Shannon and the Midlands:Layout 1 02/05/2007 16:26 Page 160
NENAGH
Experience Monastic Hospitality
Nestled on a fertile plain between the Arra and the Silvermines Mountains
and just a few miles from the scenic Lough Derg, Nenagh grew up as
in the Heart of Ireland
a trading point and the name Nenagh derives from “Aonach”, meaning
market or gathering place. The highlight of the town is the 13th century
Nenagh Castle, standing on an attractive green, surrounded by trees. Other
sites of historical interest include the Franciscan friary in which the Annals
of Nenagh, which recorded local and national events, were compiled.
There is also an Augustinian priory, two neo-gothic churches, St. Mary’s of
the Rosary (c.1896) and St. Mary’s Church of Ireland (c.1860). Both are
worth a visit and feature stained glass from the famous studio of Harry
Clarke. To learn more about Nenagh and Tipperary visit the Heritage
Centre, located in the former Governor’s House. Tel: (067) 32633.
ROSCREA
Situated in the heart of the country, Roscrea is one of Ireland’s oldest
towns and a great base for exploring the Slieve Bloom Mountains. It owes
All rooms ensuite
its beginnings to St. Cronan who established a monastic settlement in the
5th century. Although St. Cronan’s Church actually dates from the 12th
Extensive Grounds
century, the ruins of one of the original monastic buildings are nearby. On
Beautiful Walks
Castle Street you will find Roscrea Castle and Damer House. The stone
castle consists of a gate tower, curtain wall and two corner towers dating
from the 1280s. Damer House, built in the 18th century in the Queen
Anne Style, is an excellent example of pre-Palladian architecture. Roscrea
Heritage is open April to October. Tel: (0505) 21850.
pointofinterest activities & pastimes
Abbey of Mount St Joseph, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary. Tel: (0505) 21711;
Fax: (0505) 22198; Email:
guesthouse@msjrocrea.ie; Web:
www.msjrocrea.ie. Mount Saint Joseph Abbey is located just outside
the town of Roscrea at the heart of Ireland’s midlands. The guest
house offers comfortable accommodation for periods of up to a week,
and welcomes people from very varied backgrounds. Some may just
want a quiet time to reflect and rest, away from the stress of everyday
life, others may be seeking solace in distress or trying to discern the
Lord's will for them. They can be sure that the community's prayer will
support them and call down God's gift of peace on them.
THURLES
The name Thurles comes from the Irish word “Dúrlas” meaning “fort”,
or more correctly “Dúrlas Éile Uí Fhogartaigh” – “the strong fort of the
O’Fogarty’s of Éile”. Like Nenagh and Clonmel, it owes its development
to the Norman family, the Butlers. Remains of two of their fortresses
survive – the 15th century tower house guarding the bridge and, at the
other end of the square, the one-time home of Lady Thurles, mother
of James Butler, the 1st Duke of Ormond. It was in the billiard room
of the Hayes’ Hotel in Thurles on November 1st 1884 that the Gaelic
Athletic Association (GAA) was founded. Understandably, the town has
a passion for the sport and at the visitor centre at Lár na Páirce you
can find out more about the development of the sport of hurling.
guestrooms accommodation
Horse & Jockey Hotel, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Tel: (0504) 44192;
Fax: (0504) 44747; Email:
info@horseandjockeyhotel.com; Web:
www.horseandjockeyhotel.com. Want to experience an atmosphere steeped
in tradition and reflected in modern living? Open all year, the newly
extended hotel boasts a spacious lounge and bar, a top quality restaurant,
65 luxurious bedrooms, leisure centre & spa and an up to date conference
facility. Come and experience the best of Tipperary’s hospitality.
TIPPERARY TOWN
The sign at the entrance to the town says it all – “Welcome to
Tipperary, you’ve come a long way”. Arguably Ireland’s best-known
town, Tipperary offers an authentic feel of a working market town set
out around the long main street. It is close to the scenic Glen of
Aherlow, making it an excellent place to explore the fabulous
countryside that the Golden Vale has to offer. During the summer you
can have a flutter at one of the weekly race meetings held at Tipperary
Racecourse, just 3km out of town on the Limerick Road.
160 shannon and the midlands
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