Did You Know?

The world famous Ballydoyle Stable, founded by one of the greatest trainers of all time, Vincent O’Brien, has seen some legendary horses pass through its doors, many including the great Saddlers Wells went on to stand as stallions at their breeding arm Coolmore Stud. Our tip for Tipp is to keep an eye out as you drive through the south east of Tipperary. The beautiful young foal you see by their mother’s side could be a future horseracing legend.

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.