local places to visit
Thurles ("Durlas" in Irish) - is a pleasant market town three miles from Holycross (approx. population 7,500) on the river Suir. At one end of its broad main esplanade a ruined 15C tower house, called Bride Castle, guards the Suir crossing. Swans swim by the bridge. This fortress, belonging to Macrichard Butler, was once much larger with outbuildings; it was occupied in 1690 by the Williamite force following their Boyne victory and prior to the Seige of Limerick. Another small Butlerite fortress can be seen tucked away at the other end of the main square. Cross the river to see the 19C cathedral, a startling building covered with a lot of Italianate decoration.	Thurles town - has a wide variety of shops, supermarkets, traditional crafts, restaurants and the excellent Dwan's brewery. Dunnes department store makes up a small precinct area with the majority of shops centered around the town square near the library, doctors, chemists, boutiques, travel agents, swimming pool and many other facilities. Dundrum - offers woodland walks, fishing, picnic facilities and beautiful scenery. Detailed walking routes are available options to suit "park and picnickers" or more serious day-trippers. The Celtic Planetarium in Dundrum has eight acres of trees, shrubs and a two mile walk.
	Fishing is widely available throughout Tipperary. Local tourist information provide guides to the best trout and salmon locations but without exception Ireland is a country for fishing. The Rock of Cashel - was once seat of the Kings of Munster and capital of this southern province. The dominated the land routes southward. Kings of Ireland as well as Munster came to this spot and St. Patrick is said to have preached here. King Cormac built his superb Royal Chapel in the 12th century and it is now one of the remarkable buildings to be seen on the Rock. Nearby were Cistercian, Dominican and Franciscan abbeys, two of which may still be viewed.
A visit to Cashel town - offers an experience to understand the historical relationship between the Rock and the town. Cashel City Hall may be your first port of call where you can turn the key to the rich heritage in Cashel such as the archaeology, fine architecture, fascinating history and folklore of this remarkable town.	The Heritage centre - located on Main Street, Cashel, will provides a series of changing exhibitions, and a model of Cashel in the 1640's. A unique collection from the house of the MacCarthy Mór is a rare gem and a must to see. Cashel Heritage Tram provides guided tours of Cashel's many historic sites and includes entry to the Heritage Centre.
Cahir castle (approx. 22m) is one of Ireland's largest and best preserved castles situated on a rocky island on the river Suir. Probably built in 1142 the castle was enlarged in the 15C. Cromwell arrived here in person. Unwilling to engage in a long battle, he offered his flags and weapons. The castle's attractions include guided tours, exhibitions and one or two canon-balls still stuck in the castle walls! Tipperary town - is approximately 15 miles from Holycross. It offers a county museum, shops with a wide variety of traditional fronts, sports centre and swimming pool.
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(updated 15-Sep-02)