South Heritage Plan 2012-2016

“Heritage is not so much a thing of the past but of the present and the future.”

— Michael Starrett Chief Executive, the Heritage Council

South Tipperary Heritage Plan 2012-2016

Text compiled and edited by Jane-Anne Cleary, Labhaoise McKenna, Mieke Muyllaert and Barry O’Reilly in association with the Heritage Forum

Produced by Labhaoise McKenna, Heritage Officer, South Tipperary © 2012 South

This publication is available from: The Heritage Officer South Tipperary County Council , , Co. Tipperary Phone: 052 6134650 Email: [email protected] Web: www.southtippheritage.ie

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission in writing of the publisher.

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This paper has been manufactured using special recycled fibres; the virgin fibres have come from sustainably managed forests; air emissions of sulphur, CO2 and water pollution have been limited during production.

Captions

Inside front cover and small title page: Medieval celebrations along Clonmel Town Wall during Festival Cluain Meala. Photograph by John Crowley

Frontispiece: Marlfield Church. Photograph by Danny Scully

Title page: Cashel horse taken on Holy Cross Road. Photograph by Brendan Fennessey

Inside back cover: Hot Horse shoeing at Channon’s Forge, Clonmel. Photograph by John D Kelly.

Back cover: Medieval celebrations along Clonmel’s Town Wall as part of Festival Cluain Meala. Photograph by Joe Kenny Round bails around a ruin in Cashel. Photograph by Ruth Maher Sheep on . Photograph by Clare Lee Children enjoying pumpkin soup at the Bia community Garden in Cashel. Photograph by Annie Dalton CONTENTS

Address from County Manager 6

Address from Cathaoirleach 6

Acknowledgements 7

Our Heritage 8 Why have a Heritage Plan? 8 Community is key 8 Creating the plan 9 Aim of the plan 9 Heritage Forum 9 Setting the scene 9

Archaeology 12

Built Heritage 17

Culture 24

Nature 30

The 34

Actions 36

Who is already taking action for our heritage 40

Plan for success 42

South Tipperary Heritage Forum Members 44

Community Feedback 45

Address from the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Michael Fitzgerald South Tipperary is renowned for its rich heritage. We have everything from iconic sites such as the and to hidden gems such as Athassal Abbey and Fethard Walled Town. Our landscape is shaped by the River Suir, and extensive mountain ranges – Galtees, Knockmealdowns and Comeraghs. Slievenamon stands alone and has become a symbol for our county with many stories, legends and folklore attached to it. South Tipperary County Council is very proud of our heritage here in South Tipperary. We have many local festivals and events throughout the year to celebrate what we have on our doorstep. There are events such as Festival Cluain Meala and Fethard Medieval Festival celebrating our Walled Towns. We have the Clonmel Agricultural Show and the Walking Festival celebrating our natural heritage. There is no end to celebratory events over the summer months to remind us of what a wonderful place we live in. The South Tipperary County Museum is one of our many cultural assets where we have seen enormous growth in its community inclusive programming. The award winning Heritage in Schools Project has seen huge advancements year on year. We also have a purpose built archive facility in Carraigeen where people can access their local archives. Our heritage is our ‘sense of place’ – what makes us unique in South Tipperary. We are known nationally through our sporting endeavours and internationally through song ‘Its a Long Way to Tipperary’. We hope to bring more people to Tipperary to appreciate what we have here – our heritage, our county, our home. I hope you will work alongside the local authority to deliver this worthwhile plan to protect, conserve and celebrate our heritage for the years to come. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Heritage Forum and in particular to Labhaoise McKenna and Jane Anne Cleary for all their help and support in preparing this plan and in the delivery of all of our heritage projects. I also want to thank the Cultural Team who work tirelessly to enhance our awareness of heritage.

Address from the County Manager, Billy McEvoy It is a pleasure to join with the Cathaoirleach of South Tipperary County Council in welcoming our second County Heritage Plan. The formulation of this plan has come at a time where there is a need for some positivity in the local community. Heritage projects provide an opportunity for people to come together and work together for the sake of community. We have a very strong heritage in the community in South Tipperary and I hope this plan will act as a guide and manual to point groups and individuals in the right direction for further information or in how to get involved in local projects. The plan will be realised through community partnership working alongside the local authority and other government agencies. This plan has come about through an extensive community participation process over the past few years. I would like to thank all those who took part in public meetings, seminars and workshops in particular the Elected Members, Heritage Forum and members of the public. I would also like to congratulate all those involved in the production of this Heritage Plan as it is a feast for the eyes and showcases the rich built, cultural and natural heritage of this county. The manual approach is a very useful way to engage people and to provide the guidance and support required to deliver heritage projects. I am very pleased that South Tipperary County Council has approved this plan and I would like to extend the support of the local authority for its implementation. I wish every success to those who help to deliver this plan at a government, agency and local level. In particular I would like to pay tribute to our Heritage Officer, Labhaoise McKenna and other members of the Cultural Team for their excellent work and significant contribution they have made to this plan and the ongoing appreciation of heritage in South Tipperary.

6 Acknowledgements South Tipperary County Council wishes to thank all those who made contributions to this plan, through participating in workshops or sending in submissions, comments and pho- tographs. We would particularly like to thank Jane-Anne Cleary who compiled the initial draft document and who has worked continually on bringing the plan to fruition. Thanks are also due to the South Tipperary Heritage Forum who have helped make this plan – in particular Barry O’ Reilly, Mieke Muyllaert and Mary Guinan-Darmody who have written sections or edited versions of the plan. All the Heritage Forum members have participated in the creation and delivery of the plan and we are very grateful for their continued support. All the images for this plan have been donated free of charge and thanks are due to all those who have contributed images, in particular, Marie McMahon of the County Museum, local authority staff and the NIAH. Thanks also to Michael Coady who has given permission to publish his poem ‘Friars’ Rock’. Thanks are also due to our Heritage Officer, Labhaoise McKenna who undertook the public participation workshops, facilitated the Heritage Forum action workshops and oversaw the delivery and production of the plan. South Tipperary County Council would like to thank the Heritage Council for their support and funding of County Heritage Plan projects to date in the county. For further information on the South Tipperary Heritage Plan and heritage projects in the county please contact the Heritage Officer at South Tipperary County Council, County Hall, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Email: [email protected]; Tel 0526134650; www.southtippheritage.ie

Lady Blessingtons Bath, Kitty Collins, South Tipperary County Museum Collection

‘Our heritage is our “sense of place” – what makes us unique in South Tipperary’.

‘Heritage projects provide an opportunity for people to come together and work together for the sake of community’.

7 OUR HERITAGE From the majesty of the Galtee mountains, to the medieval remains of the walled towns; from the surge of the Suir to the sounds of ‘Slievenamon’ at the match on Sunday, our heritage surrounds us, it gives us a sense of place and a sense of pride unique to any other. The word ‘Heritage’ embraces our history, our inheritance, our landscape both natural and built, and our culture. It defines us as a community and gives us our individual identity. Our heritage is not a fixed thing; we need to protect and conserve while welcoming responsible change and development to ensure the heritage of future generations.

WHY HAVE A HERITAGE PLAN? The National Heritage plan sets out the necessity for each locality to have an individual heritage plan that outlines heritage important to them, actions they intend to implement and guidelines on how progress will be monitored. The Heritage Plan is not a policy document but it does draw and build on information provided in the County Development Plan. The plan fulfils local, national and international obligations and outlines actions to benefit and promote our heritage over a specific timeframe. The Heritage Plan is first and foremost for everybody and can be used in a number of ways. The Plan showcases the exclusive and unique heritage that South Tipperary has to offer, fascinating ruins to be visited, grand designs to be appreciated, breath-taking landscapes to be witnessed, folklore and festivals to be enjoyed and stories to be uncovered. People can also use the Plan to see how they as individuals or as groups can get involved in projects outlined in the Plan. Red-tailed bumble bee. Photograph by Kevin Collins The Plan can be used as a manual by heritage interest groups seeking support and funding for local projects.

COMMUNITY IS KEY As our heritage is such an important and valuable asset, we need to become aware and educated on all aspects of it. For responsible development and change to occur we need to strike the correct balance between development and conservation. To meet this challenge, we must make informed decisions and educate and make our- selves aware of the value heritage has, and understand the role it plays in our lives. It is important for the whole community to get involved and immersed in our heritage as it enhances all of our lives. A partnership between a broad-base of contributors including local authorities, government and the Heritage Forum is essential but the success of the plan is dependent on local people getting involved.

