[3] A freestanding limestone cross of disputed provenance stands at Johnstown Crossroads dating to 1412.

Johnstownbridge had a patent granted in the 17th century for holding a weekly market on Monday, but Lewis's Topography noted in 1837 that "this privilege has not been enjoyed for many years: fairs are held on March 31st, May 29th, Oct. 13th, and Dec.

Lewis also noted "a curious old cross, the only relic to mark the site of an abbey that formerly existed here.".

One of Daniel O'Connell's colleagues in Irish independence movement Richard More O'Ferrall (1797–1880), MP for Kildare 1839-57 and 1859–65, lived in Balyna house.

[7] The town's Gothic-style Catholic church dates to c.1830, and is also dedicated to Saint Patrick.