PLACES OF INTEREST
The Main Guard
CLONMEL MUSEUM
A plaque set into the side of the bridge where one can read pausing a minute from a beautiful river side / quay walk,
“Retrospect” by Charles J.Boland February 1892:
“DO THE FEEBLE STILL VENTURE TO TODDLE
TO THE QUAY AND SIT DOWN ON A BALK
AND SUN THEIR OLD SELVES IN THE EVEN
WITH THE CROWS CAWING LOUD IN THE TREES
THAT’S THE SPOT. I THINK. OUTSIDE OF HEAVEN
WHERE A HEART WEARIED OUT WOULD FIND EASE.”
_____________________________________________________________________
Saint Patrick’s Well.
Clonmel Heritage Trail
Town Hall
Valley The Araglin Valley also features a good stretch of the way marked BlackwaterWay, which can be followed to or from the Gap above Clogheen, where is links with the East Munster Way. Rising as a huge, heathery dome amid gentle, green countryside, Slievenamon’s profile naturally attracts the ey
Sliabh na mBan – Slievenamon
Rising as a huge heathery dome amid gentle green countryside, Slievenamon’s profile naturally attracts the eye. This is an easy mountain, and it could even be described as a beginner’s mountain, with a broad and clear track leading all the way to the summit cairn. On fine days there are extensive views, taking in all the best walking areas in the South East of Ireland. Nearby mountain groups look particularly appealing. Slievenamon is a mountain of history and mystery of lore and legends. Its name means the ‘Mountain of the Women’ and the story is told how all the fairest women raced to the top to claim the hand of the warrior, Fionn Mac Cumhail. Fionn secretly fancied Grainne, the daughter of the High King of Ireland, so he advised her how to win the race! Although it looks like a solitary height, Slievenamon is surrounded by a series of lower heathery humps. Some of these, like the main summit, are crowned by ancient burial Cairns. The highest cairn is said to mark the entrance to the mysterious Celtic underworld. A more modern and prominent addition to the hill is the white landmark of Killusty Cross, erected in the Holy Year of 1950.The easiest route to the top of Slievenamon is clearly signposted from Kilcash, while another path from Killusty to Killusty Cross can be extended towards the summit. For more dedicated hill walkers, there is a complete circular walk around the hill, which is being promoted in the locality, as well as an annual hill race, and occasional guided walks.
Address: Kilcash, Tipperary, Republic Of Ireland
CO WATERFORD MOUNTAINS
The Comeragh Mountains
A re a remarkably varied range, stretching from the coast near Dungarvan inland as far as Clonmel. TheNire Valley reaches into the heart of the range, not only offering good access, but also featuring an annual walking festival, introducing hundreds of walkers to the joys and challenge of walking in these mountains. The central part of theComeragh Mountains features a broad and boggy plateau, while the fringefeatures phenomenally rocky coums filled with a wonderful assortment of little Loughs. Here you will find the rock-walled Coumshingaun and Coum Iarthair, as well as Crotty`s Lough, which was named after an outlaw who lay low in these remote fastnesses Other deep hollows include Coumstilloge,Coumalocha, Coumfea and Coumtay. Searching for them all can make for some quite entertaining expklorations.The fine rocky peak of Knockanaffrin rises between the NireValley and Clonmel, along with a range of gentler, less often walked hills. The Munster Way runs nearby, crossing the hills between Clonmel and Newcastle. Heading southwards from the Nire Valley, towards Dungarvan,there are some find rounded hills such as Seefin and Crohaun, while a network of forest tracks offer easier walking.The Comeragh Mountains Walking Festival is heldevery October and is centred on the Nire Valley. Experienced local guides offer leadership and plenty ofbackground knowledge about the area.A range of routes include tough mountain walks, gentler valley walks and a number of short and easy walks suitable for beginners. Tough walkers often try to complete the full traverse of the range between Clonmel and Dungarvan
Glengarra Wood
