Around a two-hour drive from Galway city, it is not such a long way to discovering Tipperary. Located in the south-central part of Ireland in the province of Munster, the north of the county was initially brought into the Hidden Heartlands promotion in 2018, while the Nenagh Municipal District and part of the Thurles Municipal District were added in 2022. The landlocked rural county has added mountains, lakes, rivers, historic buildings, ruins and numerous activities and restaurants to the Hidden Heartland’s name, and is now waiting for you.
Tipperary is home to several Office of Public Works (OPW ) Heritage sites. From castles to cottages, here are a few landmarks history buffs should consider adding to their Hidden Heartland list. Cahir Castle, Cahir Castle Cottage, Famine Warhouse 1848, Grallagh Castle, Kilcash Church, Lorrha Augustinian Priory, Lorrha Dominican Priory, Ormond Castle, Roscrea Castle, Gardens and Damer House/Black Mills, The Main Guard, The Rock of Cashel, and The Swiss Cottage are all available for exploration, with tickets either free or costing €13 (€20 for The Rock of Cashel ) for a family admission.
For those who would prefer to make their time in the Hidden Heartlands an active one, make the most of Suir Blueway Tipperary’s incredible 53km of water trails from Cahir to Carrick-on-Suir with GoPaddle.ie Or Pure Adventure delivers high-quality canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboarding trips and tours throughout the southeast of Ireland. Hot Shots Bowling is fun for all the family in a great venue in Clonmel, while the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History brings Tipperary’s rich hidden history vividly to life through characters, stories and is one of the largest museum collections in Ireland.
Re-energise for the afternoon with the exciting atmosphere, fashionable surroundings, good value and friendly, effortless service at the award-winning The Peppermill Restaurant, Nenagh. With delicious options for lunch, Sunday, tapas and dessert menus, bring the taste of Tipperary home with you.
Once you have fully journeyed through the man-made wonders of Tipperary, why not tackle the natural ones? The Millennium Cross Trailhead, located between Portroe and Ballina, is an out-and-back hike that takes in some amazing views of Lough Derg. 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 scenery. River Aherlow runs between the Galtee Mountains and the wooded ridge of Slievenamuck. Lough Derg is a Hidden Heartlands gem where adventure trails meet legendary tales.
Ballingarry Summer Market is set to take place this month, on July 27 from 11am. With more than 35 stalls with produce such as home baking, crepes, hot food, sweet treats, preserves, confectionery, a caricature artist, arts and crafts, ice cream and lots more, it promises to be the biggest and best market to date. Clonmel Busking Festival takes place over the weekend from August 8 to August 10. The event is free, and Clonmel is set to come alive once again with performances from famous busker Allie Sherlock, Ireland’s largest busking competition, and an evening of Oasis tributes in the Plaza.
