Mykidstime Family Guide to Tipperary
Welcome to the Mykidstime Guide to Tipperary. We have put together some suggestions to make your family’s visit to Kildare as enjoyable as possible. As parents ourselves, we are delighted to share with you some of the family friendly spots round our county!
The Mykidstime Team
Top Ten Things to do in Tipperary
1. Holycross Abbey
Holy Cross Abbey, located a few miles from Thurles, is one of Ireland’s National Monuments. Under the patronage of James Butler, the fourth Earl of Ormonde, much of the abbey was rebuilt in the 15th century, but after suppression, it was eventually left in ruins. In the late-1900s, there was a movement to restore the abbey church and use it once more as a house of worship. Today, Mass and other holy events are celebrated there regularly. Admission is free.
2. Take a trip to The Glen of Aherlow.
The Glen of Aherlow Nature Park features many walking trails, seating and picnic areas with flora and fauna throughout. Entry is from the viewing point at 'Christ the King Statue', with a panoramic view of the valley.
3. Visit Brú Ború Heritage Centre, The Bolton Library and The Rock of Cashel.
The Rock of Cashel is huge, it's complex, it's iconic, there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world and it's right here in Cashel at the heart of Tipperary. Adm: Family €11.50. Brú Ború is a national cultural centre at the foot of the Rock of Cashel. This cultural village is designed around a village green. The centre includes a folk theatre, genealogy centre, restaurant and other amenities. Adm: Free. Show and exhibition prices are listed in the centre.
The Bolton Library began as the private collection of Archbishop Theopholus Bolton. The collection covers a wide range of subjects with many rare and unusual works and maps, including some by Dante, Swift, Ortelius and Erasmus.
4. Visit Roscrea Castle
Visit Roscrea Castle, Church, High Cross and Round Tower and afterwards have a play in Roscrea playground. Bring your swimming gear and head to Roscrea Leisure Centre. The leisure centre has great family changing rooms, a café and a super slide for the kids. Top off your day with a trip to McDonalds on the out skirts of the town.
5. Cahir Castle
The Castle appears to grow from the actual rock on which it stands; it has has been the scene of sieges and bombardments for centuries. Adm: Family €8.
The Swiss Cottage is an ornamental chalet, thatched building and is in the Kilcommon Demesne, a walled park of some 800 acres at the heart of the Butler of Cahir estate. A fully restored National Monument, it has been open to the public since 1989.
The Sensory & Mobility Garden in Church St. was specially created to be accessible and enjoyable to all, but particularly for people with disabilities. The garden contains many varied features, such as scented plants, sculptures, water features, Braille signs, pathways of different textures and much to stimulate the senses. It provides a haven of peace and a place to unwind and is also a mobility practice area.
5. Nenagh Heritage Centre
Housed in an interesting mid-19th Century building which was a County Gaol Governor's House for North Tipperary, a Convent and a Heritage Centre. The centre contains a schoolroom, Bar and grocery shop, museum of rural Life, dairy, original kitchen dating from the mid 1800’s, and The Lough Derg room.
6. Fethard Folk Farm and Transport Museum
More than 1,200 Exhibits are on display at the museum. The museum presents an ideal opportunity for the family to enjoy a day out during the spring and summer. It places a particular emphasis on trying to attract children for educational benefits. The grounds include a cafe, picnic facilities, toilets, provision for the disabled, a playground and parking.
7. Celtic Plantarum Dundrum & Marl Bog
It is a magical combination of numerous plants, shrubs and trees, some rare with quaint water features. The display has a range of reconstructions of ancient field monuments drawn from Ireland’s romantic past all presented in a delightful setting with pathways and ever-present bird and wildlife.
Bring a picnic and your fishing rod and go Marl Bog, woodland and a man-made lake, just 2klm from Dundrum. There are parking facilities on site and existing forest and lakeside trails. The lake is stocked with brown trout managed by the Dundrum Fisheries Group.
8. Go on a Lough Derg Drive.
Start off in Dromineer, feed the swans, watch the boats and have a play in the playgound. Next take off to Garrykennedy, go for a forest walk, have a play in the playground, lunch in Larkins or picnic in the lovely BBQ & picnic areas. Small kids might be due a sleep after lunch so head off in the direction of Ballina stopping at The Lookout to take in the amazing scenery. On to Ballina playgound. Mum can have a workout on the outdoor gym beside the playground. If you bring the kids swim gear they can take a dip in the outdoor pool. Anything left in the picnic basket? You can wrap up your day dining al fresco on one of the many picnic benches on the Shannon bank.
9. The Devils Bit & Pallas Hill Open Farm
The Devils Bit is a few miles from The Ragg near Thurles. Tipperary has beautiful lush mountain scenery and the most famous of these hills is known as the Devil's Bit. Legend is that the devil took a bite from the mountain and broke his teeth in the process letting the bit fall from his mouth landing in Cashel to form the Rock of Cashel which was the high seat of the Kings of Munster.
