Page 74 - The Drivers Guide 2019

The Driver's Guide
TIPPERARY
HOLY CROSS ABBEY
JN 7 (N62 AND R659) TOWARDS HOLYCROSS 9 min from exit
The Holy Cross Abbey in Tipperary is a restored Cistercian monastery in Holycross near Thurles. It takes its name from a relic of the True Cross or Holy Rood, a fragment of which was brought to Ireland by Queen Isabella
of Angoulême around 1233. Left in ruins after the 15th century, the Cistercian abbey was lovingly restored in the 1970s by Archbishop of Cashel Dr Thomas Morris, who opened its doors once again to thousands of pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. Today it is a peaceful landmark, the perfect spot for quiet contemplation and historical discovery.
centre until it was sacked by Cromwell’s forces in 1647. Attractions include an audio-visual show and exhibitions.
BALLYNAHOW CASTLE
JN 5 (N75) TOWARDS THURLES 18 min from exit
Tipperary is home to one of the few round tower houses of Ireland - Ballynahow Castle - which is still in surprisingly good condition. It is located north-west of Thurles, and was built by the Purcells in the 16th century. As a five storied, 50 foot castle it provided shelter to the local people against attacks from intruders. Currently situated on private property, its ownership transferred to the government in 1930, and it was declared a national monument and was duly repaired.
HORE ABBEY
JN 7 (R639 AND R509) TOWARDS CASHEL
5 min from exit
In search of some lovely photographs of the Rock? Hore Abbey, a Cistercian monastery built in 1250, provides all that and more. This beautiful and magnificent ruin is set in a peaceful rural location with a stunning view of the Rock of Cashel. It also offers a nice walk along a footpath from the Rock of Cashel to see these impressive ruins.
ATHASSEL PRIORY
JN 9 (N74) TOWARDS CASHEL 10 min from exit
The remains of Athassel Abbey can be found in Golden, a village about 7km from Cashel. The abbey was built in the 12th century for the Augustinians by William Fitz-Aldhelm de Burgho and dedicated to St Edmund. It was one of Ireland’s most extensive monasteries, stretching out over a beautiful four acres of land along the banks of the River Suir. Athassel Abbey is the largest medieval priory found in Ireland. It burnt down in 1447 and the monastery was dissolved in the 1500s. The buildings were subsequently neglected and fell into ruin.
GLEN OF AHERLOW NATURE PARK
JN 10 (N24 AND L3102) TOWARDS LIMERICK 20 min from exit
The Glen of Aherlow, a 25-km long valley dotted with megalithic and early Christian sites, runs from Galbally in the west to Bansha in the east. The entrance location of its centrepiece, the Glen of Aherlow Nature Park, is close to the Christ the King statue and adjacent to the car park. This statue of Christ the King, with its upraised hand blessing the glen and all who pass by, has been part of the local scenery since 1950. Close to the entrance is a map board displaying the routes of the woodland, Bianconi and Ballinacourty Loop walking trails. The Glen of Aherlow Nature Park is ideal for families to take a peaceful woodland ramble and to view plants, flowers and the natural habitat of foxes, squirrels and birds.
CLONBEG CHURCH, GLEN OF AHERLOW
JN 10 (N24) TOWARDS LIMERICK
23 min from exit
Clonbeg Church, found in the heart of the beautiful Glen of Aherlow, was originally founded by St Sedna. There are still the remains of an old church wall. The present church is Church of Ireland with both a Catholic and Church of Ireland burial ground, many of the gravestones date back to early 1700s.
MOORE ABBEY
JN 10 (N24 AND L3102) TOWARDS LIMERICK 30 min from exit
On the western end of the Aherlow Valley, Moore Abbey was founded in 1204 by King of Thomond (North Munster). The friary was suppressed in 1540 but the new owner, the Earl of Desmond left the Friars in peace until the friary was burnt in 1569 and 1570. Returning in 1645, the Friars were expelled by the Cromwellians, but returned in 1658, and inhabited the friary until 1748. Only the friary church and tower remain today.
ST BERRIHERT’S KYLE
JN 10 (N24 AND L3102) TOWARDS LIMERICK 15 min from exit
St Berrihert’s Kyle is an ecclesiastical oval enclosure containing cross slabs, wheel crosses, high crosses and a cursing stone. It is possible that the walls of the church were taken away
TOP HIGHLIGHT
ROCK OF CASHEL
JN 7 (R639) TOWARDS CASHEL 5 min from exit
Visible from afar, this tight cluster of turrets and towers soars majestically above the Vales of Tipperary. This spectacular group of medieval buildings, set on an outcrop of limestone, include a 12th century round tower, high cross and Romanesque chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral.
Legend has it that St Patrick baptised Aengus, the King of Munster here in 448 AD. It flourished as a religious
72 IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST