Vacation Guide

Ireland golf vacation guide : To do and see

TIPPERARY

Cahir Castle – situated on the River Suir in the town of Cahir is this massive medieval construction begun in the 13th century and extended by the Butlers in the 15th century. This masterpiece of Norman fortification is magnificently restored and contains a fine interpretative centre.

G.P.A. Bolton Library – situated in the historic town of Cashel, the Bolton Library houses an impressive collection of antiquarian books and rare manuscripts dating from the 12th century, including a monk’s encyclopedia dating back to 1168 and pages of Chaucer’s "Book of Fame".

Glen of Aherlow – located just a short drive from Cahir is the scenic Glen of Aherlow, sometimes referred to as Ireland’s greenest valley. Set against the spectacular Galty Mountains, there are several trails across the glen where one can view the cascading mountain streams and wandering deer.

Holycross Abbey – four miles south of Thurles stands this fully restored abbey. Founded in 1168 for the Benedictine order by the king of Munster, it was transferred to the Cistercians in 1182. Two relics, said to be from the cross upon which Christ was crucified, are housed in the abbey and account for its name and for the veneration by the many pilgrims who visit the abbey.

Mitchelstown Cave – located near Mitchelstown on the Cork-Tipperary border, this is a well-developed limestone cave, featuring a half-mile of caverns, including three large chambers, each with a range of stalactite and stalagmite formations, the most impressive of which is the inspiring "Tower of Babel".

Nenagh District Heritage Centre – located in the former county jail, the centre has models of the jail complex, Lough Derg and the villages of Dromineer and Garrykennedy. In the cells for the condemned, taped commentary and biographical notes are provided on the 17 men who were hanged here.

Ormond Castle – situated in Carrick-on-Suir, this 15th century castle is fronted by an elegant 16th century Elizabethan manor house. Some of the finest plasterwork in Ireland is featured in this well-restored building of grace and character.

Rock of Cashel – situated in Cashel, this is the finest 12th century Romanesque chapel in the country. Formerly the seat of the kings of Munster, it was here that Brian Ború was made high king. The Rock was presented to the church in 1101 in an attempt to curry favour with the bishops and it became one of the most important religious centres of its time. It was declared a national monument in 1874 and was carefully restored. Guided tours of this impressive site are a must.

St. Mary’s Church Museum – situated in the town of Thurles, St. Mary’s Church houses a museum focusing on the famine era. One of its most poignant exhibits is a man-trap, used by Irish landowners to prevent starving Irish people from stealing food from orchards and fields.

Swiss Cottage – less than a mile outside the town of Cahir, this was originally designed as a fishing and hunting lodge for Lord Cahir. A thatched cottage on two levels, it has verandahs, dormer windows and low sloping roofs. The dining room walls are decorated with hand painted French wallpaper from 1816.

Tipperary Crystal – located near Carrick-on-Suir, the display area and factory is housed in two thatched cottages close to the banks of the River Suir. Visitors can view glass being created by the age-old handcrafted method of skilled use of mouth, hand and timber moulds.