Cahir Castle – situated on the
River Suir in the town of Cahir is this massive medieval construction
begun in the 13th century and extended by the Butlers in the 15th
century. This masterpiece of Norman fortification is magnificently
restored and contains a fine interpretative centre.
G.P.A. Bolton Library – situated
in the historic town of Cashel, the Bolton Library houses an impressive
collection of antiquarian books and rare manuscripts dating from
the 12th century, including a monk’s encyclopedia dating
back to 1168 and pages of Chaucer’s "Book of Fame".
Glen of Aherlow – located just
a short drive from Cahir is the scenic Glen of Aherlow, sometimes
referred to as Ireland’s greenest valley. Set against the
spectacular Galty Mountains, there are several trails across the
glen where one can view the cascading mountain streams and wandering
deer.
Holycross Abbey – four miles
south of Thurles stands this fully restored abbey. Founded in
1168 for the Benedictine order by the king of Munster, it was
transferred to the Cistercians in 1182. Two relics, said to be
from the cross upon which Christ was crucified, are housed in
the abbey and account for its name and for the veneration by the
many pilgrims who visit the abbey.
Mitchelstown Caves
Mitchelstown Cave – located near
Mitchelstown on the Cork-Tipperary border, this is a well-developed
limestone cave, featuring a half-mile of caverns, including three
large chambers, each with a range of stalactite and stalagmite
formations, the most impressive of which is the inspiring "Tower
of Babel".
Nenagh District Heritage Centre
– located in the former county jail, the centre has models
of the jail complex, Lough Derg and the villages of Dromineer
and Garrykennedy. In the cells for the condemned, taped commentary
and biographical notes are provided on the 17 men who were hanged
here.
Ormond Castle – situated in
Carrick-on-Suir, this 15th century castle is fronted by an elegant
16th century Elizabethan manor house. Some of the finest plasterwork
in Ireland is featured in this well-restored building of grace
and character.
Rock of Cashel
Rock of Cashel – situated in
Cashel, this is the finest 12th century Romanesque chapel in the
country. Formerly the seat of the kings of Munster, it was here
that Brian Ború was made high king. The Rock was presented
to the church in 1101 in an attempt to curry favour with the bishops
and it became one of the most important religious centres of its
time. It was declared a national monument in 1874 and was carefully
restored. Guided tours of this impressive site are a must.
St. Mary’s Church Museum –
situated in the town of Thurles, St. Mary’s Church houses
a museum focusing on the famine era. One of its most poignant
exhibits is a man-trap, used by Irish landowners to prevent starving
Irish people from stealing food from orchards and fields.
Swiss Cottage – less than a
mile outside the town of Cahir, this was originally designed as
a fishing and hunting lodge for Lord Cahir. A thatched cottage
on two levels, it has verandahs, dormer windows and low sloping
roofs. The dining room walls are decorated with hand painted French
wallpaper from 1816.
Tipperary Crystal – located
near Carrick-on-Suir, the display area and factory is housed in
two thatched cottages close to the banks of the River Suir. Visitors
can view glass being created by the age-old handcrafted method
of skilled use of mouth, hand and timber moulds.
