North Tipperay... brimming with lakes, mountains and monasteries
Friendly people, beautiful countryside, picturesque villages and Ireland’s greatest waterway all combine to make North Tipperary a special place. Because of its size Ireland’s largest inland county is divided into two areas or ridings. North Tipperary, or Tipperary North Riding, forms the eastern boundary of the Shannon Region. From Lough Derg’s great expanse of water to the uplands of the Slieve Felim Mountains or from the grandeur of Norman Castles to the charm of lakeside hamlets, here you have much to enjoy and explore. Hill walking, fishing, boating, scenic drives, swimming, sightseeing; it all awaits you.
Tipperary Lakeside
With almost 50 kilometres of Lough Derg shoreline Tipperary is a water sports paradise. The twin towns of Ballina - Killaloe at the lake’s southern tip provide excellent facilities for water activities matched by those in Portumna at the lake’s northern point. Dotted along the lakeside you’ll find the charming villages of Dromineer with its marinas and the oldest yacht club in the world; Garrykennedy a small unspoiled fishing and boating spot with a great reputation for traditional Irish music, and award winning Terryglass with its charming period cottages and breathtaking lake views at sunset.
Nenagh, the capital town of North Tipperary, is only a ten minute drive from Lough Derg. Nenagh derives its name from the Gaelic word ‘aonach’ meaning a market or gathering place. Served by the main Limerick to Dublin road, the N7, it is still a busy commercial centre with good accommodation, lively pubs and a choice of restaurants all guaranteed to make visitors welcome.
Rambling Pleasures
If rambling is your pleasure then the Silvermines and Slieve Felim uplands will give you hours of enjoyment. Drink in the views from the top of Keepers Hill, North Tipperary’s highest point or ponder a while on the legend of The Devil’s Bit where it is said the Devil tore a chunk from the mountainside and spat it out miles away to form the Rock of Cashel, one of the landmark sites in Ireland. You can also savour the peace and tranquility of the Clare Glens that straddle the Limerick/Tipperary border. Stroll through this superb amenity area of woodland walks and admire the waterfalls and rock pools along the Clare River.
The Monastic Midlands
The Monasteries of the Midlands played a major role in the Christianisation of Ireland. Their scriptoria and metal and stone workshops flourished here. Picturesque Holy Cross Abbey which dates from 1169 is situated on the bank of the River Suir, near the cathedral town of Thurles. Once a Cistercian monastery to which pilgrims flocked to see the sacred relic of the Holy Cross it has been lovingly restored and is once more a parish church and a tourist destination of note. The monastic tradition can also be admired in the Heritage Town of Roscrea, one of the oldest and most historic towns in the country dating from the 6th century settlement of St. Cronan. The many monastic buildings in the area are testimony to its long association with monasticism. The Round Tower is the oldest surviving part of the ancient monastery. On the outskirts of Roscrea you’ll find mystical Monaincha Abbey, described in the 10th century as a wonder of the world.
Gone fishing
North Tipperary offers fabulous fishing. Imagine casting your line anywhere along the River Shannon and its tributaries or along the length and breadth of Lough Derg. Most waters are easily accessible; natural swims are cleared; fishing stands, stiles and footbridges are erected, and mooring facilities provided. You’ll find excellent trout fishing on the Suir and Drish Rivers and be well rewarded in the brown trout haven of the Nenagh River and its tributary the Ollatrim River. In the words of an Irish blessing, may the holes in your net be no larger than the fish in it.
Sporting Passions
Thurles is the largest town in North Tipperary and it owes its 13th century origins to the Norman Butler family. Two of the family fortresses remain to this day along with a section of the original town wall. The fertile land of the Suir River valley surrounding the town offers rich and varied scenery. Thurles is the spiritual home of the Gaelic Athletic Association or GAA. Founded here in 1884 the Association’s work of promoting Gaelic games is now an intrinsic part of life in every parish in the country. Thurles is home to Semple Stadium, the second largest GAA stadium in Ireland and the scene of many a dramatic encounter as county rivalries play out on the hallowed ground. Don’t worry if you’re not here on match day as you can learn much about these sporting passions in the Lár na Páirce GAA Visitor Centre. The love of sport extends to horse and greyhound racing and the town also has an excellent 18 golf course.
Towering Above
A short journey south of Thurles will take you to the spectacular Rock of Cashel where mediaeval ecclesiastical buildings cluster precariously on a rocky outcrop rising dramatically from the plains below. Here you’ll find a perfectly preserved round tower and a fine example of Romanesque architecture.
Brú Ború, a national heritage centre at the foot of the Rock, is home to the study and celebration of native Irish music, song, dance, story telling, theatre and Celtic studies.
Scenic Drives
Which route will you choose first; the Silvermines Drive that takes you to beauty spots with commanding views or perhaps you’ll hug the Lough Derg shore and break your journey with a delicious picnic by the water’s edge. Whichever drive you choose your destination will always be complete relaxation and it doesn’t take long to get there in North Tipperary.
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