Marie and Harry McMahon at the Medieval Hunstsman at Tullamain. Taking part in ‘Place to Bee’ biodiversity cafe in Clonmel Banquet during Festival Cluain Meala Photograph by Clare Lee.

8 CREATING THE PLAN Extensive workshops were held to ensure that the community were engaged and involved and together with the Heritage Forum and Heritage Officer the Plan was created. This Heritage Plan builds on the heritage plan 2004-2008. The objectives of the plan are realistic and practical and reflect the current economic climate. The actions are clearly set out and implementation within a specified time-frame will ensure progress and positive results.

AIM OF THE PLAN The aim of this plan is to: develop and enhance awareness and appreciation of the H e r i ta g e : heritage of South Tipperary through the joint participation and work of both the Heritage forum and local community; highlight and promote heritage and conserva- tion; and through best practice protect and conserve the unique heritage that makes Archaeology South Tipperary such a special place to live and that gives us our proud identity. Architecture HERITAGE FORUM The South Tipperary Heritage Forum is a group of people, both individuals and those representing different agencies who have come together to support the role of the Nature Heritage Officer in the county. There are representatives from national government departments, local authorities, NGOs and local specialist interest groups. A full list Culture of members is on page 44.

SETTING THE SCENE Tipperary or Tiobraid Arann means the ‘Well of Ara’. The county is divided into two administrative areas for local government purposes but will be rejoined in 2014, at which time this Plan may be reviewed. South Tipperary covers an area of about 2,257 km and has a population of 83,221 and growing. ‘The Golden Vale’, a large strip of fertile land, stretches across the county in the basin of the River Suir. The Galtee and mountains dominate the landscape to the west and south and Slievenamon rises in the east watching over the county. Tipperary has a rich heritage and lives up to its title of ‘The Premier County’. For the purposes of the Plan, heritage has been divided up into four sections: Archaeological, Architectural, Natural and Cultural Heritage. In reality it is the combination of all four and the relationship the community has with them that make heritage so valuable and beneficial in all our lives.

Man and his dog soaking up the medieval In Medieval Dress during Members of the Heritage Forum working in the Suir River Cafe atmosphere during Festival Cluain Meala Festival Cluain Meala

9 ADOPT A MONUMENT/Greenspace In 2010, South Tipperary County Council started an ‘Adopt a Monument’ project. The idea of the project is to offer support and advice to community groups who want to take on heritage projects that deal with the key themes of conservation, access improvement, and interpretation. Five sites have been involved in the pilot project to date: Tipperary Hills, Cashel Town Walls, Inch Field in , Fethard Town Hall/Tholsel and The Grange Monument. The different groups cover a variety of aspects of heritage including nature, buildings and monuments. Each group takes its own unique approach but they all have the same goals – to look after their site and to help others to use, enjoy, and learn about it. In the future it may be possible to extend this project to other community groups. The groups are to provide guidelines / manual for their site in conjunction with the Heritage Forum in order to: n keep an eye on monuments/green spaces and monitor their condition / upkeep and to get involved in site maintenance where appropriate; n do research into the lesser-known monuments / potential projects; n help to produce leaflets / interpretation about the site n help to promote sites, where appropriate; n devise monument trails in different parts of the county, especially round some of the lesser-known publically accessible monuments; n provide an enhanced visitor experience / lead guided walks round the sites. For updates and further details see www.southtippheritage.ie.

Cahir Castle. Photograph by Damian Lizun

Fethard Town Hall / Tholsel. Photograph by Joe Kenny 10 Slievenamon Alone, all alone, by the wave-washed strand All alone in the crowded hall The hall it is gay and the waves they are grand But my heart is not there at all, Slievenamon Bog There are a number has been designated It flies far away, by night and by day of archaeological as a Natural To the times and the joys that are gone ruins on the Heritage Area mountain, e.g., the protected under But I never can forget the sweet maiden I met ancient burial cairn Irish law. In the valley of Slievenamon. at the summit which is said to mark the It was not the grace of her queenly air entrance to the There is a prominent Nor the cheeks of the roses glow Celtic Underworld. and modern landmark near Her soft dark eyes or her curly hair, Killusty — a White Nor was it her lily white brow. After word of a Cross erected in the secret ‘War of Holy Year 1950. ‘Twas the soul of truth and of melting ruth, Independence’ And a smile like the summer’s day. meeting in was Slievenamon, Sliabh That stole my heart away on that bright summer’s day rumbled, it was na mBan, means the In the valley of sweet Slievenamon. moved to the summit mountain of the of Slievenamon. women and the name In the festive ball and the wave-washed shore is believed to have My restless spirit cries - come from an Irish legend in which ‘My land, oh my land, shall I never see you more, The mountain is Fionn Mac Cumhail My country will you never uprise’. used for farming, chose his bride by forestry, hill-walking, holding a race up By night and by day I will ever, ever pray, pilgrimages and the mountain — the As darkly my life it rolls on, welcomes locals first woman to the and tourists alike to top won his hand in To see our flag unrolled and my true love unfold celebrate its unique marriage! In the valley near Slievenamon. beauty.

— Charles Kickham

Slievenamon stands 721m high, an iconic landmark in Tipperary. It is a place where many aspects of our heritage are found together, a place where people work, live and visit. Its distinctive shape makes it instantly recognisable and a worthy emblem of South Tipperary.

Slievnamon and Landscape from the air

11 ARCHAEOLOGY

When we think of heritage, we often think of the are valuable, like a gold hoard, but usually their true past. Archaeologists are people who try to find out value lies in the stories they reveal about how our how we lived long ago, from the Mesolithic era c. ancestors lived - what they ate, where they lived and 7000BC-4000BC to the Post Medieval era c.1600 what they believed. South Tipperary has a vast range of AD- c.1750AD. Archaeology includes sites, like ‘raths’ archaeology from various parts of history which reveal or ‘ring forts’; remains such as old skeletons found in our heritage through the ages and the evolution and ancient burial grounds, and artefacts like flint arrow- development of our county. Monuments and ruins are heads. Sometimes findings can be accidental such as the dotted around the county and exhibitions from various ‘Derrynaflan Hoard’, and sometimes they are discovered periods in South Tipperary’s rich history can be seen in during planned surveys, such as the excavations at the the County Museum in Clonmel. site of the Cashel bypass. Occasionally these finds

n Sherds of pottery and a stone axe head n Two flint were discovered at Monadreela during the blades found Cashel Bypass excavations. on Cashel n Signs of settlement can be seen in Bypass Hughes’ Lot, a rectilinear enclosure excavations surrounding a roundhouse that has been represent the earliest ‘In the Round House Landscapes of the River Suir Shadow of dated to the Late Bronze Age or Iron Age. evidence for human the Galtees’ n A human bone with cut marks suggestive activity in South – An NRA Tipperary c.7000BC. publication of battle wounds were found on the site of a ringfort in Hughes’ Lot East in Cashel. Mesolithic (7000-4000BC) Bronze Age (2500-500BC) Ringfort

7000-4000BC 4000-2500BC 2500-500BC 400AD-900AD

Neolithic (4000-2500BC) Early Medieval (400AD-900AD)

n Passage tombs n Christianity was introduced to South at Shrough on Tipperary.

Slievnamuck, n High Crosses at . south of n The Derrynaflan Chalice, part of the Tipperary Town. Cist Grave Derrynaflan Hoard, was discovered in n Cremation Cemetery 1980 by Michael Webb. where over 20 burials n Two previously unrecorded ring-forts (including one in a stone ‘cist’ were discovered in Hughes’ Lot. The or box-like structure) were Ahenny Cross larger site (c.50m in diameter) consisted discovered on the Cashel of a double ditched enclosure with Bypass excavations. evidence for structures in the interior.

