barry Lyndon” by Stanley Kubrick was also partially filmed here.
When all the fresh air exhausts you, ramble back at your leisure, but don’t forget to pay us a visit by the River Nore as we’re only a 10 minute drive from the Priory. A slice of lemon drizzle cake and an earthenware mug of steaming coffee awaits you.
Written by Leann Matthews
