Ireland’s ancient east

The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most spectacular and – deservedly – most visited tourist attractions.  Set on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale, the Rock of Cashel, iconic in its historic significance, possesses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Among the monuments to be found there is a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and a fifteenth-century Tower House.  https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/rock-of-cashel/

Located just 15km from The Rock of Cashel, Holycross Village is a tranquil, and picturesque medieval village straddling the River Suir in the middle of County Tipperary. Holycross is a very special and sacred place where you can walk in the footsteps of ancient Monks. Experience firsthand, through local guides, the story of Holycross, spanning 10 centuries of a changing social, political and religious landscape, in the very heart of Ireland.  www.holycrossabbey.ie

Ireland’s only inhabited round tower, Farney Castle is the home of fashion designer, Cyril Cullen, and his family. His porcelain workshop is also here and pieces can be bought in the castle shop along with other gifts and clothes. There’s a coffee shop here too. Farney Castle was built in 1495, and it has had many other famous residents and visitors. They include the Earls of Ormond, Henry VIII, James I and George I.

Cahir Castle is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles. It stands proudly on a rocky island on the River Suir.  https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/cahir-castle/

The Swiss Cottage, just outside the heritage town of Cahir, is a cottage orné – a fanciful realisation of an idealised countryside cottage used for picnics, small soirees and fishing and hunting parties and was also a peaceful retreat for those who lived in the nearby big house. https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/swiss-cottage/