The Office of Public Works is responsible for the National Monuments that are open to the public On the first Wednesday of every month there is free admission to the fee paying sites: The Rock of Cashel, and Swiss Cottage. Their other sites – the Ormond Castle (Tudor Manor House), The Main Guard and the War House – are free throughout the open season. Check www.heritageireland.ie for up-to-date opening arrangements and information. 12 Davin Boat Exhibition at South Tipperary Museum

n South Tipperary is best known for its rich medieval heritage. The walled towns of Fethard, Davin Boat Cashel, Carrick-on-Suir and n The Davin Boat holds Clonmel are the best examples of a special place in local this period. history. n The Anglo-Norman population from Deerpark, Carrick- on-Suir who helped found Cashel Town Wall before conservation work funded built these walls around the under the Irish Walled Town Network 13th Century. The native Irish the G.A.A., was also a were ‘contained’ outside of the champion rower. He won walls, but were let in for trading many regattas in a 38ft during the day. Street-names rowing boat which he built like ‘Irishtown’ in Clonmel are a himself. In 2006 it was reminder of these restrictions. donated to the County Museum by Davin’s grand- n A famous ‘sheela na gig’ can be nephew Pat Walsh. The seen inserted into one of the boat underwent analysis Fethard Walls. and conservation work. n Important sites from this era The boat is said to be a Cashel Town Wall after conservation work funded include the Holy Trinity Church under the Irish Walled Town Network unique example of mid-late in Fethard, The Rock of Cashel, 19th century lap stroke Kilcooley Abbey, Athassel construction and is today n ‘Barrows’ or earthen mound Abbey near Golden, Cahir on display in the County burial monuments outside Castle, and Ormond Castle. and Lattin. Museum.

Iron Age (500BC-400AD) Medieval (1169-1600 AD) Modern

500BC-400AD 850AD-1169AD 1169-1600 AD 1600-1750 present day

Viking (850AD-1169AD) Post Medieval (1600-1750) n A hoard of Viking Hack Silver was discovered Cromwell in Clonmel.

in a ringfort in Kilmacomma, Clonmel near n The Siege of Clonmel took place in April – May the banks of the River Suir which is on display 1650. During the Cromwellian conquest of in the County Museum. Further downstream a 8000 of Cromwell’s men besieged the town. 2000 large Hiberno – Norse trading site was found Irish led by Hugh Dubh O’ Neill defended the town on the banks of the River Suir at Woodstown. and killed around 2000 of Cromwell’s ferocious army, their largest loss in one day.

n St. Patrick’s Well is the site of the ruins of a 17th Century chapel. The remains of an altar tomb of Nicholas White can be found inside the ruins. There St Patrick’s Well, Michael Burke. Courtesy of South is an early Christian cross in the centre well and the Tipperary County Museum water is said to have healing powers. This historic site makes for a picutresque and tranquil setting for pilgrims and tourists alike.

13 GRAVEYARDS - A WINDOW ON THE PAST Graveyards are an integral part of the local community they are a final resting place for those who have gone before us and ESSENTIAL DOS AND can be a tranquil and powerful place to remember our loved ones. Graveyards are also an important feature of the historic DON’TS OF GRAVEYARD landscape and frequently provide clues to understanding our past. CARE AND CONSERVATION Graveyards have decorative ironwork, mature trees and ornate sometimes ancient gravestones. They are of archaeological and architectural interest and serve as wildlife habitats and as stores Do of local genealogy, sculpture and art. Reading inscriptions on n Contact your local Heritage Officer gravestones gives a unique insight into the person buried and the before you begin times they lived in e.g. famine, conflict, and epidemics. A visit to a graveyard steeps us in local heritage and immediately connects n Check ownership and legal status of with the past. It is for these reasons that careful consideration graveyard/seek owner’s permission should be shown when conserving and managing our graveyards. n Plan a programme of work and begin Local communities are participating in conservation projects in with the least difficult tasks conjunction with the County Council. Currently the Council provides and maintains 116 burial grounds around the County and n Retain healthy trees – favour native supports the voluntary burial grounds committees who look after species these burial grounds by providing annual maintenance grants and n Maintain existing pathways also amenity grants. n Keep boundary walls, banks and hedges n Keep any architectural and sculptural fragments, record their position and report to the National Monuments Service and National Museum of Ireland

Don’ts n Start without professional advice and a clear plan Kilcooley Graveyard. Photograph by Labhaoise McKenna n Demolish or remove anything from the site without the permission of the National Monuments Service n Use machinery to clear or level the site n Burn vegetation or use total spectrum weedkiller n Plant wild plants, or uproot ivy or trees, n Use wire brushes or sandblasters Graveyard Care and Conservation Seminar. Photograph by Labhaoise McKenna n Move gravestones without PLACENAMES archaeological advice or supervision Place names can tell us a lot about where we live and are an excellent reflection of heritage from the past. History, culture, topography and language of an area are often exhibited in a place-name. South Tipperary has a vast range of place-names, each one depicting a story of that area.

14 Can you guess the modern names of these well-known places?

THE MEADOW THE KINGDOM D A OF HONEY OF FISHERMEN

THE HIGH E The Stone WOOD B Fortress of Munster

THE ROCK F FIONAIN’S OF THE SUIR C HEIGHT

Original photograph © Joe Ryan / ryanfoto.com Original photograph © Joe Ryan

Carrick-On-Suir, Carrick-On-Suir, ; Fethard, ; Cahir, Carraig na Siúire na Carraig Ard Fiodh Iascaigh Dhún Cathair . F E. . D

; , ; Cashel, ; Clonmel, Answers: Ard Fhíonáin Ard Caiseal Meala Cluain C. B. A.

Irish Walled Town Network The Irish Walled Town Network (IWTN) was established by the Heritage Council in 2005 to unite and co-ordinate the strategic efforts of Local Authorities involved in the management and conservation of historic walled towns in Ireland. There are 27 towns in the network and this number is growing. Cashel, Clonmel and Fethard are all part of the network and there is scope for Carrick-on-Suir to join in the future. Membership of the network means that towns can generate funding for capital projects and festival events annually. www.heritagecouncil.ie/irish_walled_towns/

Tour of Clonmel Town Walls. Photograph by Joe Kenny 15 HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

Project

Cameras at the ready! Fulachtaí fia are best seen and photographed in freshly ploughed fields in spring or autumn. Contact the Museum Fulacht Fia Photographic survey for information and help with your survey. Always ask land owners permission for access to land.

You can add to the archaeological and historical record of your place by recording local place names which may or may not be mapped already. Field name/Place name survey The Museum can help you locate places on a map and your information may be recorded for future generations to discover!

Consult the Council for advice and support in setting up your own or Graveyard Clean-up schemes joining an existing care and conservation group.

Resources

Who What Contact

n Find a listed monument

n Find a historic graveyard that The National Monuments Service predates 1700AD www.archaeology.ie

n If you find something of archaeological significance

The National Inventory n Find a graveyard/church built www.buildingsofireland.ie of Buildings of Ireland after 1700AD

n Guidelines for care and conservation The Heritage Council of graveyards www.heritagecouncil.ie/heritage n Funding for heritage projects

n Books and papers available Your Local Library www.tipperarylibraries.ie on local archaeology

n Books and information available The National Roads Authority www.nra.ie about excavations carried out.

School children enjoying the Heritage in Schools Project in South The Bridge in Golden. Photograph by Aidan Finn Tipperary County Museum 16 BUILT HERITAGE

Ormond Castle

‘Built Heritage’ simply means the buildings and other value from our past. We should also embrace new design structures created by people, whether wealthy, in the as this is also part of the changing story and some of case of the builders of country houses (‘Big Houses’), or today’s buildings will become tomorrow’s built heritage. less so, in the case of vernacular (traditional) buildings The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage or, indeed, the majority of everyday buildings of town (NIAH), which identifies and records the architectural and countryside. The house you live in, the school you heritage of the State, surveyed South Tipperary in study in, the library you visit, the building you work 2005 and the results are featured on the website, www. in, the bridge you cross over, the streets you shop on, buildingsofireland.ie. Most of the buildings and other the restaurants you eat in or the church you pray in, are structures presented are Protected Structures and any often good examples of built heritage. All buildings and changes or additions to such structures require a planning structures, whether of intrinsic architectural interest or application. These applications are dealt with by South not, are important to their owners, occupants and users. Tipperary County Council, often in conjunction with Built heritage tells the story of society: the changing advice from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the lifestyle of a community over time. This heritage . The South Tipperary Development Plan enriches all our lives and thus it is important to develop contains a list of Protected Structures, their location an appreciation for it and, indeed, to conserve what is of and a brief description. 17 Go Roads On 6th July 1815 the first Bianconi two-wheeled horse-drawn cart went into service, travelling be- tween Clonmel and Cahir, and later incorporat- ing many other routes. Thus the first integrated transport system was introduced to Ireland. It paved the way for the future, and the routes trav- Bianconi Coach. Courtesy of the National Library elled influenced the routes networks used today. The busy main road between Cahir and Clonmel is now known, fittingly, as the Bianconi Drive.

