It’s a long way from one end of Tipperary to the other and hence the county is divided into two ridings (North and South) for administrative purposes. South Tipperary is a captivating area of mountains and valleys, populated by historic towns and villages.
The ancient town ofCashel and its surrounding countryside are dominated by the spectacular Rock of Cashel – a collection of early Christian and medieval buildings, including a fine cathedral, round tower and very early Romanesque doorway. Once the seat of the kings of Munster, St. Patrick is known to have preached there in the 5th century while Brian Ború was crowned King of Ireland there in the 11th century. The Brú Ború Cultural Centre in the town offers the best of traditional music, song and dance. Cashel’s history unfolds further at the Cashel Heritage Centre. Cashel town itself is a lively place with restaurants, traditional pubs and quality accommodation.
Set in the heart of the Golden Vale, the village ofDundrum is surrounded by forest and has a number of listed walks. It is also home to the Dundrum House Hotel and Golf Club. To the south,Cahiris an ancient and bustling town originally built around the 12th century Norman castle on a stony island on the River Suir. Cahir later developed around a square designed by John Nash in the 1840s, who also designed the nearby Swiss Cottage, a popular visitor attraction. To the west, the dramatic Galtee Mountains offer good walking trails, including the Tipperary Heritage Way which can be walked in four stages and takes in the area’s breathtaking scenery. Nearby Mitchelstown Cave offers access to three enormous underground caverns displaying incredible drip stone formations.
The Glen of Aherlowis a 16-mile stretch across some of Tipperary’s most breathtaking countryside. Shaped by the River Aherlow, this popular walking and horse trail through valleys and up to beautiful corrie lakes deep in the Galtee range. The Glen of Aherlow is bounded by the villages of Galbally and Bansha. Just north of the Glen of Aherlow,Tipperary Town lies along the River Ara. The long history of Tipperary, from its 12th century Anglo Norman settlements to its contribution in the War of Independence, can be accessed at the Tipperary Excel Heritage Centre in the town. Outside the town, Tipperary Race Course holds flat racing and national hunt meetings, while golfers are well catered for at the scenic Tipperary Golf Club and Ballykisteen Golf and Country Club. Founded in the early 9th century,Carrick-on-Suiris home to many fine examples of Anglo Norman castles, bridges, parks and churches. Ormonde Castle, an imposing four-towered structure was built in the 1400s and later incorporated into Ormonde Castle around 1560. The Old Bridge spanning the River Suir is one of the most striking stone bridges in Ireland. The town has a marina, and other activities available include fishing, golf and scenic walks. Fethard has been a walled town since the 13th century and within its very intact walls are many churches, friaries, towers and Sheela-na-Gig carvings.
ACCOMODATION
Kilshane House is an elegant and spacious regency house built in 1822. Situated three miles east of Tipperary Town it is the centrepiece of private parkland which includes a front river, remarkable Victorian landscape gardens with a man-made lake and grassy expanses.
Aherlow House Hotel is set in an idyllic location in the middle of a coniferous forest just four miles from Tipperary Town.
Cahir House Hotel, situated in the middle of Cahir has 42 well appointed rooms and is an ideal location to base yourself whilst discovering the west of Tipperary.
discoverclonmel.com is a part of an initiative by the Clonmel Chamber of Commerece to promote the town of Clonmel. Contact Clonmel Chamber of Commerece, 8 Sarsfield Street, Clonmel, Tipperary.
Tel: 052 6126500 - Web: www.clonmelchamber.com
