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About
Tipperary
Tipperary is Ireland's largest inland county and lies at the heart of Irish farming with gentle hills and richly fertile river valleys. Its success with agriculture is due to the rich limestone fertile soil. The river Suir runs through the centre of the county and every major town lies on its banks or one of its tributaries. Tipperary is surrounded by gentle rolling hills, the most famous (and some would say beautiful) being the Galtee Mountains and the Glen of Aherlow.
Clonmel
Clonmel is Tipperary's liveliest town on the river Suir. Surrounded by the Commeragh and Knockmealdown mountains it is an excellent centre for climbing and exploring. It's a hugely historic town; in the 14th century it was walled and fortified and was the home of the powerful Butler Anglo-Norman family. Considered by some to be the town's main building, the Main Guard is the oldest public Classical building in Ireland. Charles Bianconi, a native of northern Italy, became Mayor of Clonmel and gave Ireland its first transport system. In 1843 he had a hundred vehicles on the roads. There are also numerous churches, and a transport museum.
Cashel
Cashel is a town dominated by the Rock, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Ireland. It sits on the outskirts of the town on a large mound of limestone bristling with ancient fortifications. Mighty stone walls encircle a complete round tower, a roofless abbey, a 12th century Romanesque chapel, and numerous other buildings and high crosses. If you're a book lover, be sure not to miss GPA Bolton Library - home to valuable first editions and priceless manuscripts.
Thurles
Twenty-two kilometres to the north of Cashel is Thurles, a large market town founded in the 13th Century. Known to many as the home of some fantastic weekend-long music festivals in the early to mid nineties, (the "Feile" or "Trip to Tipp"), Thurles was where the GAA was founded (Gaelic Athletic Association) in 1884. Don't miss the ruins of two 15th Century square tower houses, Barry's Castle by the bridge, and Black Castle at the opposite end of Liberty Square.
Roscrea
Located on the eastern side of the county, Roscrea makes a perfect base for exploring the wonderful Slieve Bloom Mountains. The majority of Roscrea's historical structures are located on or near Castle Street. The centre of town is home to a thirteenth century castle, restored by Duchas, Ireland's National Heritage Service. Substantial remains of walls, towers and a gategouse still remain. Inside the courtyard of the castle grounds stands Damer House, a Queen Anne style residence and home of the Roscrea Heritage Centre. The centre hosts a number of interesting exhibitions, including a display on early twentieth-century farming life.
Tipperary Town
Less than five miles from the Limerick border and originally an Anglo Norman settlement, Tipperary Town lies at the northern side of the Glen of Aherlow. Aside from a statue of Charles T Kickham and the Sean Treacy swimming pool (which has an interesting little museum housed in it's foyer, with photos, letters and weaponry relating to the old IRA warring years), there aren't a huge amount of attractions as such in the town itself. Out on the Limerick Road though, the Tipperary Race Course is worth a look in, and has regular meetings throughout the year.
The Glen of Aherlow and Galtee Mountains
The wonderfully majestic Glen of Aherlow runs beneath the northern slope of the Galtee Mountains. Approximately eight miles long and two miles wide, the Glen is famed for its spectacular views. Look out for a scenic drive through the Glen, clearly signposted from Tipperary town. Bansha is located between Tipperary and Cahir at the eastern end of the Glen and is perfect for a spot of gentle hiking.
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