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See also Tipperary (South)
Nenagh, with a population of over 6000, is the administrative area for the northern part of Tipperary. An old jail houses a heritage centre across from which is ruined Nenagh castle with a four-storey keep. The Governor’s House is a local museum. The walls of a 13th century Franciscan friary are the only sign of its former existence. South of the town are the Silvermines mountains. Their name comes from their silver, lead, and zinc mines. Rear Cross, in the Silvermines, has a unique village church, and in the area are 20 prehistoric tombs.
South of these mountains are the Slieve Felim Mountains with a 23-mile walking route. To the west are the Arra Mountains, another walking route, and Lough Derg, one of Ireland’s largest lakes (32,000 acres).
Terryglass is an attractive lakeside village, winning Ireland’s tidiest town awards. Boats are launched on Lough Derg from its marina on the quay. The abbey ruins and old Norman castle are privately owned. The pleasant village of Puckaun has traditional cottages and a craft shop.
 Garrykennedy is an unspoiled fishing and boating village with traditional Irish music in the pub. Wooded walks provide recreational activity. Lorrha Abbey and Castle, close to Terryglass, is surrounded by the remains of a wall. East of the castle is a Cromwellian farmhouse. South of the Arra Mountains at the tip of Lough Derg is Ballina, a listed heritage town.
On the edge of the county border, Roscrea is an historic town with a heritage trail on offer. Roscrea castle, constructed in 1280, has lost all but its gate tower and some curtain walls. 18th century Damer House is south of the castle. Its owner was, in the early 1700s, the richest man in Ireland. The house was used as a bishop’s residence and military barracks after his death in 1720.
 St Cronan’s Church of Ireland church (1812) and Round Tower are on Castle Street. The tower is a remnant of an 1100 Augustinian priory, founded in the early 7th century and destroyed several times. The doorway and 12th century high cross have carvings. The round tower dates from the 8th century. Another tower is from a late 15th century Franciscan friary and forms the entrance to St Cronan’s Catholic churchyard. One of St Cronan’s monasteries is a couple of miles from the town. The remains include a church, a cross, and gravestones.
 Thurles is a market and cathedral town on the river Suir. Horseracing and golf are activities available, while beet sugar manufacturing provides employment. Holy Cross Abbey, four miles south-west of Thurles, is a restored Cistercian abbey, now used as a parish church. The abbey dates from 1168 and continued to serve the monks until the 17th century. Then the roof caved in and the building was empty until restored. The church has a nave with side chapels and a tower. There are three stained glass windows and an early 15th century wall painting. In part of the abbey is a tourist information centre and exhibition with AV. In the grounds is a meditation garden.
 Near Holycross is Farney castle, a round tower built in 1495, where porcelain and knitwear are manufactured. Two miles north of Thurles is a moated folly, Brittas Castle. A 17th century ruin, Loughmoe Court, is nearby and has been designated a National Monument. Just to the west of Thurles off Ballycahill road is another National Monument, 16th century Ballynahow Castle, built in a circular shape.
Tipperary North Attractions
For opening times and full details of attractions see the Attractions section of our website.
Farney Castle
Ballycahill
Tel. 0 504 43281
Holy Cross Cistercian Abbey and Meditation Garden
Four miles south of Thurles at Holycross
Tel. 0504 43281 or 0504 43118
Roscrea Castle and Damer House
Castle street, Roscrea
Tel. 0 505 21850
Tipperary Tourist Information Centres
Nenagh Tourist Office
Connelly Street, Nenagh
County Tipperary
Tel. 0 67 31610
Photos of Lorrha Abbey, Roscrea, Holy Cross Abbey, and Ballynahow castle courtesy Irish Antiquities
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