Bennettsbridge () is a village in County Kilkenny in Ireland. It is situated on the River Nore south of Kilkenny city, in the centre of the county. Bennettsbridge is a census town, and has population of 745 as of the 2016 census. 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. History Bennettsbridge owes its name to Saint Benet 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 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. Geography Bennettsbridge is located along the river Nore at a ford of the river about from Gowran. There are two old mills downstream from the bridge. Ducks and swans and other river life are present in abundance. Transport Road 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. Bus The village is served daily by Bus Éireann route 73 (Waterford –Kilkenny- Athlone). Kilbride Coaches' New Ross to Kilkenny route provides two journeys each way daily but none on Sundays. The first journey arrives into Kilkenny at 08.30 and the last return journey is at 18.00 making commuting possible. On Thursdays Bus Éireann route 374 provides a journey in each direction along the same route. Bus services to Rosslare Europort are available from New Ross and Waterford In the summer, a scheduled Ring A Link bus allows visitors to access local craft outlets before taking a riverside walk back to Kilkenny. Rail Bennettsbridge railway station opened on 2 September 1861, but closed permanently on 15 February 1965. Nowadays the nearest rail station is Kilkenny railway station around 9 kilometres distant. Landmarks Bennett's Bridge There is record of Bennett's Bridge in 1393, when John