By Barry Coughlan
Tipperary, in Ireland’s province of Munster, is a landlocked rural county that’s home to mountains, rivers, lakes and farmland. The medieval and Celtic ruins at the Rock of Cashel have sweeping pastoral views, Cahir Castle is an imposing 12th-century fortress sitting on an island in the River Suir, Tipperary’s county town, Clonmel, is in the south, and is a gateway for exploring the region.
That’s the basic introductory information from Wikipedia of an area of Ireland that has been made famous by all of the above, by Lough Derg in all its glory and horses, yes, horses.
The relationship between horses, the land and people of Tipperary stretches back more than 2,000 years. It is an integral part of the rich culture, history and heritage of the county.
If you love to watch horse racing, enjoy horse riding, would like to learn or even if you are just captivated by the beautiful sight of a gathering of horses in a country meadow on a still evening, then you will be visiting the right place.
In the saddle, equestrian options include show-jumping, dressage, point-to-point, cross-country, and pony trekking.
Out of the saddle, you’ll be able to experience the thrill of the races, see some of Ireland’s finest horses up close and personal, and discover how Tipperary has become such a successful center for horse racing.
The county is home to some of the world’s most famous racehorses and the base for many of Ireland’s most successful jockeys and trainers. Horse racing and thoroughbred horse breeding is indeed serious business.
And for racehorse fans, a trip to Coolmore Stud is definitely one for the bucket list. The famous Fethard stud farm – the world’s biggest thoroughbred breeding operation – is home to the finest stallions on the planet.
Normally, the 7,000-acre Co Tipperary breeding hub is strictly off-limits to the public, but Coolmore has started admitting a limited number of visitors through its gates during the summer months as part of a novel link-up with the nearby Fethard Horse Country Experience.
The tour of Coolmore is one of many treats on offer for visitors to the Experience. The state-of-the-art museum was opened by famous composer and local Fethard resident Andrew Lloyd Webber in 2017, and it celebrates the area’s remarkable dominance of global horse racing.
Not only does it have the world’s top stud farm in Coolmore, but it is also home to the Ballydoyle Racing Stable, acknowledged by racing experts as the finest horse training establishment anywhere.
The legendary trainer Vincent O’Brien and his unrelated namesake Aidan O’Brien have sent out an endless stream of horses from this Rosegreen base to win every major race worth winning in Ireland, Britain, Europe, the USA, Australia, and Asia, smashing records for the number of Grade One winners in the process.
Aidan’s son Joseph – himself a brilliant and successful trainer – has put his 2017 Melbourne Cup on show at the museum, while another local trainer, Michael ‘Mouse’ Morris, gifted his 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup to the volunteer-run museum.
For those who are keen to get in the saddle themselves, Tipperary has an extensive range of equestrian centers offers tuition and trekking, and an opportunity to see some of Ireland’s finest horses up close and personal.
But Tipperary has much more and is steeped in history as evidenced by the presence and popularity of such iconic attractions as the Rock of Cashel, a cluster of medieval ecclesiastical buildings dominating the landscape on a limestone outcrop.
A short few miles away is Cahir Castle. Designed to be a prime defensive location, it is an imposing structure that seems to grow out from the rock on which it stands. In 1961, the last Lord of Cahir died and it was handed over to the State. It still retains its impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure.
There’s another castle of interest in Carrick On Suir. Ormond Castle is known as the best example of an Elizabethan manor house in Ireland. It was built by the 10th Earl of Ormond in the 1560s. An architectural marvel, explore the two 15th century towers and country’s only unfortified surviving since that period.
Elsewhere and outdoors, experience the wilderness at the Glen of Aherlow, where no matter which of the eight looped walks you choose, you’re in for a treat. The Galtee Mountains have long been known as a walker’s paradise and all levels of fitness are catered for here. Five of the looped walks begin at Christ the King Trail Head and three from Lisvarrinane Village Trail Head, each one taking you across forest tracks, open moors and alongside corrie lakes and mountainsides.
If you’re looking for something more relaxed visit the Nature Park which is perfect for families or a peaceful woodland ramble. View the plants, flowers and the natural habitat of the animals that make up a wonderful ecosystem.
An affiliate of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the Brú Ború Cultural Center in Cashel is the perfect place to catch impressive theatre performances, a local comic or most often, beautiful traditional music.
In the days when drivers would always pass through Cahir enroute to Dublin or beyond, the sight of a thatched cottage off road was always a delight on the eye. This ornamental cottage was built in the early 1800s by Richard Butler, first Earl of Glengall.
It’s an enchanting building with a distinctive thatched roof and was designed to be inspired by nature. Now visitors can take a guided tour and see inside this charming structure.
There are underground and over ground treats not to be missed, especially the Mitchelstown Caves in Killavenoge. Three massive caverns filled with dripstone formations, stalactites and stalagmites that make up this world are inside.
For boating enthusiasts it would be impossible to ignore the beauty of and opportunity presented by Lough Derg, for this is a real tranquil part of Ireland that features spectacular views and unrivalled beauty in the villages of Coolbawn, Dromineer, Garrykennedy and Terryglass where the abbey founded by St Columba is a feature. Another feature this year is the upcoming International Fireball World Championships.
Cycling king Sean Kelly made his name in Europe of the 1980s and into the following decade by winning classic race after classic race and featuring prominently as a regular points category winner in the Tour De France, all of which have made the now 66 year old a world-renowned legend in the sport.
It’s possible to hire cycles (Blueway Bike Hire) in his home town of Carrick On Suir and there are several cycle paths to enjoy, including the picturesque 13 mile (21km) cycle trail along the heritage River Suir Blueway from Carrick-on-Suir through Kilsheelan to Clonmel.
For a less rigorous exercise, just take a walk and there are several marked trails, from easy to very difficult. The three mile Devils Bit marked loop is a great place from which to take great views in.
Farming in Ireland has been diversifying and Brookfield Farm specializes in artisan food delivered direct to the customer. Amid the stunning surrounds of lush farmland that shanks the shores of Lough Derg, wildflower honey, farm-made beeswax candles and tender lambs are all produced on site for visitors to savor.
Blackcastle and Cloncannon (Bio) Farms are others of interest in the county which continues to grow its tourism products, and accordingly its visitors, in a measured upward direction.
For extensive information go to www.tipperary.com
For a full list of upcoming race meetings, go to www.goracing.ie/racecourses-and-events.
For the Fethard Horse Country Experience, visit www.fhcexperience.ie.
Advance booking for Coolmore Stud tour, email enquiries@fhcexperience.ie or call +353 52 613 0439