Places to Visit in Tipperary

Tipperary, Ireland, is filled with stunning landscapes, historic landmarks, and charming towns. The larger towns in Tipperary include Clonmel, Cahir, Cashel, Tipperary Town, Nenagh, Thurles and Carrick-on-Suir.

Historical, Cultural and Natural Sites

For people interested in history, the outdoors and ancient Ireland there is no shortage of places to visit in Tipperary. Here we will discuss some of the best attactions for visitors.

1. The Rock of Cashel

A breathtaking medieval site with a round tower, chapel, and cathedral ruins on a limestone hill.

Set on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale, The Rock of Cashel, iconic in its historic significance, possesses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Among the monuments to be found there is a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and a fifteenth-century Tower House.

Originally the seat of the kings of Munster, according to legend St. Patrick himself came here to convert King Aenghus to Christianity. Brian Boru was crowned High King at Cashel in 978 and made it his capital.

In 1101 the site was granted to the church and Cashel swiftly rose to prominence as one of the most significant centres of ecclesiastical power in the country.

The surviving buildings are remarkable. Cormac’s Chapel, for example, contains the only surviving Romanesque frescoes in Ireland.

The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most spectacular and – deservedly – most visited tourist attractions.

https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/the-rock-of-cashel/

2. The Vee Pass

The Vee pass has become a popular attaction for motorists, Motor bike tours, hill walkers and cyclists alike. It was part of the tour de france route back in 1998. The Vee refers to a V-shaped turn on the road leading to a gap in the Knockmealdown mountains.

The Vee is predominantly famous because of the breathtaking panoramic views afforded to travellers and sight seers going through the pass. The journey rises to about 2,000 feet (610m) above sea level above Bay Lough, and as it does so it gives wonderful views of a portion of the ‘Golden Vale’ between the Knockmealdown and Galtee Mountain Ranges.

https://www.knockmealdownactive.com/see-do/the-vee/

3. Cahir Castle

One of Ireland’s best-preserved castles, located on the River Suir

Cahir Castle is located on a rocky island on the River Suir in the centre of Cahir town, County Tipperary. This 13th-15th Century structure was skilfully designed to be a state-of-the-art defensive castle. The castle was the home to the powerful Anglo-Norman family, the Butlers and was the scene of many battles and sieges.

https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/cahir-castle/

4. Swiss Cottage

A beautifully designed 19th-century cottage in Cahir, perfect for history and architecture lovers

The Swiss Cottage, just outside the heritage town of Cahir, is a cottage orné – a fanciful realisation of an idealised countryside cottage used for picnics, small soirees and fishing and hunting parties and was also a peaceful retreat for those who lived in the nearby big house.

Built in the early 1800s by Richard Butler, 1st Earl of Glengall, who, we believe, managed to persuade world-famous Regency architect John Nash to design it. Originally, simply known as “The Cottage” it appears to have acquired its present name because it was thought to resemble an Alpine cottage.

Inside, there is a graceful spiral staircase and some exquisitely decorated rooms. The wallpaper is partly original and partly the fruit of a 1980s restoration project, in which the renowned fashion designer Sybil Connolly was responsible for the interiors.

https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/the-swiss-cottage/

5. The Sure Blueway/Greenway

With 53km of paddling trails and a 21km cycle route

Suir Blueway Tipperary is the perfect escape for all the family to savour some of Ireland’s most beautiful countryside and fascinating history.

Kayak or canoe on flowing waters, go for a cycle along river banks, take a hike up nearby mountains, or a more sedate stroll in the bustling medieval towns and villages from Cahir to Clonmel and on to Carrick-on-Suir.

Marvel at centuries-old castles, tower houses and churches and discover their history of drama, romance, intrigue and deadly rivalries all set against a world of natural wonders in Ireland’s Ancient East.

Stay a while and sample the sensational local food produce, arts and crafts – it’s matched only by the local hospitality.

Just two hours from Dublin, and one hour from Cork, Suir Blueway Tipperary has something for all ages and interests.

https://tipperary.com/suir-blueway-tipperary/

6. Ormond Castle, Carrick-on-Suir

Ireland only Tudor Manor. A magnificent 16th-century Elizabethan manor in Carrick-on-Suir Co. Tipperary

Joined on to an earlier medieval riverside castle, Ormond Castle Carrick-on-Suir is the finest example of an Elizabethan manor house in Ireland. Thomas, 10th Earl of Ormond, built it in 1565 in honour of his distant cousin Queen Elizabeth.

The magnificent great hall, which stretches almost the whole length of the building is decorated with some of the finest stucco plasterwork in the country. The plasterwork features portraits of Queen Elizabeth and her brother Edward VI and many motifs and emblems associated with the Tudor monarchy.

Audiovisuals and technological installations bring this castle’s intriguing history to life.

https://carrickonsuir.net/item/ormond-castle/

For More Information

There is a wealth of attractions and experiences to be had in Tipperary. For more information please visit https://tipperary.com/

Looking for a place to stay in Tippeary?

Why not choose one of our self catering cottages as a base for your holiday. Our farm cottages are positioned in the historic countryside of County Tipperary which offers quick access to national hiking trails, fantastic fishing waters, top golf courses and national monuments.