Tipperary is a large county located in
the south of the island forming part of the province of Munster. The
county is always referred to as a single entity when the traditional
32 counties of Ireland are listed, but for over 100 years Tipperary
has been split into 2 distinct areas formerly called Ridings for
various administration functions. These localities are known as
North Tipperary and South Tipperary. The combined county area of
4,303 km² makes Tipperary the sixth largest county in Ireland. The
county’s population total has remained notably static at 149,000
during the recent Celtic Tiger economic boom years. South Tipperary
is slightly more densely populated than its northern associate being
home to about 56% of the combined county’s residents.
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In the Middle Ages, the attractive town of Cashel (current
population 11,400) was considered to be the county town of the
entire Tipperary region. Although this honour has since moved
elsewhere, Cashel has become the county’s top tourist attraction
with visitors mainly wanting to see and explore the famous Rock of
Cashel which is the spectacular sight of a ruined church and large
fort perched upon a limestone rock outcrop high above the town.
Clonmel became the next official county town of Tipperary. It is
famous for temporarily repelling the invading British forces of
Oliver Cromwell in 1650 after many other Irish towns had been
brutally overrun. Today, with a population of over 15,000, the town
is still the county seat of South Tipperary. The administrative
capital of North Tipperary is the small town of Nenagh which boasts
a castle and ruined Franciscan abbey amongst its attractions,
although Thurles is slightly larger in population terms at around
8,000. Many people think Tipperary town must have featured as a
county seat at some stage, but this has never been the case. Ancient
castles and fortifications feature all over this scenic county with
Cahir and its castle being another fine example. The River Suir
flows through Tipperary and large parts of the county form fertile
agricultural land known as the Golden Vale of Munster. The county is
also home to the largest thoroughbred horse breeding centre in the
world at Coolmore Stud
Famine Warhouse
During the Great Famine the Warhouse was the scene of the 1848
Rebellion. The house exhibits the history of the Famine and mass
emigration, the rebellion, high treason trials and penal exile of
the Young Ireland leaders in Australia and their escapes to the
U.S.A. Here rebels under the leadership of the Protestant
aristocrat, William Smith O'Brien, M.P., besieged 47 police who had
barricaded themselves into the McCormack farmhouse taking five
children hostage. The exhibition places the Famine Rebellion in the
context of 1848 as Europe's Year of Revolutions in France, Germany,
Italy, Austria and Hungary.
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Nenagh Heritage Centre
Housed in an interesting mid-19th Century building which was a
County Gaol Governor's House for North Tipperary, a Convent and a
Heritage Centre, this unique Museum is well worth a visit!
Exhibitions include:
• The North Tipperary Gaol model, with supporting story
• A recreated schoolroom from 1913 Ireland
• A recreated Bar and Grocery shop from pre-1960’s Ireland
• The Museum of Rural Life, where you can see a collection of old
implements used in daily life in Rural Ireland
• The Irish Dairy, which shows the stages of butter-making and the
various utensils used in Irish farming life
• The Original Kitchen from the North Tipperary Gaol, dating from
the mid 1800's
• The Heritage Centre Gallery, which houses rotating art, craft,
photography and information exhibitions from the Tipperary area
• In the Gatehouse, you can read the story of the Tipperary born
Cormack brother's; see the condemned prisoners' cells and the
execution area
The Nenagh Heritage Centre is located just a short walk from Nenagh
town centre in Co. Tipperary.
Redwood Castle
A key visitor attraction in North Tipperary, Redwood Castle is a
striking example of a Gaelic tower house. It was home to the Ó
Cinnéide (O’Kennedy) lords of Ormond and later on to the Mac
Aodhagáin (MacEgan) sept, Ireland’s most famous family of hereditary
brehon lawyers. The Castle, which is open to visitors from mid June
to mid August was probably erected as a Norman stronghold about
1210. Between 1350 and 1640 it was occupied by the MacEgans, a
famous Brehon family who kept a renowned school of law and letters.
It was during this time that the famous "Leabhair Breac" and parts
of the Annals of the four Masters were written here. The Castle is
situated on a hillock near the Shannon and has been restored by a
member of the Egan Clan. The Castle is situated two miles off the
Ballincor Crossroads on the Birr/Portumna road.
The castle is the largest surviving tower house in the region and
visitors can enjoy being guided around its many interesting
chambers, passageways and staircases. Restored by members of the
Egan family in the 1970s, the castle stands as a reminder of the
sept’s ancient roots and powerful influence.
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Rock of Cashel
A spectacular group of medieval buildings set on a outcrop of
limestone in the Golden Vale including the 12th century round tower,
High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral,
15th century castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars. There is an
audio visual show entitled "Strongholds of Faith", which is
available in English, French, Italian and German and various other
exhibitions. Opening and closing times depend largely on the
availability of staff and visitor numbers. It is therefore advisable
for visitors to check in advance to avoid disappointment. Please
note that this is a very busy site and visitors may experience a
delay during the summer months.
The Source Arts Centre
A new arts centre in the centre of Thurles offering a range of
entertainment from ballet and opera to film and gallery exhibitions.
