Did You Know?
Did you know the Stations of the Cross on show in Holycross Abbey are an exact replica of the famous versions in the Vatican? Tipperary has long held strong monastic and religious links with Christianity and this shows the connection is as solid as ever.
Itinerary: Historical Trails
In a region famed for its history and steeped in heritage, we've picked out a sample itinerary for you to follow a historical trail through Tipperary. This is just a taste of Tipperary history and should take you between two and three days:
- Start off in Nenagh town and see its 13th century Castle and Heritage Centre/ Museum housed in a mid-19th Century building which was a County Gaol Governor's House, a Convent and a Heritage Centre, this unique Museum is well worth a visit! The Heritage Centre has been open to visitors to County Tipperary since 1984and the building is located just a short walk from Nenagh town centre.
- Travel on to Lorrha and visit St. Ruadhan’s Abbey. Saint Ruadhan founded a monastery here 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 Saint Ruadhan's Church was built around the year 1000 AD. In front of this Church are the remains of two high crosses dating back to 750 AD. They were vandalised by the Cromwellians but enough is visible to tell us that they were works of great art. These high crosses are among the oldest in Ireland.
- Head towards Roscrea Heritage Town and walk the Heritage Town Trail, visiting Roscrea Castle, and the 18th century Queen Anne style Damer House. The stone castle consists of a gate tower, curtain walls and two corner towers dating from the 1280s. The castle rooms are furnished and some house exhibitions. Built in the early 18th century in the Queen Anne style, Damer House is an example of pre-Palladian architecture. One of the rooms is furnished in period style. Within the complex, there is a restored mill displaying original St. Cronan's high cross and pillar stone
- Next, explore Thurles town taking in the Famine Musuem and St. Mary's Garden of Remembrance.
- Continue on to Holycross and visit the 12th century Holycross Abbey. It was founded originally in 1168 for the Benedictines by the King of Munster, Donal O Brien. The abbey was transferred to the Cistercians about 1182. A particle of the True Cross was enshrined in the abbey, and Holycross became one of the most frequented places of pilgrimage in Ireland. Suppressed in 1536, the abbey was made over in 1563 to the Earl of Ormonde, but through the protection of the Butler Family, the monks remained at Holycross until the 17th century. It was very prosperous and several of the Abbots were peers of Parliament. The Abbey was later suppressed and given to the Earl of Desmond.In 1966 a new destiny opened up for Holy Cross. A move was initiated locally to restore the Abbey church and bring it back into use for the local community. Archaeological excavations began in the Abbey shortly afterwards and restoration began in 1971. The restoration was completed in 1975.
- Finish off this wonderful tour by seeing Cashel with its famous 4th century castle. The Rock of Cashel is one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in Ireland and one of the most visited.
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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 moreLocation: Cashel -
Farney CastleFarney Castle is the only Round Tower in Ireland occupied as a family home. Tours of the Castle are available daily. read moreLocation: Holycross
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Lackeen Castle, LorrhaThis 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 moreT: +353 (0)90 974 7010 F: +353 (0)90 974 7204Location: Lorrha
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Redwood CastleThe 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 moreLocation: Lorrha
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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 moreT: +353 (0)90 9747010 F: +353 (0)90 9747204Location: Lorrha -
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 moreT: 353 (0)67 33850 F: 353 (0)67 33850Location: Nenagh -
Nenagh Castle
Nenagh Castle is an impressive 13th Century construction which offers visitors a 360 degree view of the town and surrounding countryside. read moreT: +353 (0)67 31241Location: Nenagh -
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 moreLocation: Portumna. Co. Galway -
Leap CastleLeap 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 moreT: +353 (0)57 9131115Location: Roscrea
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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 moreT: +353 (0)505 21850 F: +353 (0)505 21904Location: Roscrea -
Ballynahow CastleThere 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 moreT: +353 (0)67 31610Location: Thurles
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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 moreLocation: Thurles