Tipperary

Clonmel is in South Tipperary, bordering Waterford on the River Suir. But more importantly, it was home to the original employment cave!

Clonmel is an excellent base for visiting a wide range of attractions. The town is nestled in the Comeragh Mountains with the Knockmealdown Mountains to the South and legendary Slievenamon to the East.

"Tipperary, a County of Ireland, Province of Munster, bounded N by King's and Queen's counties, E by Queen's county and Kilkenny, S by Waterford and Cork, and W by Limerick, Clare, and Galway; length from N to S is 73 1/2 m, breadth 39 1/2. Area, 882,398 acres, or 1,420 square m.

The lands of Tipperary have always been ranked amongst the most productive in Ireland. It has, however, been always a great grazing county. It has also extensive tracks of bog and mountain. S of a range of bog, and between the small town of Kinnenaule and the county of Kilkenny, is the coal district. The high hills adjoining Limerick are called the Keepe mountains, from the highest of them.

In this district are lead and copper mines; and some parts of it afford fine mill-stones. The rivers are the Suir, and its tributaries. Chief towns, Clonmell, Cashell, Toscrea, Nenegh, Tipperary, and Carrick. Pop. 353,402." {From The New London Gazetteer (1826)}

A scenic county, fashioned by the Galtee Mountains, adorned by romantic and mysterious Slievenamon and everywhere a lush, multi-hued green landscape. The plains of Tipperary are birthplace for some of the world's most successful bloodstock. Hurling, horses and hunting, history and heritage blend in a palette of motion in locations and attractions which are sure to please. Tipperary is particularly rich in archaeological sites of interest including the Rock of Cashel in Cashel Heritage Town and Cahir Castle in picturesque Cahir Heritage Town.

These traditional attractions are now complemented by the new Excel Centre in Tipperary Town which boasts an interpretative centre depicting Tipperary's past. In Clonmel Town, the South Tipperary County Museum takes the visitor through the fascinating history of the county, from prehistoric to modern times. Walkers and outdoor enthusiasts are well serviced in this county of hills and vales. A county of contrasts - high hills and verdant valleys and everywhere, just as in ancient Ireland, in Tipperary the visitor is king.

The Gaelic Translation of Clonmel is Cluain Meala, the Honey Meadow. The area in which the town is situated was part of a very old territory the Decies, which included County Waterford and parts of the present County Tipperary. Almost all Irish towns have their origin in either monastic settlements or Viking and Norman foundations. Clonmel is an Anglo-Norman town, the first references to which are found in state papers of 1211 and 1212.

William de Burgo who was the Viceroy of Henry 11 in Ireland received substantial grants of land there is still evidence of that early Norman occupation in Moates in Kilsheelan, Ballyboe, lisronagh and at Greenan, Clonmel.

In the mid 13th century, the administration of Clonmel vested in Otho De Grandison who was appointed High Sheriff in 1265, and was first Lord of the Manor of Clonmel. His grant of Tipperary lands included some of the old de Burgoes possessions. It was under his auspices that the fortifications of Clonmel were built in the 14th century.

The decision to build the walls and fortified castle of the town was taken following the arrival of a well-equipped Scottish army under Edward Bruce in Ireland in 1315. This army joined forces with the Irish in an endeavour to arrest the Norman Conquest. The best-preserved areas of these medical wall and towers are located in the old churchyard of Old Marys in Mary Street. In 1650, Clonmel was besieged by the Parliamentarian forces under the command of Oliver Cromwell.

The actual siege lasted from the 26th of April to the 18th May 1650, and the bombardment of the walls began on the 8th of May. The troops of the garrison defending Clonmel were under the command of Hugh Dubh O Neill. When the ammunition and food were exhausted, the Mayor of Clonmel, John White, negotiated terms with Cromwell, enabling the defenders to escape across the River Suir to Waterford.

What to do and see

Opening all year round is Tipperary S.R. County Museum (Admission Free). The Clonmel Heritage Trail takes in all the Historical and main features of the town. The Clonmel Heritage Trail brochure is available from the Tourist Office or the Clonmel Borough Council.

Visit the Museum of Transport which displays the extensive fruits of a lifetimes work by its enthusiastic owner. It has exhibits dating from the earliest motorised vehicles.

Golf:
Set in the scenic slopes of the Comeragh Mountains just a short distance out of town is Clonmel Golf Club. Slievenamon Golf Club is also nearby. When in Clonmel, why not spend a day at the races at Clonmel Racecourse where numerous races take place throughout the year.

Gardens:
From Clonmel, take the N76 at the junction towards Kilkenny and after a very short distance take the first, left hand turn, which will bring you to Heather Crest ornamental Garden. Killurney Garden in Ballypatrick is also well worth a visit. Both gardens are open by appointment only.

Hill walking:
Casual ramblers or experienced hill-walkers have plenty to choose from; Slievenamon, the Comeraghs, the beautiful Nire Valley, the Knockmealdown and Galtee Mountains are all close by. The East Munster Way offer long distance walkers an opportunity to travel through relatively easy lowland and hill country.

Cycling:
Get on your bike! Explore the region at your own pace. Inhale the fresh air and admire the scenery as you discover quiet country roads.

Be entertained:
There is always something happening in Clonmel, with frequent theatre, concerts, live music, art exhibitions and festivals. A good place to start is the South Tipperary Arts Centre in Nelson Street.

Pubs:

• Gleesons (a personal favorite!)
  
• Mulcahy's Pub Restaurant
• The Posthouse
• Chrissies Bar
• O'Keaffes
• Phil Carrolls
• Eldons