| Highlights
of some of the Towns and Villages in Tipperary |
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Cahir
A Heritage Town, Cahir
is situated in a delightful setting on the River Suir at the eastern end of the
Galtee Mountains. Cahir Castle is sited here which is one of of Ireland's
largest and best preserved castles. The Swiss Cottage is a delightful 'cottage
orne' situated on the estate of the Earl of Glengall off the Ardfinnan Road.
This area is also the location of the world famous 'Mitchelstown Cave',
situated midway between Cahir and Mitchelstown.
Holycross Abbey
, near Thurles
One of the most
picturesque Christian Monuments in Ireland. Holycross Abbey is set by the banks
of the River Sum. The Abbey was completely restored in 1976. It features an
audiovisual centre and shop and is open daily all year round.
Carrick-on-Suir
This lovely town is situated on a scenic stretch of the River Suir, Slievenamon
to the northwest and the Comeragh foothills to the south. The Heritage Centre
is situated on the prereformation burial ground and is housed in a former
Protestant church. To the north of the river lies Kilcash and Slievenamon. The
Ormond Castle, 15th century Manor House, a building of grace and character,
should not be missed.
Cashel
Cashel was the hub of civil and ecclesiastical life of Munster in medieval
times. The Rock of Cashel rising majestically over the town is one of Ireland's
great historic sites. King Cormac built his Royal Chapel in the 12th century'
and it is one of the remarkable buildings to be seen on the Rock of Cashel. A
more recent attraction is the Cashel Heritage Centre.
Clare Glens
An amenity area at the edge of the boisterous Clare River, the 'Glens' is a
haven for nature lovers, botanists, artists and photographers.
Clonmel
Cluain Meala - 'Meadow of Honey' - is set in superb surroundings on the bank of
the River Suir. It has a rich historical past, which includes well-preserved
portions of the old town walls, the Town Hall, the West Gate, the Main Guard,
Franciscan Friary and St. Patrick's Well. Charles Bianconi, a native of Italy,
settled in Clonmel and ran his first car from Clonmel to Cahir in 1815.
Fethard
Fiodh árd simply means the 'high pasture' or 'high wood'. Fethard is a most
important medieval small town in Ireland and was an Anglo-Norman settlement.
Major restoration work has been done to the walls and flanking towers. Other
notable historic buildings are the Augustinian Abbey, the Town Hall, Sheela na
Gig carvings and the Holy Trinity Church. It is the hub of a worldwide horse
breeding industry and Coolmore Stud is home to many famous world-class
stallions.
Nenagh
Nenagh the bustling provincial town owes its origins to the Norman Butlers who
build a castle here in 1220. Nearby are the remains of a medieval Franciscan
Abbey. In the mid 19th century it prospered as a garrison town. Reminders of
this period are to be seen in the preserved facade of the Old County Gaol.
There are two neo-gothic churches, St. Mary's of the Rosary built 1896 and St.
Mary's Church of Ireland built 1860, both noted for their stained glass windows
from the famous Harry Clarke studio.
Roscrea
Roscrea is a prosperous Heritage town in the heart of Ireland on the
Limerick/Dublin national highway. It is one of the oldest and most historic
towns in the country and has been designated one of Ireland's 'special'
heritage towns. Founded in the seventh century St. Cronan's Abbey also includes
a 60th high round tower. Other attractions include the remains of a
15th-century Franciscan Friary, Roscrea Castle and Damer House.
Thurles - Home of the GAA
Thurles and its surrounds are rich in scenery, as well as offering some of the
finest agricultural land in Europe. The town itself owes its development to the
Norman Butlers: Edward III created James (son of Edmond Butler, 1st Earl of
Carrick) Earl of Ormond in 1328. To this day two of the original family
fortresses remain in the town - the 15th century tower house guarding the
bridge and the one time home of Lady Thurles (mother of James Butler) at the
other end of Liberty Square. Hayes Hotel in Thurles was the birthplace of the
Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in 1884, and has still, strong links with
Gaelic sports. Nearby tourist highlights include Lar na Pairce, St. Mary's
Famine Museum, Farney Castle and Holycross Abbey.
Tipperary Town
Tipperary Town famed in song and story, lies in the heart of the 'Golden Vale'.
A 12th century rich heritage town which grew from the Anglo-Norman settlement.
Tipperary is a warm and friendly place. Nearby, is the Glen of Aherlow a
country valley, which lies between the Slievenamuck Ridge and the main Galty
mountain range. It has some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable and is
a delight to the visitor.
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