{"id":26954,"date":"2022-08-12T11:15:38","date_gmt":"2022-08-12T15:15:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=26954"},"modified":"2022-08-12T11:15:42","modified_gmt":"2022-08-12T15:15:42","slug":"tipperary-the-equestrian%e2%80%88capital%e2%80%88of-ireland-and-so-much-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=26954","title":{"rendered":"Tipperary – The Equestrian\u2008Capital\u2008Of Ireland And So Much More"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Rock of Cashel, Cashel, Co Tipperary (Tourism\u2008Ireland)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

By Barry Coughlan<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tipperary, in Ireland\u2019s province of Munster, is a landlocked rural county that\u2019s home to mountains, rivers, lakes and farmland. The medieval and Celtic ruins at the Rock of Cashel<\/strong> have sweeping pastoral views, Cahir Castle<\/strong> is an imposing 12th-century fortress sitting on an island in the River Suir<\/strong>, Tipperary\u2019s county town, Clonmel<\/strong>, is in the south, and is a gateway for exploring the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s the basic introductory information from Wikipedia of an area of Ireland that has been made famous by all of the above, by Lough Derg<\/strong> in all its glory and horses, yes, horses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ll be able to experience the thrill of the races, see some of Ireland\u2019s finest horses up close and personal, and discover how Tipperary has become such a successful center for horse racing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The county is home to some of the world\u2019s most famous racehorses and the base for many of Ireland\u2019s most successful jockeys and trainers. Horse racing and thoroughbred horse breeding is indeed serious business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for racehorse fans, a trip to Coolmore Stud<\/strong> is definitely one for the bucket list. The famous Fethard stud farm \u2013 the world\u2019s biggest thoroughbred breeding operation \u2013 is home to the finest stallions on the planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s remarkable dominance of global horse racing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only does it have the world\u2019s top stud farm in Coolmore, but it is also home to the Ballydoyle Racing Stable<\/strong>, acknowledged by racing experts as the finest horse training establishment anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The legendary trainer Vincent O\u2019Brien and his unrelated namesake Aidan O\u2019Brien 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aidan\u2019s son Joseph \u2013 himself a brilliant and successful trainer \u2013 has put his 2017 Melbourne Cup on show at the museum, while another local trainer, Michael \u2018Mouse\u2019 Morris, gifted his 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup to the volunteer-run museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s finest horses up close and personal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>, a cluster of medieval ecclesiastical buildings dominating the landscape on a limestone outcrop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A floodlit Cahir Castle, Cahir, Co Tipperary (Tourism\u2008Ireland)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A short few miles away is Cahir Castle<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s another castle of interest in Carrick On Suir<\/strong>. Ormond Castle<\/strong> 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\u2019s only unfortified surviving since that period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elsewhere and outdoors, experience the wilderness at the Glen of Aherlow<\/strong>, where no matter which of the eight looped walks you choose, you\u2019re in for a treat. The Galtee Mountains<\/strong> have long been known as a walker\u2019s 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<\/strong>, each one taking you across forest tracks, open moors and alongside corrie lakes and mountainsides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for something more relaxed visit the Nature Park<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An affiliate of Comhaltas Ceolt\u00f3ir\u00ed \u00c9ireann<\/strong>, the Br\u00fa Bor\u00fa Cultural Center<\/strong> in Cashel <\/strong>is the perfect place to catch impressive theatre performances, a local comic or most often, beautiful traditional music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Swiss Cottage in Cahir, Co Tipperary (Tourism\u2008Ireland)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the days when drivers would always pass through Cahir <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are underground and over ground treats not to be missed, especially the Mitchelstown Caves<\/strong> in Killavenoge<\/strong>. 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<\/strong>, for this is a real tranquil part of Ireland that features spectacular views and unrivalled beauty in the villages of Coolbawn<\/strong>, Dromineer<\/strong>, Garrykennedy <\/strong>and Terryglass <\/strong>where the abbey founded by St Columba is a feature. Another feature this year is the upcoming International Fireball World Championships<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s possible to hire cycles (Blueway Bike Hire<\/strong>) in his home town of Carrick On Suir<\/strong> and there are several cycle paths to enjoy, including the picturesque 13 mile (21km) cycle trail along the heritage River Suir Blueway<\/strong> from Carrick-on-Suir<\/strong> through Kilsheelan <\/strong>to Clonmel<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong> marked loop is a great place from which to take great views in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farming in Ireland has been diversifying and Brookfield Farm<\/strong> specializes in artisan food delivered direct to the customer. Amid the stunning surrounds of lush farmland that shanks the shores of Lough Derg<\/strong>, wildflower honey, farm-made beeswax candles and tender lambs are all produced on site for visitors to savor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blackcastle <\/strong>and Cloncannon (Bio) Farms<\/strong> are others of interest in the county which continues to grow its tourism products, and accordingly its visitors, in a measured upward direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For extensive information go to www.tipperary.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a full list of upcoming race meetings, go to www.goracing.ie\/racecourses-and-events<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the Fethard Horse Country Experience, visit www.fhcexperience.ie<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advance booking for Coolmore Stud tour, email enquiries@fhcexperience.ie or call +353 52 613 0439<\/p>\n

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