Looking for unspoiled Irish nature? Or maybe you’re in the mood for some fascinating ancient Irish history? Well, Tipperary should be your next trip away.
Of course, we’re talking about Tipperary.
In a recent article, we wrote about the Rock on Thorabh Loop Walk in the Glen of Aherlow and told you exactly why it should be the destination of your next short break. With breathtaking scenic views and a walking trail leading through rich and lush forest, it’s the perfect way to get connected to nature, rejuvenate the mind and body and remind yourself of the overwhelming beauty that surrounds us on this glorious island.
The looped walk takes you up and around Slievenamuck, also known as the ‘Mountain of the Pigs’.
Situated in the lush valley of the River Aherlow, which runs between the Galtee Mountains and the wooded ridge of Slievenamuck, it’s just what the doctor ordered when it comes to taking a short break away from your busy life.
So, here are some other things to do and see (and of course eat) while on your short break away in this stunning area of Ireland’s Ancient East.
Stay at Aherlow House Hotel
Aherlow House Hotel prides itself on being “more than just a hotel”.
Combine friendly staff, incredible views and luxury accommodation and you get this place.
Their Muskry suite is complete with an antique four-poster bed, free-standing claw bath, relaxation area and amazing views of Glen of Aherlow.
Meanwhile, their superior luxury room allows you to wake up to amazing views of the Galtee Mountains.
There is also their Scandinavian Lodges, which are self-catering lodges situated on the grounds of the hotel. Each lodge has three bedrooms, a fully functional kitchen and a spacious living room that opens onto a private outdoor deck.
During your stay, you can enjoy afternoon tea in the dedicated tearoom or experience some fine dining in their Tree Top Restaurant.
Click
HERE for more info.
Distance to Rock on Thorabh Loop Walk: 3 minutes
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Or have a stay at Ballinacourty House
Ballinacourty house has a wide range of accommodation options for your stay in Glen of Aherlow, including B&B, caravans and camping.
The B&B is run by Mary and her family in a beautifully restored 18
th century stone building, offering gorgeous home-cooked breakfasts and a local’s knowledge on the attractions in the area.
Meanwhile, there is also the opportunity to stay in the caravan and camping park, which caters for tents, motorhomes and caravans.
Or, you can also stay in their self-catering cottages, which are converted 18
th century stone stables.
Click
HERE for more info.
Distance to Rock on Thorabh Loop Walk: 4 minutes
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Rest your head at Homeleigh Farmhouse B&B
Another amazing accommodation option is Homeleigh Farmhouse B&B, where John and Carmel will make sure that you have a welcoming and relaxing stay in Tipperary.
The best way to describe this farmhouse is ‘picturesque’. Set in the beautiful Glen of Aherlow, Homeleigh Farmhouse offers en-suite rooms for couples, groups of friends and families. They even offer babysitting services.
Plus, there are opportunities for horse and pony trekking nearby. And of course, they serve a hearty full Irish breakfast every morning.
Click
HERE for more info.
Distance to Rock on Thorabh Loop Walk: 2 minutes
Visit Galbally Moore Abbey
This Franciscan friary was founded in 1471 by Donnchad Móir Ó Briain, King of Thomond. It was burnt down a year later and then rebuilt, and that is what stands on the site today.
Visiting the friary gives you an interesting insight into the history of the place, with its stone carvings and high standing bell tower.
There is also plenty of parking and picnic tables, so you could spend a few hours here.
Click
HERE for more info.
Distance to Rock on Thorabh Loop Walk: 11 minutes
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Visit the Rock of Cashel
One of the most famous historical sites in Tipperary is the Rock of Cashel (also known as St Patrick’s Rock), which used to be the seat of the High King of Munster before the Norman invasion of The Rock of Cashel.
Nowadays, the collection of medieval buildings is a popular tourist attraction complete with an audio-visual show, an exhibition and plenty of parking and toilet facilities.
The site is open to visitors all year round, between 9am and 7pm during the summer months and entry costs €8 for an adult and €4 for a child.
Click
HERE for more info.
Distance to Rock on Thorabh Loop Walk: 31 minutes
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Check out Cahir Castle
Another popular historical spot in Tipperary is Cahir Castle, which is one of Ireland’s best-preserved castles with its tower and much of its original defence structure still standing.
Much like the Rock of Cashel, the site features an immersive audio-visual experience which details the interesting history of the site and the battles that took place there.
There are guided tours of the castle, which last between 30 and 40 minutes, and cost €5 for adults, €3 for children and €13 for a family pass.
Click
HERE for more info.
Distance to Rock on Thorabh Loop Walk: 25 minutes
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Have a hearty breakfast at Ballyglass Country House
If you’re looking for an abundance of wholesome Irish grub that is going to fuel your day of walking and other activities, then breakfast at Ballyglass Country House is a great choice.
Although Ballyglass Country House is also a fabulous B&B, they pride themselves on their delicious breakfasts.
They also offer a fantastic weekend Wine and Dine option in their newly refurbished restaurant.
Click
HERE for more info.
Distance to Rock on Thorabh Loop Walk: 6 minutes
Have dinner and a pint at Mikey Ryan’s
Mikey Ryan’s gastropub is where you should head for all of your eating and drinking needs.
Serving up dishes like Smoked Haddock Fish Croquettes, Chargrilled Lamb Rump, Organic Rib Eye of Fillet Steak and the Mikey’s Premium Burger, it’s just what you need to fill your belly after all of your walking and sight-seeing in Tipperary.
In terms of drinks, they have a fab selection of more artisan spirits and craft beers to highlight the fantastic distilleries and breweries in the area.
Click
HERE for more info.
Distance to Rock on Thorabh Loop Walk: 31 minutes
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Explore Clonmel
Clonmel is known as one of the vibrant hubs of Tipperary, with some great places to shop, eat and drink.
Some points of interest in the town are the
Museum of Transport,
Tipperary County Museum, and the
Main Guard Courthouse.
In terms of eating, you’re spoiled for choice in Clonmel. We recommend heading to Mulcahy’s on Gladstone Street for authentic Italian pizzas, mouth-watering steaks, fabulous sandwiches and wraps and loads more.
Click
HERE for more info.
Distance to Rock on Thorabh Loop Walk: 31 minutes
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Visit the Swiss Cottage
This picturesque little cottage was built by Richard Butler in the early 1800s and was designed by famed architect John Nash. Considering its nature-inspired design and its quirky rustic features, the cottage has become quite a popular attraction in Tipperary.
Guided tours of the house are available, with admission costing €5 per adult, €3 per child and €4 for seniors.
Click
HERE for more info.
Distance to Rock on Thorabh Loop Walk: 20 minutes
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Go camping at Glen of Aherlow Camping and Caravan Park
There’s nothing like camping to make you feel more connected to nature, and Glen of Aherlow Camping and Caravan Park is a great spot to do just that.
And just because you’re camping, it doesn’t mean you have to rough it. Because this camping facility has a whole range of amenities to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, including a camper’s shop with everything you could possibly need, hot showers, laundry facilities, electricity and a camper’s kitchen.
So you can still wake up to spectacular views with all the comforts that come with any standard hotel stay.
Click
HERE for more info.
Distance to Rock on Thorabh Loop Walk: 5 minutes
For spectacular sights, invigorating sensations and unforgettable experiences, make your next short break a walking
break in Ireland’s Ancient East. Walking makes your break.
To find out more, visit www.irelandsancienteast.com
For more information or to plan your walking break in Ireland's Ancient East, visit the Tales and Trails hub here.