Glengarra , Co Tipperary, Republic of Ireland Web: www.coillte.ie Description: Glengarra was part of an area granted by Charles 1 to Sir Richard Everard in 1640. In the Cromwellian wars that followed Sir Richard espoused the royalist cause, which resulted in the confiscation of the property and its transfer to the Lismore family who held the lands until 1940. The remains of Shanbally castle can be found beside the road between Burncourt and Clogheen. Description Flora : The land area of the forest comprises 776 hectares. The bulk of the forest is conifer with about 5% mixed and 3% pure broadleaved. Principal coniferous species are Sitka spruce, lodgepole pine, and Norwegian spruce and Scots pine. Larches, silver firs and Douglas Fir are minor constituent species. Principal broadleaved species are oak and beech. About 2% of this area is scrub and undeveloped land adjoining riverbanks and steep glen sides. Fauna : The wood provides a variety of wildlife habitats. There are pheasant, jay, kestrel, and sparrow hawk, nesting ravens, heron, dipper, grey wagtail and a host of songbirds. Mammals include fallow deer, badger, fox, hare, stoat and red squirrel. There have been sightings of wild mink, otter and pine marten. The ponds and wet areas afford habitats for frogs, newts and other amphibians. Geology : Old red sandstone. Facilities : Car park, picnic site, forest and riverside walks, rare trees and shrub species. Lenght of Trail : 5 km. Habitat : Glengarra Wood is situated on the Southern foothills of the Galtee Mountains, on the Cahir/Mitchelstown road and is bisected by the Burncourt River from north to south. The river area contains many species of native trees, interspersed with open areas of flowering woodland plants. ______________________________________________
Mitchelstown Cave
Burncourt , Cahir, Co Tipperary, Republic of Ireland Telephone:+353 (0)52 67246 Fax:+353 (0)52 6794 E-mil: visit@mitchelstowncave.com Description: One of the most spectacular caves in Europe, Mitchelstown Cave is located midway between Cahir and Mitchelstown just off the N8. The Guided tour takes you through almost half a mile of this world famous cave, which includes three massive carerns. The formations, shapes, colour and history make for an enthralling visit at any time. In this cavern, you are surrounded by indescribable drip stone formations, stalactites, stalagmites, huge calcite columns and one of Europe’s finest columns, inspiring ‘Tower of Babel’ formation which stands some 30 feet high. The formation, shapes, colour and history of the cave make for an enthralling visit at any time. Access to the cave is easy, along with well-lit passageways leading to the cavern. Opening Times : Open all year. April to September: 10.am -5.30pm October – March 10 am. closing times will vary throughout the winter season – please phone in advance for details. Admission : Adult:€7. children:€2 Group Rates for over 20 persons __________________________________________________________________________ Lawlors & Councillor’s Strand in Dunmore East. Description: These two beaches merge at low tide.You can enjoy swimming or underwater activities such as snorkelling in the sheltered and picturesque coves. ________________________________________ Kilfarrasy Beach Kilfarrasy , Tramore, Waterford, Republic Of Ireland Description: Long cliff backed beach with some of the best scenery on the Copper Coast. Safe for swimming with sandy bottom. Ideal for water sports. ________________________________________ Dunmore East Beach Counsellors Strand, Dunmore, Co Waterford, Ireland Telephone: +353 (0)51 875823 Web: www.blueflagireland.org Description: Recipient of the Waterford EU Blue Flag award. You can enjoy swimming or underwater activities such as snorkelling in the sheltered and picturesque coves. Counsellors strand, a south facing beach between the red sandstone cliffs is the most popular beach with both the locals and tourists alike. The beach is life guarded throughout the bathing season. ________________________________________________ Newtown Cove New Town Cove , New Town, Tramore, Waterford, Republic Of Ireland Description: Small cove mostly used by strong swimmers and divers. Look out for the statue of the Metal Man on top of the Cliffs! _________________________________________________ Tramore Beach Tramore, Waterford, Republic Of Ireland Telephone: +353 (0)51 875823 E-mail: Tramoretouristoffice@failteireland.ie Description: Meaning “Big Strand”, Tramore is one of the most aptly named towns in the region, with its famous 5 km golden, sandy beach surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, and one of the regions most popular resorts. Most of the traffic coming to Tramore comes from the Waterford City direction, but the most spectacular approach to this exciting resort is the route from Annestown and the coast