10. Pallas Hill Open Farm
Pallas Hill Open Farm is on the other side of The Ragg. Family friendly open farm and adventure playground. A variety of animals to see and feed both indoors and outdoors, indoor and outdoor picnic areas, farm museum, adventure playground and play park, art and crafts room, sand pit, playdough, and stunning views of the rolling hills of North Tipperary! Basic but charming. Get your flask refilled before you leave.
Indoor Things to Do in Tipperary
• Soft play areas in Tipperary, and there are plenty of them! o KIDZ Play & Party Zone Cashel Town Shopping Centre, Cashel o Empire of Fun, Gortnavilla Business Park, Tipperary o Jump n Gyms, Springfort Retail Park, Nenagh o Planet Playground, Gurtnafleur, Clonmel o Parsons Green, Clogheen • Take in a matinee at o IMC, Thurles Shopping Centre o Ormonde Cinema, Summerhill, Nenagh o Omniplex Clonmel o Tipperary Excel Centre, Tipperary Town • How about bowling at Hot Shots Bowling, Clonmel • Take the kids swimming to public pools at o The Canon Hayes Recreation o Centre in Tipperary. o The Sean Kelly Swimming & Sports Centre in Carrick-on-Suir o Clonmel Swimming Pool o Sean Treacy Memorial Pool, Tipperary o Ferryhouse Sports Complex, Clonmel o Duneske Sports & Leisure Complex, Cahir o Roscrea Leisure Centre o Thurles Leisure Centre o Nenagh Leisure Centre o Ballina Outdoor Swimming Pool
Outdoor Things to Do Playgrounds (FREE)
• Aglish • Ballina • Ballyporeen • Borrisokane • Borrisoleigh • Cahir (Duneske Centre) • Carrick-on-Suir (Fairgreen) • Cashel (Upper Friar Street) • Clogheen • Clonakenny • Clonmel (Mulcahy Park) • Clonmore • Donohill • Drangan • Dromineer • Garrykennedy • Killenaule • Nenagh (St. Paul’s) • Newcastle • Roscrea • Templemore • Terryglass • Thurles (Cabra Court) • Thurles (Loughtagalla) • Tipperary Town (Canon Hayes Recreaton Centre)
• Holycross Rare Breeds Farm An ancient orchard provides a natural setting for over twenty breeds of exotic birds from South East Asia, as well as a collection of rare bantams and large fowl. On the farm walk you can view Kerry Bog Ponies and Irish Moiled Cattle and many more.
• Family Walks – o Bansha Wood o Bishops Wood, Dundrum o Glen of Aherlow – Coach Road Walk o Glengarra Wood o Killaboy Wood o Gortavoher o Castlelough o Pet Farms o Parsons Green, Clogheen o Fairy Fort Farm, Borrisoleigh o McNamaras, Killoskully o Visit http://tipperary.mykidstime.ie for lots more suggestions for things to do while you are in Tipperary
Where to Stay
Please mention Mykidstime when Booking
Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh, Tipperary
The Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh is one of Ireland’s landmark 3* hotels, located North Tipperary, a town bursting with life and steeped in history. The Rugrats Kids Club is a free facility for children aged 4 to 10 and runs during the Midterm Breaks and the Summer and Christmas holiday periods. The Leisure facilities include 20 metre swimming pool, Kiddies pool, Spa pool, Jacuzzi.
Phone: 067 41111
Email: [email protected]
Link: http://www.abbeycourt.ie
The Horse & Jockey Hotel Horse & Jockey, Co. Tipperary
Situated mid-way between Cork and Dublin on the main road is the famous Horse and Jockey Hotel which is located in the village of the Horse & Jockey in the heartland of Co Tipperary. The hotel, which gives it's name to the village, stands at one of the great traditional crossroads of Ireland.
Our leisure centre includes a Gym, 21 metre Swimming Pool, Childrens Paddling Pool, Hydro - Therapy Areas, Jacuzzi & Sauna
Phone: 0504 44192
Email: [email protected]
Link: http://www.horseandjockeyhotel.com/
Kilcoran Lodge Hotel , Cahir, Tipperary
Kilcoran, a former hunting lodge set in 20 acres of manicured gardens. Offering leisure centre open to guests and also non-members. Full facilities including bar, restaurant and luxury self-catering holiday lodges sleeping up to 6.
Phone: 052 74 41288
Email: [email protected]
Link: http://www.kilcoranlodge.com/
Clonmel Park Conference, Leisure & Spa Hotel , Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
This family friendly hotel boasts a state of the art leisure centre for both Mum and Dad and the Kids to enjoy! Lenny Lions Kids Club operates throughout the summer season & school holidays.
