Get lost in Tipperary
County Tipperary has no shortage of big name attractions like the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle.
But if you’re looking to go beyond the guidebooks, here are eleven remarkable heritage sites worth a detour. From forgotten castles to quiet abbeys, each one offers a glimpse into the county’s layered history—without the crowds.
Saint Patrick’s Well, Clonmel
It is said that St Patrick and St Declan first met at this tranquil site 1,600 years ago. Tucked into a sheltered valley, the well’s gently rippling waters, ruined church, and central cross create a peaceful spot for quiet reflection.
Lingaun Valley, Kilkieran
This ancient landscape winds along the Kilkenny-Tipperary border, tracing 5,000 years of Irish history. Discover prehistoric tombs, standing stones, early monastic sites, and local legends that ripple through the valley like the Lingaun River itself.
A striking Cistercian abbey founded in 1182, with medieval tombs and a rare rose window. This peaceful ruin rewards exploration with fine details and atmospheric silence.
Kilcooley Abbey, Kilcooley
www.discoverireland.ie/tipperary/kilcooley-abbey
Redwood Castle, Lorrha
E45 HT38 | Open seasonally
Once home to the learned MacEgan Brehon family, this rare tower house has been painstakingly restored. Open for guided tours in summer.
Cormackstown Heritage Centre
Holycross, E41 Y658 | By appointment: 085 713 1584
Step inside a private collection bursting with rural life: a recreated shop, pub, schoolroom, and dairy, alongside tools from cobblers, blacksmiths and tinsmiths. A charming and offbeat immersion into Ireland’s everyday past.
Littleton Labyrinth
Trail from Killenaule to Horse & Jockey
Follow an 8km trail across raised bog and sacred ground, including holy wells, church sites, and the atmospheric Derrynaflan Loop. A unique blend of ecology and ancient spirituality.
Ahenny High Crosses, Ahenny
Two of the finest early Christian high crosses in Ireland, richly carved with biblical scenes and Celtic motifs. Dating back to the 8th century, these crosses are as spiritually moving as they are artistic.
www.heritageireland.ie/unguided-sites/ahenny-high-crosses/
Athassel Priory, Golden
Ireland’s largest medieval priory, now a beautiful riverside ruin. The massive cloisters and carved stones hint at a once-thriving monastic city. Bonus: views of the Galtees.
www.discoverireland.ie/tipperary/athassel-abbey
Famine Warhouse 1848, Ballingarry, E41 XK23 | Open by appointment
Site of the Young Irelanders’ last stand, this museum tells the gripping story of rebellion, famine, and Ireland’s place in Europe’s revolutionary wave.
www.heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/famine-warhouse-1848
Holycross Abbey
Holycross, E41 PH01
A sacred space, the restored 12th century Cistercian abbey, Holycross became a major medieval pilgrimage site. Today, it offers guided tours and peaceful riverside walks.
Ormond Castle
Carrick-on-Suir, E32 CX59
Ireland’s best-preserved Elizabethan manor, with ornate plasterwork, grand halls, and links to Queen Elizabeth I herself. Expect tech-savvy interpretation and royal drama.
https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/ormond-castle
Ready to Step Off the Beaten Track?
Tipperary’s lesser-visited landmarks are waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a curious traveller, a local history buff, or planning your next slow travel escape, these hidden heritage sites offer moments of wonder without the crowds.
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