On a bright but very frosty morning on 20th November, 26 of our members enjoyed a guided historical tour of Thomastown with local historian and RTAI member, Joe Doyle.

Highlights of the tour were Thomastown Bridge built in 1770. The former bridge was washed away in the flood of 1763 with the loss of 18 lives. The Courthouse 1822-2006, formerly known as the Sessions House, is now a jewellery school. The butchers shop which has been trading since 1845 and the statue of Our Lady of Thomastown which is one of only three Black Madonna statues in Ireland.

Thanks to Joe for a very interesting tour of Thomastown and for the many amusing stories of Thomastown and its residents.

Afterwards the group enjoyed a delicious lunch in the Wildflower tearooms in the grounds of Kilfane estate.