Phone 0 52 6188700
Email:[email protected]
Link http://www.clonmelparkhotel.com
The Anner Hotel Dublin Road, Thurles Co. Tipperary
The Anner Hotel, is a family run 3*Hotel established and operated by the Mulcahy family for the past 25 years. The hotel has a solid reputation for delivering traditional hospitality and professional service. Located on the outskirts of Thurles, in Co. Tipperary, midway between Cork & Dublin, 4 Miles from the motorway. Family rooms double bed with 2 or 3 single beds. Our leisure centre includes 18 Metre Swimming Pool, Kiddies Pool, Jacuzzi, Sauna, Steam Room and Gym.
Tel: 0504 21799
Email: [email protected]
Link: http://www.annerhotel.ie
Where to Eat
Fairway's Bar & Orchard Restaurant , Nenagh, Tipperary The Fairways Bar & Orchard Restaurant has won many awards. Our chefs pride themselves on using only the finest local produce Phone: 067 41444 Email: [email protected] Link: http://www.thefairwaysbar.ie
The Goosers Ballina, Co. Tipperary Gooser’s Bar and Eating House is just across the road from the river and close to the bridge that links Tipperary and Clare, this attractive almost-riverside pub serves a wide ranges of dishes with specials on a blackboard (soups with freshly baked brown bread, oysters, mussels, Irish stew and bacon and cabbage are typical). Phone: 061 376791 Email: [email protected] Link: www.goosers.ie
The Whiskey Still Dromineer, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary The Whiskey Still in Dromineer is just up from the harbour, has a big deck facing the water and a lovely stove in the bar for colder days. Phone: 067 24129 Email Link:
Rock House Steak House Ladyswell, Cashel, Co. Tipperary Rock House is a retail gift shop ,90 seater carvery restaurant and Homebaking Kitchen which opens seven days a week 9am to 5pm. This is an la Carte Restaurant.We have a lovely choice of Menu including a variety of Steaks Sirloin, Fillet, Rib Eye,T Bone. Phone: 062 62299 Email: [email protected] Link: www.rockhouse.ie
Befani's Mediterranean & Tapas Restaurant House 6 Sarsfield Street, Clonmel. This stylish new Mediterranean and tapas restaurant is in a restored listed building just up from the quays, and it’s a very welcome arrival in Clonmel. The normal kids offerings are available as well as the roast of the day. pasta dish and any half portion off the main menu. Phone: 052 6177893 Email:[email protected] Link: www.befani.com
Where to Eat The Wytchway Inn Bar and Restaurant Holycross, Thurles Rd. The Wytchway Inn Restaurant opened in November 2008 to great acclaim with reports of great food and a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Customers rave about the variety and standard of food on offer. Phone: 0504 43117 Email:[email protected] Link: www.thewytchwayinn.ie FB: www.facebook.com/thewytchwayinnholycross
Lily Mai’s Café Dove Hill Irish Design Centre, Dove Hill, Carrick-on-Suir Finest of locally produced food in a modern, friendly setting. Prepared in-house, under the supervision of Head Chef Linda Coleman, of award-winning Lily Mai’s Restaurant. Phone: 051 645603 Email: Link: www.lilymais.com/
River House Restaurant & Café Bar, 1 Castle Street, Cahir. With spectacular views of Cahir Castle & The River Suir. Situated across the street from one of Ireland’s best known tourist attractions, Cahir Castle, The River House Restaurant & Café Bar is a stylish, friendly and relaxing setting, serving a variety of food & drink to suit all tastes. Phone: 052 7441951 Link: www.riverhouse.ie
Mitchel House Restaurant Mitchel St., Thurles. The restaurant has a new Early Bird Menu which runs from Wed - Sun between 5:00pm & 7:00pm; while an a la carte menu runs until 9.30pm. There is also a kiddies menu to cater for the entire family, along with the usual kids offerings there is cod, chicken fillet burger and pasta. The restaurant remains closed on Monday's & Tuesday's and on Sunday's there are lunches from 12:30 - 2:30pm with evening meals from 5-8:00pm. Phone: 0504 90776 Email: [email protected] Link: www.mitchelhouse.ie
Tourist Information
Borrisokane Old Church, Mill Street T: +353 (0)67 22175
Brú Ború T: +353 (0)62 61122
Cahir Castle Car Park T: +353 (0)52 744 1453
Carrick-on-Suir Heritage Centre, Main Street T: +353 (0)51 640200
Cashel Town Hall, Main Street T: +353 (0)62 61333
Clonmel The Main Guard T: +353 (0)52 612 2960
Fethard Tourist Point, Fr. Tirry Centre, Barrack Street T: +353 (0)52 613 1000
Glen of Aherlow Tourist Information Point, Coach Road T: +353 (0)62 56331
Nenagh Tourist Information Office Nenagh Town T: +353 (0)67 31610
Tipperary Town Excel Centre T: +353 (0)62 80520
Thurles The Source Arts Centre, Cathedral Street T: +353 (0)504 90340