Nicholas Mosse Pottery, established in 1976 by Nicholas Mosse, is a celebrated Irish craft destination housed in a restored 18th-century flour mill on the banks of the River Nore in Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny. Renowned for its handcrafted spongeware pottery, inspired by traditional Irish folk designs, the attraction offers a unique blend of artisanal craftsmanship, shopping, dining, and a picturesque riverside setting.
With a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award (top 10% of attractions), it’s a recommended visit for pottery enthusiasts, gift shoppers, and those seeking a charming cultural experience.
Nicholas Mosse Pottery, located in a renovated 16th-century flour mill on the banks of the River Nore in Bennettsbridge, just south of Kilkenny City, offers a charming and immersive experience for visitors. Established in 1976, the pottery is renowned for its handcrafted Irish spongeware, a traditional 18th-century style featuring simple shapes decorated with cut-sponge techniques inspired by rural Irish landscapes, flowers, and folk traditions. Here’s what visitors can anticipate:
- Pottery Showroom and Shopping: Handcrafted Spongeware: The expansive showroom displays a complete range of Nicholas Mosse’s tableware and giftware, including bowls, mugs, plates, and serving dishes in iconic patterns like Old Rose, Clover, Forget Me Not, Blue Blooms, and Animal Landscape. Each piece is handmade on-site using traditional sponge-decorating techniques, with motifs inspired by rural Ireland’s meadows and wildlife. Visitors can observe potters at work through viewing areas, showcasing the process from clay to glazed piece.
- Pottery Viewing and Shopping: Guests can observe potters and decorators at work through glass windows, witnessing the 20-step handcrafting process, including throwing, glazing, and sponge-decorating each piece. The Irish Country Shop spans three floors, showcasing a complete range of pottery shapes and patterns, such as Old Rose, Clover, Forget Me Not, and Blue Blooms. A “seconds quality” section offers discounted items (typically 16% off), alongside special discount tables with unique finds. The shop also stocks Irish woolens, textiles, glassware, and home accessories, making it a treasure trove for gift-seekers.
- Café and Riverside Setting: The upstairs café, overlooking the River Nore, serves freshly baked scones, light lunches, and gluten-free treats using local ingredients, including flour from a nearby mill. Visitors can relax with tea or coffee while enjoying views of swans and wildlife along the river. Outdoor seating enhances the scenic experience, weather permitting.
- Tours and History: Guided tours (available Monday to Wednesday, €5 per person, minimum 10 people, 30-40 minutes) offer an in-depth look at the pottery-making process and the history of the mill and spongeware tradition. A dedicated room displays the mill’s history and Nicholas Mosse’s collection of early Irish spongeware. Tours require advance booking.
- Ambiance and Accessibility: The mill’s picturesque setting, with free parking and a welcoming atmosphere (sometimes greeted by resident geese), creates a relaxing visit. The staff is noted for being friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful with export tax receipts and shipping options for international visitors. The pottery emphasizes sustainable practices, using hydroelectricity and recycling materials.
- Unique Experiences: Visitors often praise the warm hospitality, with past reviews highlighting exceptional efforts, such as Nicholas Mosse personally assisting during flooding to ensure access to the shop. The combination of craftsmanship, scenic beauty, and local charm makes it a memorable stop, even for those not typically fond of shopping.
What’s New:
- New Patterns and Retirements: In 2024, Nicholas Mosse introduced new variations like Blue Blooms and continued popular patterns such as Old Rose and Forget Me Not. However, they retired all tall mugs and cafetiиres, suggesting a shift in product offerings. Visitors can expect fresh designs inspired by Irish flora and landscapes, as the pottery frequently updates its collections to maintain its appeal. Check the official website (nicholasmosse.com) for the latest patterns.
- Enhanced Visitor Recent reviews indicate improvements in staffing to address past concerns about slow service and crowd management, particularly post-Covid. This suggests a smoother experience in the shop and café, with more staff available to assist and ensure a pleasant visit.
- Sustainability Focus: The pottery’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, such as using hydroelectricity and upcycling materials, remains a cornerstone of its operations.
- Online and Global Reach: Nicholas Mosse has expanded its online presence, with pottery now available in the USA and through retailers like Kilkenny Design. While this primarily affects online shoppers, the physical shop may feature new displays or promotions tied to international markets, enhancing the global appeal for visitors.
- Practical Information Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny, R95 CK71, 10 minutes south of Kilkenny Castle, near Exit 9 off the M9.
- Contact: +353 (0)56 772 7505, sales@nicholasmosse.com, nicholasmosse.com.
- Tips: Check opening times on the website, as they vary. For those in Kilkenny City, a selection of Nicholas Mosse pottery is available at Kilkenny Design opposite the Castle gate.
Visitors to Nicholas Mosse Pottery can look forward to a blend of traditional Irish craftsmanship, a serene riverside setting, and a welcoming, hands-on experience, with new patterns and improved services enhancing the attraction’s enduring charm.
