Ireland’s heartland is full of unexpected stories, medieval ruins, artisan makers, lakeside villages and landscapes layered with history. This 5-day Tipperary itinerary brings you across the entire county, blending famous heritage sites with authentic, lesser-known discoveries.
Day 1 – Clonmel & Carrick-on-Suir
Georgian charm, hidden history and Elizabethan grandeur.
Start your Tipperary itinerary in Clonmel, a vibrant town known for its Georgian streets and cultural heritage. Begin at the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History, where immersive displays bring the county’s past to life through archaeology, folklore, local legends and social history.
Continue east to Carrick-on-Suir to explore Ormond Castle, the finest Elizabethan manor house in Ireland. Its grand façade, elegant interiors and Butler family connections make it a fascinating introduction to Tipperary’s noble story.
Insider Tip: Dove Hill
Just outside Carrick-on-Suir, Dove Hill Shopping Village offers Irish craft, textiles and design-led homeware — a stylish stop beloved by locals.
Day 2 – Cahir & The Suir Blueway
Medieval fortresses and local flavour.
Spend the day in Cahir, where the impressive Cahir Castle stands proudly on a rocky island in the River Suir. As one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval strongholds, it offers a vivid sense of the region’s strategic past.
Afterwards, enjoy a gentle walk or cycle along the Suir Blueway, a scenic waterside trail connecting Cahir, Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir.
Local Favourite: Cahir Farmers Market
If it’s a Saturday, stop by the Cahir Farmers Market — a lively community hub full of artisan breads, cheeses, honey, vegetables and baked goods.
Day 3 – Cashel & The Golden Vale
Ireland’s most iconic landmark and a quiet monastic treasure.
No trip to Tipperary is complete without the Rock of Cashel. Explore its round tower, chapel, cathedral and striking hilltop views over the Golden Vale.
Hidden Gem: Hore Abbey
A short walk away, Hore Abbey offers a peaceful contrast. A 13th-century ruin in open fields with one of the best ground-level views back towards the Rock.
Day 4 – Thurles & Roscrea
Sports heritage, sacred places and deep-rooted history.
Begin in Thurles, birthplace of the GAA. Visit the Lár na Páirce Museum for an engaging look at the history and cultural impact of Gaelic games.
Continue to Holycross Abbey, a beautifully restored 12th-century monastery with remarkable stonework and a serene riverside setting.
Local Favourite: Cabra Wetlands
Just outside Thurles, the Cabra Wetlands provide a gentle boardwalk trail through reedbeds and wildlife habitats — calm, scenic and ideal for nature lovers.
Now travel north to Roscrea, one of Tipperary’s oldest heritage towns. Explore Roscrea Castle, the elegant Damer House, and St Cronan’s Church, known for its Romanesque doorway.
Hidden Gem: Monaincha Abbey
Just outside Roscrea, Monaincha Abbey sits quietly among fields. A serene early Christian site often described locally as the “31st Wonder of the World” .
Day 5 – Lough Derg & Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
Lakeside villages, heritage landscapes and gentle adventure.
Finish your Tipperary Itinerary on the shores of Lough Derg. Base yourself in Dromineer, Terryglass or Nenagh, and enjoy lakeside dining, waterside walks and unhurried village life.
Worth a Detour: Lorrha
Visit Lorrha, an ancient monastic village with atmospheric ruins and a deep sense of place — a quietly powerful stop in the Hidden Heartlands.
Insider Tip: Lakeside sauna + swim
A Lough Derg speciality. Enjoy a lakeside sauna followed by a refreshing dip (optional but unforgettable).
Time to Explore More
Accommodation in Tipperary
Find the perfect place to stay — from lakeside lodges to boutique town hotels.
Time to rest in Tipperary → Explore accommodation
More Things to Do in Tipperary
Heritage towns, artisan makers, outdoor adventures and hidden gems await.
Time to discover more → Explore things to see & do
Top Hiking Experiences in Tipperary
From mountain viewpoints to forest trails, explore Tipperary on foot.
Time to go walking → Explore hikes and trails
