MAIN GUARD AND WEST GATE
Clonmel town is a visual journey through decades of architecture. From the 17th century Main Guard – a distinctive Clonmel landmark – to the Franciscan Friary, and the 19th century West Gate, the town’s buildings reveal much about its story.
 | CAHIR CASTLE: Restored and protected, the castle is now open to the public for tours.
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 | MAIN GUARD: The Main Guard is difficult to miss. Dramatic and imposing, it was built by James Butler, Duke of Ormond, in 1675.
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 | ORMONDE CASTLE: Ormonde Castle was restored in the mid 20th century, and is now a popular visitor attraction in South Tipperary.
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 | ROCK OF CASHEL: Looming majestically over the town of Cashel, the Rock of Cashel is the site for a number of medieval buildings.
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 | SWISS COTTAGE: Just outside Cahir, the Swiss Cottage is reputed to be one of the finest examples of cottage orné in Ireland or Britain.
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 | ABBEYS AND CROSSES: Take a tour of some of South Tipperary’s religious relics – some dating back as far as the 12th century.
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The Main Guard is difficult to miss. Dramatic and imposing, it was built by James Butler, Duke of Ormond, in 1675. Originally built as a courthouse for the Tipperary Palatine, it was later a base for soldiers (which might explain the name). The Main Guard is one of the oldest surviving civic buildings, and one of the earliest examples of classical public architecture, in Ireland. In 1810 the building was converted into shops and business premises – but fortunately, it was eventually restored, ensuring that the sandstone columns will remain a feature of the Clonmel streetscape for the foreseeable future. Inside, visitors can enjoy two permanent exhibitions: one that takes a tour of historic sites in Co. Tipperary and one dedicated to the history and restoration of the Main Guard.
The West Gate was once an entrance to the town, part of the walls which can still be observed at some points. Look for an open, arched entrance at the end of O’Connell St. The West Gate was built in 1831, by a local merchant, in order to protect the Norman town from Irish invasion. The natives were forced to live just beyond the town's walls, which is why the area of town west of the Gate is known as ‘Irishtown’.