River The River Suir was important for access and transport throughout the history of settlement in the region. The River Suir Navigation Company, formed in 1836-41, and the deepening of the river west of Carrick, meant that larger vessels could dock at Clonmel. The quaysides at both River Suir at Ardmayle Village. Photograph by Joe Boland places remain and a fine series of stone and metal bridges graces the river.

Railways After completion of the Waterford to railway in 1854, river traffic diminished, the barge service between Clonmel and Carrick ceas- ing in 1920. The railway stations in Clonmel, Cahir and Limerick Junction are all quite grand pieces of architecture. The smaller stations in Tipperary Town and Carrick, and disused sta- tions at Fethard, Dundrum, and elsewhere are also worthy heritage structures. Railway Station in Clonmel. Photgraph by Danny Scully

Cahir Castle Bolton Library, Cashel

18 The Rock of Cashel

19 Work Industry South Tipperary was a hub for industrial and commercial development. In the late eighteenth, nineteenth and early twentieth centuries most major industries were located along the River Suir. Goods needed for everyday life were processed or produced along the Suir, such as grain, flax, wool, metal and leather. Though not in use Mill on Stetches Island. some of these mills and warehouses are imposing and Photograph by Ruth Maher unique structures along the now quiet quaysides. The Quakers, also known as The Society of Friends, were responsible for the development of many industries in Tipperary in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Shop-fronts Carefully designed and well constructed shopfronts are important features of buildings and make streetscapes John Ahearne from Tickinor and who lived above attractive and appealing. Many timber constructed the shop standing outside Cooney’s shopfronts from the late nineteenth and early twentienth centuries are good examples of timber and metal craft, often supplemented by coloured glazing. Some of the more modern, and Art Deco shopfronts from the mid-twentieth century can be seen throughout the county. Shopfronts are frequently subject to pressures for alteration and replacement to meet changing commercial needs. A balance is needed between the need for change and the protection of this architectural and craft heritage. Cooney’s Shopfront after conservation work undertaken by South Tipperary County Museum Cooney’s Bar Conservation Project South Tipperary County Museum in Clonmel received a grant from the Heritage Council under the Heritage Management Scheme 2010 for the conservation of one of the most remarkable examples of a local, traditional Irish shopfront. It formerly embellished the front of the Main Guard.

Kickham Barracks, Clonmel. Photograph by Sonja Reidy Military Barracks Kickham Barracks Clonmel was built in 1780 in response to the threat posed to the authorities by the Irish volunteers. It was added to in 1876 and again in 1945. There is a fine bronze memorial to the Boer War. In recent years it housed the 12th Infantry Battalion until its closure in March 2012 when thousands lined the streets of Clonmel for the final march out. The Tipperary Barracks located in Tipperary Town was built between 1874 Boer War Memorial and 1878 and were one of the most ornate to be built in Ireland during the at Kickham Barracks. Photograph courtesy of imperial regime. Constructed of limestone, the barracks featured high ceilings NIAH and many French windows giving a feeling of light and space to the interior. 20 Play Attractions/Landmarks The Main Guard during a pole- lathing competition at Festival The Main Guard, Clonmel, is a National Monument. It was apparently Cluain Meala built to a design by Christopher Wren for James Butler, Duke of Ormond, in 1675, to serve as the ‘Palatinate’ courthouse for the county. The original ‘loggia’, or open arcade, to the front of the building has sandstone columns and round arches. The Cashel Palace was designed by for Archbishop Timothy Godwin and built in 1730-35. It is a Palladian- style building forming a group with the school and gate lodge to the forecourt facing onto Main Street. The gardens to the rear have specimen trees, including mulberry trees which are unusual in Ireland. It is reputed that the first pint of Guinness was brewed in the grounds and the descendants of the original hop plants survive in the grounds , Cashel of the hotel.

Restaurant Chez Hans is a restaurant built in the former Methodist Church in Cashel. It is a Gothic Revival style building that was originally a public lecture hall, built in 1861. It was later used as a synod hall for the Church of Ireland diocese. It makes a notable contribution to the streetscape. Ryan’s Bar, Cashel Public House Built c.1870 M. Ryan’s pub adds decorative interest to the main street in Cashel. It has fine render pediments, an interesting shopfront and timber sliding sash windows. The Thatch public house in Cloneen was built c.1800. It is unusual in being a two-storey thatched building. It in good repair, having been The Thatch, Cloneen conserved recently. Built 1840, Keating’s public house in retains much of its original character. It is a distinctive building in the locality

Keatings Public House, Live Ballylooby Churches Churches are often the most architecturally impressive buildings in any district, urban or rural. Their apparently timeless designs and artistic detail make them social and artistic focal points that greatly enrich the built heritage of their locality and often of the county as a whole. Saint Michael’s Catholic church in Tipperary Town is a nationally St. Michael’s Church, important example of the work of the key church architect, J.J. Tipperary Town Murphy. Built in the mid-late nineteenth century and added to in the early twentieth, it stands dramatically in the townscape. Its position particularly enhances the surrounding residential streets. Saint Mary’s Church of Ireland church at Dundrum is an impressive, richly embellished structure and was probably designed by the renowned church architects, Well and Gillespie. Its warm sandstone, undulating porch and tower projections, carved sandstone decorative St. Mary’s Church, Dundrum

21 Except for top, all photographs courtesy of NIAH detailing and stained-glass openings make this a striking building in the village. Set back from the street, the character of the site and the church building remain largely unaltered since the mid-nineteenth century.

Houses There are some eighty or so thatched buildings in South Tipperary, many of which are listed as Protected Structures. Thatched houses serve as a window to the past in the middle of the modern world, and Thatcher at work at Festival Cluain Meala give us an insight to where and how our ancestors lived. The Swiss Cottage, near Cahir, is a rare and interesting example of an intact ‘cottage orné’ and was built in 1810 for Richard Butler, Earl of Glengall, and his wife Emily. It was designed by the renowned architect and was inspired by nature, with a curved thatch roof. Such houses were intermittently used by the local gentry as a ‘fantasy house’ where they played at being peasants and entertained their guests. The country houses (‘Big Houses’) seen around the county were mainly built between the mid-seventeenth and mid-nineteenth centuries by English colonisers. They chose or were granted the best lands in the region and the demesnes were at the centre of large Swiss Cottage, Cahir agricultural enterprises. Examples include Killaghy Castle (c.1825 but added to a medieval towerhouse of c.1550), Dundrum House (c.1730 and c.1890), Kilcooleyabbey (1764 and 1842) and Knocklofty House (c.1790-1810).

Streets The street architecture of Tipperary Town displays a quality of design and decorative detail that is very rare outside the cities. Such features as columns between upper floor window openings, arcaded ground floor shopfronts and sophisticated render details are very evident on Main Street and Davis Street in particular. Tipperary is an unusually intact urban environment which has retained the vast majority of its public, Ballingarane House. Photograph by Brian Burke institutional and commercial buildings. It also has many interesting terraces of houses. Its excellence as a particularly intact nineteenth- century market town makes Tipperary Town a rare gem. (A selection of Tipperary Town architectural images are featured on page 46.) Anne Street in Clonmel is a beautiful example of Georgian design and a striking example of our built heritage. The houses have round- headed door openings. It was built in 1820 by Thomas and John Tinsley for Charles Riall and is reputedly named after his wife Anne. The Anglo-Norman town of Cashel was laid out in the 13th Century and still exhibits its original medieval street pattern consisting of a main street with narrow lanes running off at right angles. Narrow Anne Street, Clonmel plots of land stretched from behind the large houses fronting the main street back to the medieval town walls.

Jails The large jail complex that stood at Emmet St., Clonmel, was begun in the eighteenth century and had an average of 340 prisoners. The gallows that once stood opposite the main gate (built in the nineteenth century and still standing) was used for public executions. Some notable patriots including Austin Stack and William Smith O’ Brien were imprisoned in Clonmel Jail and the place was used as a borstal until 1956. Most of the surrounding walls survive today. Emmet Street Jail. Photograph courtesy of NIAH 22 HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

Project

Document a year in the life of a local building – recording renovation, demise or Photographic Survey replacement. Choose a building in your community. Photograph this building from the same spot every month for a year.

Choose a monument or building in your area and research its history. Find out what Documentary Research it was used for, visit your local library gather pictures and stories and share what you have learned.

