HISTORIC SITES
South Tipperary boasts some of Ireland’s premier heritage sites, including the Rock of Cashel, Ormonde Castle, and the delightful Swiss Cottage.
One of the most familiar photographs of Clonmel is the frontage of the town-centre Main Guard, built as a courthouse in 1675 and recently restored to its former glory. Inside is an exhibition of aerial photographs of castles and abbeys from all over South Tipperary.
The Slievenamon Drive is an attractive half-day’s route from Clonmel, taking in some pretty historic towns around this famous mountain. Along the N24 to the pretty town of Carrick-on-Suir, you can visit Ormonde Castle; a little further out is Kilcash Castle.
The Rock of Cashel dominates the skyline over historic Cashel town. It’s always been important to the town’s history, attracting numerous Kings of Ireland as well as St Patrick himself. Drive a little further from the town and you can visit the monastic ruins of Athassel Priory and the 13th-century remains of Moore Abbey.
The Regency-period Swiss Cottage is just over ½ km from Cahir town centre, and it’s a pleasant walk there and back. So leave the car behind and follow the Coillte trail through forest and farmland. While you’re in Cahir, don’t miss Cahir Castle – the foundation of the town, it was built in the 12th century on an outcrop in the River Suir.