road to the elevated western suburbs of the town. The panorama of Tramore Bay, broken by the peninsula, which carries the promenade and the strand, with the protecting arm of Brownstown Head beyond, is truly magnificent. The town itself is built on steep hills rising up from the beach. The long rolling waves in Tramore attract swimmers, and, of course, surfers. Surf lessons and equipment are available locally. Sailing lessons and sea kayaking are also available. Tramore beach is also popular for beach angling. The estuary flowing into the back strand has produced a number of specimen flounder and bass in recent years. Other species in the nearby coastal waters include pollock, dogfish, dabs, coalfish and whiting. The cliffs around the resort offer excellent rock and reef fishing. __________________________________________________ Mahon Falls Mahon falls is a must see for all visitors to the area. This area provides breathtaking sights in the most tranquil of settings. As well as the magnificent waterfall visitors are also treated to an experience which can only be described as magical, which is described below. This drive from Carrick-on-Suir offers some sensational views of the mountains, and the many high viewing points on the way provide excellent panoramas over the green countryside below. Turn right at the sign for Mahon Falls About 150 metres further up the road you will go down in a small incline. This part is known as the Magic Road. Stop at the fairy tree situated a few yards from the road to your left and turn off the engine. You will find to your amazement that the car will travel backwards up the hill. A few hundred metres further on you will come to a car park and a signpost tells you that the footpath will bring you to the Mahon Falls. It is a pleasant and easy family walk and will take about 15 minutes. The best time to visit the falls is after a heavy rainfall when water is cascading with immense force down the steep rock face to the pools several hundred feet below. This is sheep country; but the wild feral mountain goats with their impressive curved horns are easily spotted on the precipitous slopes.
_____________________________________________
The Comeragh Mountains
The Comeraghs are located just 10km from Carrick-on-Suir and there is hardly a week in the year without mountaineers, climbers and hill walkers of some description out enjoying them. They are one of the finest ranges in the country and have a great mix of mountain features. There’s the long and precipitous Knockanaffrin Ridge, the shadowy depths and glacial amphitheatre of Lough Coumshingaun, the magnificent plateau, the falls in Coum Mahon, the tremendous variety of the Nire Valley as well as the wealth of flora and fauna. The Comeraghs are well covered in the Ordnance Survey of Ireland’s Discovery Series No.75 Map and a number of good walking routes are described in “East and South”.Ahanny High Crosses
The two Ahenny crosses are impressive, both about four metres tall and dating from the 8th century. They are somewhat unusual in that they’re almost exclusively covered in an interlacing design. Only on the bases are there any panels depicting the more typical religious scenes. They are said to represent the transition from the older abstract designs of high crosses to the pictorial scenes found on later crosses. Another odd feature are the removable cap stones known as mitres (bishop’s hats). __________________________________________Dunmore Cave
Address: Castlecomer Road, Co. Kilkenny Telephone No: +353 56 776 7726 Fax No: +353 56 7767302 Email: dunmorecaves@opw.ie GPS Co-ordinates: N52 44.036′, W007 14.810′, Elev.121minfo@cupcakecafe.ie Opening Hours March – Mid June: Daily 9.30 – 17.00. Last tour 16.00 Mid June – Mid September: Daily 9.30 – 18.30. Last tour 17.00 Mid September – End October: Daily 9.30 – 17.00. Last tour 16.00 November to March: Wed – Sun (incl) 09.30 – 17.00. Last tour 15.00 Average Length of Visit: 1 hour (All visitors must have exited the Cave before dark) Admission Fees Adult: €3.00 Sen/Group: €2.00 Child/Student: €1.00 Family: €8.00 Facilities Toilets with disabled access, car / coach park. Restaurant/Tearooms: Cupcake Cafe at Dunmmore Cave Tearooms – Open 10th April to 31st August Mon. to Fri. 10am to 5pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6pm. 1st September to 31st October: Open Saturday & Sundays 10am to 5pm. Groups always welcome – booking required. Telephone (056) 7767726 or e-mail: History and