RESOURCES

Who What Contact

n Current lists of Protected Structures and The Planning Section of the Council their locations. www.southtippcoco.ie n Queries on Protected Structures.

The National Inventory of Architectural n Survey of buildings of architectural www.buildingsofireland.ie Heritage significance

The Department of Environment, n Advice on grants for Thatch www.environ.ie Community and Local Government

n Books and information about local Your Local Library www.tipperarylibraries.ie architecture

n Information about the Military History http://homepage.eircom. The Fame of Tipperary Group of South Tipperary net/~tipperaryfame/ n Information on Access to buildings

Department of Arts, Heritage and the n Advice, mainly to planning authorities, www.ahg.gov.ie Gaeltacht on matters relating to the built heritage.

ARRANGE THESE STRUCTURES FROM EARLIEST TO LATEST!

A. Fethard Town Hall B. D.W. Parke, Clonmel C. Old Bridge, Carrick-On-Suir

D. Phone Box, Grange

1950. 1915; 1840; . D . F B.

1812; 1784- c.1730; E. .

E. St. John the F. Quinlans pub, Cullen Village G. Dundrum House, Dundrum G c1600; c1600; 1447; Answers: A.

Baptist, Cashel C.

23 CULTURE Every community has an individual cultural identity. have come from. Our cultural heritage is our archives, The people of Tipperary have a sense of pride of place, museums and libraries, but it is also made up of more our distinctive identity coming from our cultural heri- subtle qualities, intricate to all our lives, such as sport, tage through the ages. Our culture links us to our native language, folklore, food, crafts, traditions and music. land and illustrates to visitors who we are and where we

Folklore Fionn Mac Cumhails Music race to the top of , Slievenamon. ‘Are you Frank Patterson, a witch, are you a fairy Gemma Hayes, Des or are you the wife of Craft Dillion, Rattle the Michael Cleary?’, Lady The granary Boards, Charles Blessington’s Bath Cahir, Cot Kickhams’ in the River Suir in Cultural Centres building, basket making Slievenamon and commemoration in Carrick, Ironworks Jack Judges’ of one of South Tipperary Excel, Brú and blacksmithing It’s a long way Tipperary’s Ború, Carrick-on-Suir in Clonmel, to Tipperary. most Heritage Centre. Rushworks, and vivacious willow beds in characters. Historical Fethard. Sport Journal G.A.A., Tennis, Records and distributes the Cycling, Athletics history, heritage and folklore of since 1987.

Food Museums Tipperary Food Producers Network, farmers markets. Exhibitions and local history

Equine 3rd largest producer of Literature thoroughbred foals in Laurence Sterne born the world employs 2,600 1713 in Clonmel. people directly.

River Suir Education Farming Themed educa- Dairy farming and tional resource the Golden Vale. Archives packs for schools Information on local history and land

24 FESTIVALS Fethard Medieval Festival Festival recreates medieval life, shar- Themed events and festivals are a great way of bringing a commu- ing food, drink, craft, music and stories nity together to celebrate their common heritage. There are already around the medieval town walls. several festivals that take place across the county every year that have proved extremely successful. Festival Cluain Meala Promotes local food, farming and craft and celebrates our history with themed events at the Medieval Walls.

Channons Forge Event Hot Horseshoeing competition held annually in Clonmel.

Fethard Medieval Festival 2011. Band in Medieval Dress at Medieval Banquet Tipperary Hills Appreciation Day- Photograph by Joe Kenny in Clonmel. Photograph by Joe Kenny Celebrates the natural, historical and cultural heritage of the Hills and their role in the heritage of Tipperary town.

Cashel Arts Festival A ten day festival of music, dance, visual art, theatre, comedy, talks, poetry and street performance. Taking part in a Hot Horse shoeing A group gathers at the Tipperary Hills competition. Photograph by John D. Kelly Appreciation Day. Photograph by Kickham Country Weekend Labhaoise McKenna This annual weekend event celebrat- ing culture and history takes place in .

The Clancy Brother’s Festival in Carrick-On-Suir Celebrates art and music and is based around the music of the re- Tipperary Hills Appreciation Day. The Main Guard is the Backdrop to nowned Clancy Brothers, natives of Photograph by Labhaoise McKenna Festival Cluain Meala. Photograph by Carrick- On- Suir. John Crowley Clonmel Junction Festival Celebrates both local and international music and theatre.

Glen of Aherlow Walking Festival An annual event held in June where locals/tourists can enjoy guided walks Food and Farming during Festival Cluain Bee 4 Biodiversity Event, Clonmel through the Glen of Aherlow and the Meala. Photograph by Joe Kenny Galtee Mountains.

Clonmel Agricultural Show Showcases farm animals, arts and crafts, local food and a donkey derby!

Cashel Walled Town event An annual Medieval celebration takes place in the town with archaeological Raising the Medieval Tapestry in Fethard. Fethard Medieval Festival. Photograph by Photograph by Joe Kenny Joe Kenny and biodiversity events. 25 SPORT - THE SPIRIT OF TIPPERARY

Sports Exhibition at South Tipperary Museum Running along the tow path Golf has always had a following as an amateur game and in recent decades many new courses were built in old Demense properties around Tipperary, developing a new attraction point for locals and tourists alike. In the professional game Arthur Pierse played the Walker Cup at Hoylake in 1983 and participated in the Home Lena Rice International matches from 1976 to 1988, playing 63 matches. Lena Rice born in Marlhill, New Inn in 1866, played at the Cahir Lawn Dr Pat O’ Callaghan was born in Tennis Courts and went on to win Cork but moved to Clonmel in 1928 Wimbledon Tennis Championship to set up his own medical practice in 1890. She is still the only Irish where he lived until 1991. He was woman to win a singles title at the first person from an Independent Wimbledon. Dr Pat O’ Sean Kelly Ireland to win an Olympic gold Callaghan. medal and is regarded as one of In 1904 of Carrick-on- Ireland’s greatest ever athletes. He Suir won an Olympic gold medal in won gold medals at the Amsterdam St. Louis, Missouri for the decathlon Olympics in 1928 and Los Angeles but refused to collect the medal in 1932 for Hammer Throwing. under the British flag.

The River is used for recreational Sean Kelly of Carrick-on-Suir raced activities including boating, angling in the Tour de France several times and rowing. The Clonmel Rowing Canoeing on the River Suir and finished 12 races of 15 and was Club has participated in the Henley the Points Jersey winner in ‘82, ‘83, Royal Regatta. The Workmen’s ‘85, and ‘89. He is one of the finest Boatclub has been an important classics riders of all time, winning institution in Clonmel since 1883. nine monument classics, and 193 There is a beautiful river walk professional races in total. running for miles from Clonmel to Angling on the River Suir . Hurling has a long history in Tipperary. Michael Cusack, Maurice Davin and others founded the GAA The Sport of Kings has always held a in Hayes Hotel in in 1884. special place in Tipperary Heritage. Today South Tipperary is home to Whether its flat or national hunt a wealth of talented players in both racing Limerick Junction, Tipperary hurling and football. and Powerstown , Clonmel St. Louis Olympic have plenty to offer and welcome Hill walking Gold Medal won Photographs courtesy of South Tipperary thousands of patrons at each meet. in the Galtees by T. F. Kiely County Museum and Sports Partnership 26 All Ireland Senior Hurling Final 2010. Tipperary vs Kilkenny. Photograph John D Kelly

27 YOUR CULTURAL TEAM

The Museum South Tipperary County Museum, located in Clonmel, invites the visitor to experience the cultural richness and pride of our county. Its gallery is currently being redeveloped and will feature a River Suir exhibition with artefacts from social history, natural history, archaeology, geology, biodiversity, social and townscape photography, sports and industrial collections. It houses many rare objects including an Art Collection, Maurice Davin’s rowing boat - ‘An Cruiscín’, Mick Hogan’s jersey, the South Tipperary County Museum beautifully embellished Sisters of Charity Tabernacle and more.

Contact the Curator; Marie McMahon [email protected]

Heritage The South Tipperary Heritage Office is located in County Hall, Clonmel. The role of the Heritage Office is to raise awareness and promote heritage and biodiversity in South Tipperary. Information on past and current heritage projects can be seen online at www.southtippheritage. ie The website also has information on general heritage related material and upcoming community heritage events. River Suir heritage survey data can be viewed on http://podcasting.ie/riversuir. The Heritage Officer Heritage Council Staff at a’ Bee 4 Biodiversity’ also provides advice to community groups undertaking heritage and Event in Clonmel wildlife related projects.