The Source Arts Centre opened on 2nd October 2006 and is Ireland's
newest arts centre. It consists of a 250 seat auditorium with fully
flexible seating, and a dedicated gallery space. A year round
programme of events will include film, theatre, dance, ballet,
opera, music, family events and visual art exhibitions. And
alongside the professional events The Source will have a community
and youth outreach programme.
Lar Na Pairce The Story Of The Gaelic Games
Housed in an elegant 19th century building, this exhibition tells
the story of Gaelic games through legendary times to the present
day. It deals with hurling, football, camogie and handball. There
are displays on Cuchulainn, landlords, hurley-making and
broadcasting, as well as a hall of fame and the Sam Melbourne
Collection of GAA memorabilia and artefacts.
Lisheen Castle
The Everard family is synonimous with the area of Lisheen and
Thurles, having lived here since the early 18th. century. In the mid
19th. century, the family moved to Fortfield House, which was the
dower house on the Lisheen Castle Estate. The present occupants,
Michael and Joan Everard, run a very successful 300 acre farm
specialising in cereal and dairying. In 1996, Michael and Joan
undertook the restoration and renovation of the Castle. This has
been a real labour of love for them, as they have a wonderful
appreciation of history and things beautiful. It was specially
pleasing to Michael and Joan that all the craftsmen needed to carry
our this momentous task were available locally. They have left no
stone unturned to ensure that Lisheen Castle would be restored to
its former glory, a residence fit for a Lord.
Roscrea Castle and Damer House
The stone castle consists of a gate tower, curtain walls and two
corner towers dating from the 1280's. The castle rooms are furnished
and some house exhibitions. Built in the early 18th century in the
Qunne Anne style, Damer House is an example of pre-Palladian
architecture. Its rooms house temporary exhibitions. One of the
rooms is furnished in period style. It also has a restored mill
displaying original St Cronan's high cross and pillar stone.
Bru Boru Heritage Centre
This facility incorporates a folk theatre, restaurant, craft centre,
information centre and genealogy suite. Traditional Irish music,
song and dance are provided for visitors to the centre by world
famous, resident Bru Boru Group of Irish musicians and artists
during the summer season. Their latest additional facility is the
dramatic and thought provoking underground theatre and exhibition
which relays the story of Irish song and dance.
Visit "Sounds of History" subterranean chambers 7 metres underground
which echo to the story of ireland from ancient from ancient times
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Mitchelstown Cave
Considered one of the most spectacular caves in Europe, Mitchelstown
Cave is located 12 kilometres east of Mitchelstown. The guided tour
takes you through almost half a mile of this world famous show cave,
the House of Commons and the House of Lords. In this cavern, you are
surrounded by indescribable drip stone formations, stalactites,
stalagmites, huge calcite columns and one of Europe's finest
columns, inspiring 'Tower of Babel' formation which stands some 30
feet high. The formation, shapes, colour and history of the cave
make for an enthralling visit at any time. Access to the cave is
easy, along with well-lit passageways leading to the caverns.
Celtic Plantarum Dundrum
A magical combination of numerous plants, shrubs and trees, some
quite rare with quaint water features. The display features a range
of conjectural reconstructions of ancient field monuments drawn from
Ireland’s romantic past all presented in a delightful setting with
meandering pathways and ever present bird and wildlife. The pathways
and displays add great interest to a visit to this location in the
historic Dundrum village and just a mile from Marl Bog forest park
and fishing area. A well stocked and very extensive garden centre
complete the range of attractions at Celtic Plantarum.
Kilcooley Abbey
A Cistercian abbey founded from Jerpoint by Donal Mor O'Brien in
1182 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary and St. Benedict. The church,
built around 1200, had a nave and two aisles, but after the almost
complete destruction of the monastery in 1445, great reconstruction
took place and the church lost its two aisles. In the course of
rebuilding, a new north transept and a tower were also added. There
is a fine tranceried east window in the chancel, and good vaulting
in the north transept. some fine tombs adorn the choir, including
that of Piers Fitz Oge Butler (c.1526). The abbey is set in the
grounds of a large estate adjoining the ancient pilgrim route to
Cashel. The estate and house are private.
Museum of Transport
This major museum displays the extensive fruits of a lifetimes work
by its enthusiastic owner. It has exhibits dating from the earliest
motorised vehicles. Jaguar, Renault, Morris, Mercedes, an MG and a
1904 Clement Talbot are featured among the many cars and other
motoring automobilia, signs, light garage equipment, books and
posters on display. The museum currently occupies two floors of the
skilfully restored mill.
Towns and Villages in County Tipperary
Other towns worth further consideration are Ballina, Borrisoleigh,
Borrisokane, Cloughjordan, Holycross, Littleton, Newport, Portroe,
Puckaun, Roscrea, Silvermines, Templemore, Templetuohy, Toomevara,
Twomileborris, Ardfinnan, Ballingarry, Ballyclerahan, Ballyporeen,
Bansha, Cappagh White, Carrick-on-Suir (with parts in neighbouring
Waterford & Kilkenny), Clogheen, Dundrum, Emly, Fethard, Golden,
Gortnahoo, Killenaule, Kilsheelan, Mullinahone and Newcastle.
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