Did You Know?

Did you know the Stations of the Cross on show in Holycross Abbey are an exact replica of the famous versions in the Vatican? Tipperary has long held strong monastic and religious links with Christianity and this shows the connection is as solid as ever.

Ballynahow Castle

T: +353 (0)67 31610
Address: Ballycahill, Thurles, Co. Tipperary
There is something rather attractive about round tower houses, but sadly only a relatively small number were built, mostly in Munster. Perhaps the finest to survive is the impressive early 16th century tower of the Purcells at Ballynahow.

Ballynahow Castle stands five storeys high with two internal vaults, each covering two storeys; the top storey was formerly covered by a conical timber roof carried on squinch arches. Both the lower floors were dimly lit round chambers that were probably used for storage, though their size was relatively small because of the wall's thickness at this level. The three storeys above were larger and approximated to a rectangular shape, with ogival and segmental headed windows.