Contact the Heritage Officer; Labhaoise McKenna [email protected]

Arts South Tipperary County Council Art Service aims to encourage the promotion and provision of local, national and international arts, across all art forms, to all sectors of society across the county. The Service provides arts information and advice, arts programming and arts grants for the community of South Tipperary.

Contact the Arts Office; Sally O’ Leary Set Dancing [email protected]

Archives South Tipperary County Archives is located at the Carrigeen Business Park Clonmel. It is a custom built archive centre with secure environ- mentally controlled storage for non current records as well as archives. There is a public reading room where members of the public can access the collections and access to holdings is available by appointment. As well as housing the local authority archives, it actively collects material relating to South Tipperary. The Archivist is happy to provide advice to members of the public in relation to the storage and safekeeping of their own collections.

Contact the Archivist; Róisín O’ Grady Archives [email protected] 28 RESOURCES

Who What Contact

n Information on heritage and Heritage Office www.southtippheritage.ie biodiversity

South Tipperary Museum n Information on exhibits www.southtippcoco.ie/en/museum

n Information about arts, culture Brú Ború Cultural Centre www.bruboru.ie and events in the locality

n Tourist and Heritage Office with Carrick-On-Suir Heritage Centre information of local attractions www.carrickonsuir.ie/heritage ?? and events

n Information about arts, culture Tipperary Excel Arts and Culture www.tipperaryexcel.com and events in the locality

Archives n Archival collections [email protected]

Arts Office n Information on arts www.southtipparts.ie

n Information about the society Tipperary Historical Society and and the historical journals. Also www.tipperarylibraries.ie/ths/ Tipperary Libraries journals are available to read at your local library.

n Information and promotion of Tipperary Food Producers Network food produced in the County and www.tipperaryfoodproducers.com where it is available

n Information about craft and The Craft Granary, Cahir craftspeople from the region www.craftgranary.com showcasing at the Granary

Increasing Access & Participation in Cultural Activities. Promoting and supporting the implementation of pioneering programmes of best practice in the areas of Arts, Heritage, Archives, Crafts, Sports, Recreation, Museum and Biodiversity.

ARTS MUSEUM ARCHIVES HERITAGE

29 NATURE

Often when we think of heritage, we think of buildings, monuments, old objects and traditional culture – we may not realise that the wildlife and nature we find in the county is also part of our local heritage. From the native trees in the hedgerows planted by our ancestors, to the unusual plants growing wild on the top of the Galtees, the South Tipperary landscape is part of our identity and sense of place.

Another word for nature is ‘biodiversity’, which means the whole variety of plants, animals and birds and other creatures, and the Hollyford rivers, fields, green spaces, mountains, woods, towns and other Hills habitats that they live in and share with us. However, you don’t have to go to the top of the mountains or depths of the woods to find nature, it is everywhere we look – in a window box, in River Suir your garden, or in the park. South Tipperary County Council Holy Cross Heritage Office runs a ‘B 4 Biodiversity’ campaign alongside the South Tipp Biodiversity Action Plan to raise awareness about biodiversity. Ardmayle Before people first started to clear land for farming in the Dundrum Dundrum Neolithic, Ireland was almost completely covered in thick, Woods wild woodland. We now have very little true ‘wilderness’ left – practically all of our landscape has been affected Cashel by human hands at some point. De- spite this huge influence, most of Aimsir Bia Community the native plants and animals Tipperary Garden that arrived here after the last Hills ice age are still to be found. Emly Emly River Suir Wildlife Tipperary Garden

Cahir Park Yew Emly wildlife garden Woodlands

Galtee Mountains Cahir Just as we treasure the other aspects of our heritage, we need to learn about and look after our natural heritage, so that we can pass it on to the next generation. But more than that – nature needs to be looked after so it can keep providing us with the resources we need. A good example of this is the bee. Many people now realise that bees are starting to disappear. This is a problem for us because without bees we cannot produce a lot of the food we eat – bees pollinate many of our food crops (including apples for cider!). Ireland has 101 different species of Knockmealdowns bee, but three of these have become extinct and more than half the rest are disappearing fast. This is because we are changing their habitat, for example by spraying ‘weeds’, removing hedges, reseeding old grassland in fields and gardens or planting wildflower meadows with non-native varieties that the bees can’t use. Without the variety of native wild plants and habitats the bees need to survive, they will disappear. 30 Kilcooley

Biodiversity Day at Lough Doire Bhile

Lough Kilcooley Lake River Suir Doire Bhile Holy Cross

Ballingarry

King’s River Cashel

Aimsir Companion Planting Bia Community in community garden. Mullinahone Slievenamon. Photograph by Jane-Anne Cleary Garden Photograph by Aimsir Bia Fethard

Slate Slievenamon Quarries

Aimsir Bia Community Garden, Cashel. Barn Owl. Photograph by John Lusby Photograph by Aimsir Bia River Suir at Kilsheelan Kilsheelan village walks Carrick Clonmel Kilsheelan River Suir Marlfield Carrick-on-Suir Lake & Glenbawn Wood

Ardfinnan Foals and Mares. Photograph by Ruth Maher

Newcastle Glenbawn Woods

31 HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

Project Description

Unwanted aliens! Find out about non-native plants and animals that are invading our county, how to recognise them and where to send in details if you find them, on www.invasivespeciesireland.com

Habitat photo survey Take a photo of the same spot every month for a year and compare how the habitats change with the seasons, and the different plants, animals and birds that can be seen over the months. It could be a garden, hedgerow, field, woodland, park, river . . .

Composting Composting your food and garden waste is a brilliant way to help nature and save money on your waste bill at the same time. Advice is available from the Environment section of South Tipperary County Council and from the Irish Peatland Conservaton Council www.ipcc.ie.

RESOURCES

Who What Contact

Information on our native wildlife and The National Parks and Wildlife habitats, maps of nature conservation www.npws.ie Service areas and local Wildlife Ranger contacts.

Information and advice on our natural The Heritage Council www.heritagecouncil.ie heritage and how to look after it.

Local birdwatching events, records of Bird Watch Ireland- Tipperary birds in the county, liaise with council and www.birdwatchtipp.com Branch local groups on wildlife enhancement.

Information on fish, rivers and their Inland Fisheries Ireland conservation, angling in the county, and www.fisheriesireland.ie environmental education relating to fish.

South Tipperary Heritage Office South Tipperary Biodiversity Action Plan. www.southtippheritage.ie

Fethard Medieval Festival 2011. Photograph by Joe Kenny

32 River Suir Landscape. Photograph by John Crowley 33 The River Suir The River Suir is 184 km (114miles) in length, rising on the eastern flanks of Benduff, north-west of . It flows through Thurles, Cahir, Clonmel and Carrick- on-Suir, where it becomes tidal, before continuing to Waterford and the sea.

Heritage Survey A survey of natural, built, cultural and industrial heritage along 33km of the River Suir has been undertaken on behalf of South Tipperary County Council’s Heritage River Suir. Photograph by Frank O’ Donoghue Office, partly funded by the Heritage Council. It covered the river and its banks from Tinhalla -downstream of Carrick-on-Suir, and upriver to Knocklofty Bridge - upstream of Clonmel. The survey highlighted the extent to which the River Suir has affected patterns of settlement, transport routes (both along and across the river), agriculture and industry. It also provided resources itself, for example water, sand, fish and osiers (willow). It has given us a better understanding of the heritage of the area. It is envisaged The New Bridge, Carrick-on-Suir that further smaller surveys will continue as and when resources become available. Highlights from the survey and other areas of interest along the river can be viewed online www.southtippheritage.ie/riversuir. This interactive website focuses on places to which there is public access. Users can explore the website by theme or by place under the headings GO, PLAY, WORK and LIVE.

Heritage Tourism The heritage tourism potential of the River Suir and its hinterland are being explored Fishing on the River Suir. Photograph by Frank O’ Donoghue as part of an INTERREG IVC Waterways Forward project www.waterways-forward. eu. Our initial study area was the 26km former navigation channel and 20km “The River Suir acts associated tow path of the River Suir between Carrick-on-Suir and Clonmel. There as a unifying force”. are short, medium and long term goals for the river: — Liam Ó’Duibhir n  promotion of existing walking routes along the river; n  developing the tow path as a public amenity; n  looking at the navigational potential of the river for shallow draught craft in the long term.

Network of River Communities We are also looking at the whole river, especially towns and villages, in terms of Old Bridge and Abbey, Carrick-on- heritage resources and promotion and in developing a network of communities along Suir. Photograph courtesy of South the River Suir’s path. Over 1,000 people came to our ‘Shared vision’ workshops held Tipperary County Museum as part of the Suir River Cafe during Clonmel Junction Festival in 2011. This was where individuals and communities came together to build a vision for the River Suir and was facilitated by Lyn Mather and Kingston University. Our River Suir Community Action Plan will be available online summer 2012. Further River Suir projects will be undertaken as part of our INTERREG IVB project ‘Green and Blue Futures’ focusing on networking communities along the river. Check Trout. Photograph by Frank O’ www.southtippheritage.ie/riversuir for further details. Donoghue Birdwatch walk on the River Suir Towpath between Carrick-On-Suir and Kilsheelan

River Suir Clonmel. Photograph courtesy of South Tipperary County Museum

34 The Friars’ Rock We come to rivers when we are young or old. — Derek Mahon, Waterfront

The boulder deep midstream has never shown itself in air nor shifted since the glacier dropped it there twelve thousand years ago where in immeasurable course of flowing seasons, floods and tides, in human time when Joan of Arc was still a child, Franciscan monks arrived to build a salmon weir upstream of the rock and in their generations swimmers out beyond their depth on lost summer days stood up in mid-flow when they found footing as they still do on that hidden mark that’s settled there still bedded in the flow and rooted beyond time within the dreaming heads of all who’ve ever come and swam and gone or still live on beside the sister river. Carrick Cots on Christmas Day 2010. Photograph by Michael Coady Michael Coady © from Going by Water Gallery Press, 2009 www.gallerypress.org

35 ACTIONS

Objective 1: Promote Awareness, Knowledge and Appreciation of the Heritage of South Tipperary.

No. Action Lead Other Core Partners Partners Resources

1 Work with schools on different Museum, Inland Heritage Officer, Green Schools/ An Taisce, aspects of heritage, including Fisheries Ireland, STCC Environment Heritage in Schools/ information packs, outings and BirdWatch Ireland Section, Tipperary Heritage Council competitions. Libraries, Archives 2 Create information points at STCC, Museum, STDC, OPW, Failte Local knowledge and notable heritage sites, including Archives, HO Ireland, NPWS photographs, archive archaeological monuments, built material heritage and cultural features, and natural heritage sites. 3 Support the campaign for World STCC, HO OPW In-house skills, Masterplan Heritage Site designation for the Rock of Cashel 4 Provide training for people who STCC, HO NPWS, OPW, Sites Current best practice live or work in or near important and monuments, guidance heritage features, including NBDC, Teagasc, protected monuments, buildings NIAH, HC and nature wildlife areas. 5 Hold community heritage seminars STCC, Tipperary LIT Tipperary, Heritage Forum, and events given by local experts Libraries, Heritage local community community experts for local people. Link with third Forum, HO groups, Tidy level institutions to provide talks Towns, Burial on subjects of interest to the local committees, HC, community. IWTN 6 Continue to support festivals and STCC, town Schools, Heritage Local groups and events such as Heritage Week, councils, Museum, Council, IWTN, volunteers Biodiversity Week, Tree Week, river Heritage Forum, Tipperary Libraries, events and walled town events, HO Archives where local buildings, archaeology, craft, food, nature, sport, music and local history are exhibited. 7 Support the implementation of the HO, STCC, HC, HF, Community Biodiversity Forum, in- South Tipperary Biodiversity Action Biodiversity Forum groups, Tidy Towns house skills, Local groups Plan.

Rock of Cashel (from Bóthar na Marbh). Cahir Inch Field Biodiversity Day Photograph by Michael Fanning

36 Objective 2: dO New Research and Gather Existing Information on Heritage in South Tipperary

No. Action Lead Other Core Partners Partners Resources

8 Hold community workshops to STCC, HO Heritage Forum, In-house skills and discuss and record what gives us our HC, Local groups resources cultural identity and pride of place, such as the River Suir Café.

9 Hold an ‘Alien Watch’ and other STCC, HO NBDC, Invasive Existing information, e.g. awareness days, promoted in local Species Ireland, Recording cards and media, inviting people to send in NPWS, NIAH, Tidy online forms on sightings of invasive species, with Towns, Local Burial www.biodiversityireland.ie details on how to recognise invasive committees, IWT and www. species and how to submit a record invasivespeciesireland.com to the National Biodiversity Data Centre/Invasive Species Ireland

10 Support heritage surveys of the STCC, BnM, BWI, Museum, Archives, NBDC, NIAH, Heritage county. Collate all information NIAH, NPWS, HO Tipperary Libraries Forum gathered. Promote standards and best practice in heritage research.

Heritage Forum taking part in the River Suir community mapping exercise as part of the Suir River Cafe.

37 ACTIONS

Objective 3: lOOk after our heritage by maintaining and enhancing it.

No. Action Lead Other Core Resources Partners Partners

11 Maintain and update the South STCC, HO HC, Heritage In-house Tipperary Heritage website and Forum interactive River Suir website

12 Support the work of the Irish Walled South Tipperary HC, Steering Heritage Council Town Network especially South Local Authorities, Groups. Tipperary members (Cashel, Clonmel IWTN, HO and Fethard) to engage with training opportunities, capital grants, festival grants and heritage interpretation advice. Support cross cooperation between towns and promote the inclusion of Carrick-on-Suir into the Network

13 Continue to develop the ‘Adopt a STCC, HC, HO Tidy Towns, Local interest groups, Monument’ scheme Community groups Heritage Forum, in-house skills

14 Support the work of local graveyard STCC, Tidy Towns, HC, STCC Existing guidance and committees, Tidy Towns, and other Burial committees Environment resources groups Section, An Taisce/ Spring Clean, Golden Mile

15 Assist owners of Protected Structures Planning Authority DoAHG, HC Existing literature and in the areas of funding/grant aid, and web-based information guidance and advice

Abbreviations HO Heritage Officer STCC South Tipperary County Council HC The Heritage Council STDC South Tipperary Development Company PAO Public Awareness Officer NPWS National Parks and Wildlife Service NBDC National Biodiversity Data Centre DoAHG Dept Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht OPW Office of Public Works BnM Bord na Móna NIAH National Inventory of Architectural Heritage BWI BirdWatch Ireland IWT Irish Wildlife Trust WF Waterways Forward Students from Coláiste Dún Iascaigh taking part in Bee 4 Biodiversity event G+BF Green and Blue Futures with Tidy Towns in the Inch Field, Cahir IWTN Irish Walled Town Network 38 Objective 4: Celebrate the heritage of the River Suir

No. Action Lead Other Core Resources Partners Partners

16 Hold workshops for local groups STCC, South NPWS, IFI, Current guidance from on best practice in developing and Tipperary BirdWatch, Sites relevant bodies managing the river heritage as a Development & Monuments community asset. Company, HO

17 Develop the heritage tourism STCC, STDC, Failte Arts Office, WF, Interreg projects WF, potential of the River Suir through Ireland, Tipperary G+BF G+BF, in-house resources, local, regional and European Tourism, HO South Tipperary collaborations, such as the Development Company ‘Waterways Forward’ and ‘Green and Blue Futures’ projects.

18 Match and support community STCC, STDC, HO WF, G+BF, HC, South Tipperary groups with projects that were Community groups Development Company, identified as part of Suir River café G+BF, and Lay of the Land workshops In-house resources in Cahir, Ardfinnan, Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir and in our River Seminars and events. Facilitate the delivery of the River Suir Community Action Plan.

The Boat House, Clonmel

Swans on the River Suir

Screening for Appropriate Assessment This plan was screened for Appropriate Assessment. It was found that no significant impact upon Natura 2000 sites would occur as a result of this plan. However, individual screening of projects for Appropriate Assessment will occur as and when it is required in accordance with best practice guidelines to avoid impacts.

