Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
County Tipperary Attractions
Clonmel, the capital of Tipperary, is the unassuming gateway to the region. A working town, largely unspoiled by tourism, Clonmel (whose name in Gaelic, Cluaín Meala, means “Meadows of Honey”) makes a pleasant strategic touring base. Looking at this sleepy place on the banks of the Suir, it’s hard to believe that it once withstood a Cromwellian siege for 3 brutal months.
North of Clonmel and deep in the Tipperary countryside, Cashel, with its monastic buildings and dramatic setting, is not to be missed. From Cahir, there’s a gorgeous drive north through the Galtee Mountains to the pristine 11km (7-mile) Glen of Aherlow, a secluded and scenic pass between the plains of counties Tipperary and Limerick.
Petticoat Loose & Other Scenic Diversions
Driving up from County Waterford, you might want to travel via the Vee Gap, an 18km-long (11-mile) road winding through the Knockmealdown Mountains from Lismore and Cappoquin in County Waterford, to Clogheen in County Tipperary. It's a dramatic drive, which peaks at the Tipperary-Waterford border, where the two slopes of the pass converge to frame the patchwork fields of the Galtee Valley far below.
At this point, numerous walking trails lead to the nearby peaks and down to the mountain lake of Petticoat Loose—named after a, shall we say, lady of flexible morals. A more edifying local character was Samuel Grubb, who so loved these slopes that he left instructions to be buried upright overlooking them. Look for the rounded stone cairn off the road between Clogheen and the Vee Gap, where Samuel does indeed stand entombed, facing the Golden Vale of Tipperary.
The Vee Gap also has some terrific walking paths. About 2km (1 1/4 miles) north of R669 and R668, you reach the highest point in the gap; a parking lot is here, as well as a dirt road continuing down to a lake—Bay Lough—nestled into the slope below. This dirt road, once the main thoroughfare over the gap, now offers a fine walk to the shores of the lake, with outstanding views of the valley to the north. For a panoramic perspective of the region, start walking due east from the gap parking lot to the summit of Sugarloaf Hill; the hike is extremely steep, but well worth the effort—the views from the ridge are superb.
7 Results
- Religious Site
Ahenny High Crosses
You're likely to have this little-known and rarely visited site to yourself, except for the cows whose pasture you will cross to reach it. The setting is idyllic and gorgeous on a bright day. The well-preserved Ahenny high crosses date from the 8th or 9th century. Tradition… - Religious Site
Athassel Priory
Many delightful details still remain from the original medieval priory that once stood here. An Augustinian priory, founded in the late 12th century, it was once elaborately decorated. The main approach is over a low stone bridge and through a gatehouse. The church entrance is a… - Castle
Cahir Castle
On a rock in the middle of the River Suir, this remarkably complete medieval fortress can trace its history from the 3rd century, when a fort was first built on the rock—hence the town's Gaelic name, “City of the Fishing Fort.” The present structure, which belonged to the Butler… - Castle
Ormond Castle
This mid-15th-century castle built by Sir Edward MacRichard Butler on a strategic bend of the River Suir has laid in ruins for centuries. What still stands, attached to the ancient battlements, is the last surviving Tudor manor house in Ireland. Trusting that “if he built it, she… - Historic home
Swiss Cottage
A hunting and fishing lodge for the earls of Glengall from around 1812, the Swiss Cottage is a superb example of cottage orné: a rustic house embodying the ideal of simplicity that so appealed to the Romantics of the early 19th century. The thatched-roof cottage has extensive… - Library/University
The Bolton Library
Not far from the Rock of Cashel, this curious and unexpected library has a great collection of valuable antiquarian manuscripts, including some early medieval books. The collection on display features works by, among others, Jonathan Swift, Dante, Machiavelli, and Sir Isaac Newton.… - Religious Site
The Rock of Cashel
One of Ireland’s most iconic medieval ruins, this dramatically craggy abbey atop a hill in the center of Cashel dominates views for miles around. The so-called “Rock”—an outcrop of limestone reaching some 60m (197 ft.) into the sky—tells the tales of 16 centuries. It was the seat of…
