Did You Know?

Children also play a part in Irish folklore. The haunting story of The Children of Lir has its origins in Lough Derg in North Tipp. The story tells how King Lir’s children were turned into swans by their jealous stepmother, destined to live life on the lough for 300 years. Just one of the magical tales that have enchanted Irish children for centuries.

Museums, Historic Houses & Castles

  • Rock of Cashel
    Rock of Cashel
    A spectacular group of Medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale including the 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th... read more
    T: +353(0)6261437
    Location: Cashel
  • Farney Castle
    Farney Castle is the only Round Tower in Ireland occupied as a family home. Tours of the Castle are available daily. read more
    T: +353 (0)504 43281 F: +353 (0)504 43357
    Location: Holycross
  • Lackeen Castle, Lorrha
    This Castle was built in the 12th Century and rebuilt in the 16th Century by John O'Kennedy. In the process of rebuilding the Stowe Missal, a 9th Century Mass Book, was... read more
    T: +353 (0)90 974 7010 F: +353 (0)90 974 7204
    Location: Lorrha
  • Redwood Castle
    The Castle, which is open to visitors from mid June to mid August, was probably erected as a Norman stronghold about 1210. A key visitor attraction in North Tipperary, Redwood... read more
    T: +353 (0)94 9021375
    Location: Lorrha
  • Saint Ruadhan’s Abbey, Lorrha
    Saint Ruadhan’s Abbey, Lorrha
    Saint Ruadhan founded a monastery in Lorrha in 540 AD. It became the most famous of the Munster monasteries even in St Ruadhan's time. The ruin now standing on the site of... read more
    T: +353 (0)90 9747010 F: +353 (0)90 9747204
    Location: Lorrha
  • Nenagh Heritage Centre/Museum
    Nenagh Heritage Centre/Museum
    A unique museum located in 19th century prison (Gaol) buildings. Learn about the history of these unique buildings, step back in time to experience old rural Ireland and follow... read more
    T: 353 (0)67 33850 F: 353 (0)67 33850
    Location: Nenagh
  • Nenagh Castle
    Nenagh Castle
    Nenagh Castle is an impressive 13th Century construction which offers visitors a 360 degree view of the town and surrounding countryside. read more
    T: +353 (0)67 31241
    Location: Nenagh
  • Portumna Castle & Gardens
    Portumna Castle & Gardens
    In the early 17th Century there was extensive garden making going on in Europe and the Italian Renaissance gardens had immense influence on the gardens here in Portumna Castle,... read more
    T: +353(0)90-9741658
    Location: Portumna. Co. Galway
  • Leap Castle
    Leap Castle was an O'Carroll fortress. It guarded the pass from the Slieve Bloom into Munster. It was known once as Leim ui Bhanain. The O'Bannon clan, under chiefs of the... read more
    T: +353 (0)57 9131115
    Location: Roscrea
  • Roscrea Castle and Damer House
    Roscrea Castle and Damer House
    Managed in conjunction with the Roscrea Heritage Society, this stone castle consists of a gate tower, curtain walls and two corner towers dating from the 1280's. read more
    T: +353 (0)505 21850 F: +353 (0)505 21904
    Location: Roscrea
  • Ballynahow Castle
    There is something rather attractive about round tower houses, but sadly only a relatively small number were built, mostly in Munster. Perhaps the finest to survive is the... read more
    T: +353 (0)67 31610
    Location: Thurles
  • St Mary’s Famine & War Museum
    St Mary’s Famine & War Museum
    St Mary’s Famine and War Museum: Thurles Famine Museum contains one of the largest collections of original Great Famine memorabilia in Ireland. In 1995 the Thurles Church of... read more
    T: +353 (0)504-21133 / +353 (0)86 8785859
    Location: Thurles