geology blend at Dunmore Cave to give an interesting and unique situation. Consisting of a series of chambers formed over millions of years, the cave contains some of the finest calcite formations found in any Irish cave. The cave has been known to man for many centuries and is first mentioned in the 9th century Irish Triads. The most interesting reference however, comes from the Annals which tells of a Viking massacre at the cave in the year 928 A.D. Archaeological finds within the cave confirm Viking activity. Exhibitions and displays in the Visitor Centre. The cave is inaccessible for wheelchair users. Location: 10km from Kilkenny, 1km off N78 Castlecomer (road is well signposted). GPS Co-ordinates: N52 44.036′, W007 14.810′, Elev. 121m Bus Route(s): Bus Eireann do not provide a direct service to the Cave. Contact site for details of local operators Guided Tours: Access by guided tour only Maximum number: 40 – 50 Duration: 1 hour Leaflet/Guide book: English, Irish, German, French, Italian, Spanish. Seasonal Events: Please check in advance using contact details listed above. Photography / Video allowed: No Additional Information: Audio visual covering 4 main topics aimed at all ages and interests. Geology and Evolution over 350 million years; Animated Formation of Dunmore Cave; Ecology of Cave and its surrounds, Myth and History of the cave. Interactive Virtual Museum consisting of the several treasures found in the Cave including one of the most significant Viking finds in the country.dunmorecaves@opw.ie GPS Co-ordinates: N52 44.036′, W007 14.810′, Elev.121minfo@cupcakecafe.ie ____________________________________________The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve
Address: North Slob, Wexford Telephone No: +353 53 91 23406 Fax No: +353 53 91 24785 Email:dominic.berridge@environ.ie Website: None Opening Hours: Open all year: Daily 09.00 – 17.00 School groups by arrangement. Other hours by arrangement with the warden. Closed for Christmas day. Reserve may be closed temporarily for management operation. In these circumstances a notice will be placed at the gate. Average Length of Visit: 1-2 hours Admission Fees: FreeFacilities Toilets, including disabled toilets, car/coach park, picnic area, warden, bird watching, lectures, conference/exhibition room. Restaurant/Tearooms: None (Partly owned by IWC Bird Watch Ireland) The Wexford Slobs are internationally famous for wild geese which spend the winter months here. The first geese came to the Slobs in 1898. These were Greylags from Iceland the common winter goose in Ireland at that time. However, White-fronted Geese from Greenland, first appearing on the Slobs about 1910 building up to several thousand in the mid-1930s, replaced the Greylags. Currently about 10,000 Greenland White-fronted Geese, one-third of the world population, spend the winter on the Wexford Slobs. The Visitor Centre has many interesting exhibitions and an audio-visual show. Location: 5km north-east from Wexford (Heritage Town). (Signposted from Castlebridge Road) Bus Route(s): Contact Bus Eireann, Travel Centre +353 1 8366111 Guided Tours: Maximum number: 50 Duration: 1 hour Leaflet/Guide book: English Seasonal Events: Please check in advance using contact details listed above. Photography / Video allowed: Yes Additional Information: Restricted access for people with disabilities. __________________________________________________________Redwood Bog Nature Reserve Co. Tipperary
Location: Situated about three miles north west of Rathcabbin, in north Tipperary. Area (ha.): 132 Redwood is the most northerly townland in Tipperary and in Munster. The bog was acquired from Bord na Móna for conservation purposes. It is raised bog developed on the southern margin of the Little Brosna flood plain at its confluence with the Shannon. It forms part of the Little Brosna Callows area of scientific interest, which is of international importance as a wildfowl habitat and as a classical example of a flood plain ecosystem. The reserve includes the last relatively intact bog dome on the flood plain margin plus a dried out portion of another dome and an area of fen. The intact dome has a typical raised bog flora and in the centre it retains quaking areas and numerous bog pools. Established 1991. State owned.__________________________________________________
Blarney Woollen Mills,
Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, Ireland Only just opened in June 2003, the store in Carrick-on-Suir is positioned in a beautiful part of Tipperary in the valley of Slievenamon. Located about three miles west of Carrick-on-Suir and housed within two authentic thatched cottages in Dove Hill, Blarney Woollen Mills lies close to the banks of the famous river Suir, opposite the legendary Dove Hill castle. The castle, a 14th century tower, now a ruin, is steeped in wonderful Celtic history.______________________________________________
Carrick-on-Suir Heritage Centre
This former Protestant church, now restored as a heritage centre, was once part of the Pre Reformation burial ground and church site of Carrick Mor. Its interesting gravestones include a memorial to Thomas Butler, died 1604, an illegitimate son of Thomas, tenth Earl of Ormonde. Buried here too is Dorothea Herbert, 1770 – 1829, daughter of the eighteenth century rector and author of “Retrospections”. Many local artefacts and photographs are on display. The Heritage Centre also houses a Tourist Information Office and the Butler Church plate collection. The centre is situated on the main street of Carrick-on-suir.___________________________________________
Famine Warhouse
Address: Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary
Telephone No: +353 87 908 9972
Email info@heritageireland.ie
Apr – Sept: Wed-Sun 14.30 – 17.30
Oct – Mar: Sat & Sun only 14.00 – 16.00 By appointment contact +353 87 908 9972 Average Length of Visit: 40 minutes Free Facilities
Exhibition, toilets, toilet for visitors with disabilities. Car/coach park Restaurant/Tearooms: None
During the Great Famine the Warhouse was the scene of the 1848 Rebellion. The house exhibits the history of the Famine and mass emigration, the rebellion, high treason trials and penal exile of the Young Ireland leaders in Australia and their escapes to the U.S.A.
Here rebels under the leadership of the Protestant aristocrat, William Smith O’Brien, M.P., besieged 47 police who had barricaded themselves into the McCormack farmhouse taking five children hostage. The exhibition places the Famine Rebellion in the context of 1848 as Europe’s Year of Revolutions in France, Germany, Italy, Austria and Hungary. Access to the ground floor for visitors with disabilities.
Location: 23 miles (37 km) from Kilkenny along N76 and R691 to Ballingarry. North of Ballingarry towards Commons. Follow signposts.
Guided Tours: Available
__________________________________________________
The Old Bridge Carrick-on-Suir
The Old Bridge is situated at the end of Bridge Street, off the Main Street. This seven arched bridge dates back to the mid 15th. Century. It predates the voyage of Columbus to the New World. Originally built in c.1447 by Edmund MacRichard Butler it was for centuries the first bridge above the estuary and hence strategically important as a link between south Leinster and east Munster.__________________________________________________
St Mary’s Church, Gowran
Address: Gowran, Co. Kilkenny Telephone No: +353 56 7726894 (During open season) + 353 56 7767726 (During closed season) Email:Opening Hours 27th May – 1st Sept: Daily 9.30 – 18.00 Last admission 45 minutes before closing. Average Length of Visit: 45 Minutes Exhibition Restaurant/Tearooms: None This collegiate church, was built in the late 13th century on the site of an earlier monastery. It was served by a “college” – clerics who lived in a community but who did not submit to the rule of a monastery. They lived in a house, now destroyed, beside the church. The church was a large and elaborate structure, with an aisled nave (the main part of the church where the congregation sat) and a long chancel (the section of the church where the altar was placed) and has high quality architectural sculpture used throughout. In the late middle ages a massive tower was inserted between the nave and chancel, and in the 19th century this tower was incorporated into the parish church which was built in place of the chancel and which now takes up about half of the building. There were also several other changes made to the church at various periods. Location: In the centre of Gowran town. Follow the N9 from Carlow south towards Thomastown Bus Route(s): Contact Bus Eireann, Travel Centre +353 1 8366111 Guided Tours: Regular tours available Leaflet/Guide book: English Seasonal Events: Please check in advance using contact details listed above Photography / Video allowed: Yes, but permit required for commercial purposesAdditional Information: Restricted access for visitors with disabilities FreeFacilities