39 WHO IS ALREADY TAKING ACTION FOR OUR HERITAGE?

WHO WHAT CONTACT

An Taisce n Run environmental enhancement projects e.g. Green Schools, www.antaisce.ie Spring Clean

BirdWatch Ireland n Hold local birdwatching events; liaise with council and local www.birdwatchtipp.com Tipperary Branch groups on enhancement for wildlife; raise awareness www.birdwatchireland.ie n Gather data on birds in the county

Bord na Móna n Establish baseline ecological information for Bord na Móna bog www.bordnamona.com areas to inform rehabilitation plans that ensure benefits for biodiversity, amenity and renewable energy

Coillte n Provide access to natural heritage through open forest policy www.coillte.ie n Set aside part of land to be managed for nature www.coillteoutdoors.ie n Implement Forest Service regulations for sustainable forestry

Community groups n Care for and raise awareness of natural and built heritage in www.tidytowns.ie local projects

County Tipperary n A society dedicated to recording and disseminating the history, www.tipperarylibraries. Historical Society culture, heritage, folklore and geography of County Tipperary ie/ths/

Failte Ireland n Promote heritage tourism www.failteireland.ie

Farming organisations n Facilitate training and best practice demonstrations in heritage www.ifa.ie management for farmers www.icmsa.ie www.iscaireland.ie www.iofga.org www.organic-trust.org

Heritage Council n Provide guidelines on looking after heritage www.heritagecouncil.ie n Provide funding for heritage projects

Inland Fisheries Ireland n Ensure that the fisheries of the State are conserved, restored, www.fisheriesireland.ie managed, developed and promoted in their own right n Support sustainable economic activity, job creation and recreational amenity of inland fisheries n Enforce fisheries legislation and conservation policies to ensure sustainable management of fish populations

Invasive Species Ireland n Joint venture between the Environment www. Agency and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to invasivespeciesireland.com address the issue of alien species in Ireland

Irish Seed Savers n Protect, conserve and utilise Irish plant genetic resources www.irishseedsavers.ie including rare heritage seeds, grains, vegetables and fruit

National Biodiversity n Hub for the exchange of data between governmental www.biodiversityireland.ie Data Centre organisations, NGOs, research institutions and volunteer recorders n Collate, manage, analyse and disseminate data and information on Ireland’s biological diversity

National Inventory of n Survey of buildings of architectural interest in South Tipperary www.buildingsofireland.ie Architectural Heritage

40 WHO WHAT CONTACT

National Monuments n Are the national regulatory authority for all matters relating www.archaeology.ie Service to archaeological heritage n Manage (with the OPW) all monuments in State care n Maintain the national database of archaeological monuments n Operate the national survey of archaeological monuments and publishes archaeological inventories n Provide advice on all planning and development matters that affect archaeological heritage n Provide advice on non-planning matters relating to archaeological heritage

National Parks & n Monitor designated and proposed nature conservation areas www.npws.ie Wildlife Service n Provide information on conservation management n Survey and map habitats and species n Enforce the EU Birds/Habitats directives as well as the Wildlife Act 1976 (amended 2000) and the various relevant Statutory instruments

OPW n Maintain and provides access to historical properities www.opw.ie

Rathnadrinna Research n A project committed to the research of archaeological and www.facebook.com/ Project historical sites around rathnadrinna

South Tipperary County n Collecting and preserving archives for South Tipperary www.southtipparchives.ie Archives

South Tipperary n Support community initiatives; support and promote www.stdc.ie Development Company best practice in sustainable development

South Tipperary Local n Provide advice and information for community groups www.southtippcoco.ie Authorities and support community initiatives n Heritage education and awareness n Maintain Record of Protected Structures n City/Town walls restoration programme n Consider heritage in Development Plans and Local Area Plans

South Tipperary County n Heritage education and awareness www.southtippcoco.ie/en/ Museum museum

South Tipperary n Promote heritage Tourism, particularly The Butler Trail www.discoverireland.ie/ Tourism Company tipperary www.discoverireland.ie/ thebutlertrail

Tipperary Libraries n Maintain Local Studies and Archives collection www.tipperarylibraries.ie

Two Bridges n Boating on the river from Clonmel; repair of boats www.cruiskeen.ie Partnership with and the construction of river boats Workingmen’s n Maintain two websites; contributes to the Suir website Boatclub n Publish material relevant to the above as well as on heritage issues impacting on the river heritage; arranges exhibitions on same; networks with interested parties and local authorities. n Maintain and develop walking trails at the Rock on the Suir at Marlfield, Clonmel, organising workcamps to that end mostly with volunteers

VEC South Tipperary n Further education and training www.tippsouthvec.ie

41 PLAN FOR SUCCESS

SHARING THE WORK The Heritage Plan depends on a number of stakeholders for implementation and a lot of work between the heritage forum, local authority, NGOs and general public is needed for the Plan to be successful. The forum will seek the committed participation of all partners in carrying out the actions.

TIMEFRAME The heritage officer will co-ordinate the projects and advise on which partners should carry out each project Teacher training at the South Tipperary County Museum in order to make sure each action is accomplished in a certain timeframe. The timeframe for this Plan is five years. An individual work plan will be set out at the beginning of each year and tasks will be allocated to each working group depending on the available annual budget.

TAKE ANOTHER LOOK To ensure that objectives are met, it is important that certain tasks are completed in a given timeframe. Monitoring the scale and quality of the work undertaken by individual groups throughout the year is essential. St. Marys Church Iristown, Clonmel. Photograph courtesy of South An evaluation of work and tasks completed or not will Tipperary County Museum be prepared at the end of each year.

HOW TO FINANCE OUR PLAN There is no fixed budget due to the current economic situation. Monies will be sought through the County Heritage Plan funding stream administered by The Heritage Council. Monies will also be sought from other suitable sources as and when they become available. This plan will make it easier for community groups to apply for funding from South Tipperary Development Company, The Heritage Council and other grant bodies should their projects relate to actions in our plan. Emly signpost. Photograph by Caitriona Kenny Together we can make it happen!

The Galtees. Photograph by Caitriona Kenny. www.caitrionakennyphotography.com / Tel: 087 649 2387 42 WHERE DO I APPLY FOR FUNDING?

n The Heritage Council www.heritagecouncil.ie Phone: 056 7770777

n Irish Walled Town Network www.heritagecouncil.ie Phone 056 7770777

n South Tipperary Development Company [email protected] Phone: 052 7442652

n The Arts Acts Grants www.southtipparts.ie Phone: 052 6134565

n Local Agenda Environmental Partnership Fund www.environ.ie

n Structures at Risk Fund Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht [email protected]

n An Taisce Green Communities www.antaisce.ie

South Tipperary Environmental Awards The South Tipperary Environmental Awards gives the Council an opportunity to recognise and thank the community groups, Tidy Towns committees, schools, businesses, burial grounds committees and individuals who work hard to enhance and maintain their local environments on a voluntary basis. There are a wide range of categories to enter including:

n B4 Biodiversity

n Golden Mile

n Best School Wildlife Garden

n Best River Community

South Tipperary Environmental Awards has a prize fund of €18,000 across three separate competitions. For full details contact: www.southtippcoco.ie, telephone 1800 20 26 27. Other South Tipperary Environment Awareness Campaigns underway are National Spring Clean, National Tree Week, Green Schools, Environmental Awards, Composting, Waste Management Plan and Litter Management Plan.

Early Purple Orchid. Photograph by Mieke Muyllaert 43 HERITAGE FORUM MEMBERS 2012

Students from Cahir Boys National School taking part in Bee 4 Biodiversity event in Inch Field, Cahir with Tidy Towns

Barry O’ Reilly NIAH

Dan Hogan BirdWatch Ireland Tipperary Branch

Kaye Mullaney South Tipperary VEC

Isabel Cambie South Tipperary Development Company

Catherine Farrell Bord na Mona

Mary Guinan-Darmody Tipperary Libraries

Kevin Collins BirdWatch Ireland and Environment Pillar

Marie McMahon South Tipperay County Museum

Noreen Higgins Local Historical societies

Cllr. Patsy Fitzgerald Carrick-on-Suir Heritage Centre

Michael Carew IFA

Sean Breen NPWS

Liam Cleary Coillte

Eleanor Morrisey OPW

Roisin O’ Grady South Tipperary County Archives

Shay Workingmen’s Boatclub, Two Bridges Partnership

Frank O’ Donoghue Inland Fisheries Ireland

Richard Auler An Taisce

Clare Lee South Tipperary County Council Planning section

Ruth Hennessy South Tipperary County Council Environment Section

44 Community Feedback*

Richard Auler Ed O’ Riordan Joanne Hughes An Taisce P.J. O’ Meara John Cash Roger Garland John Quirke Angela Lonergan Keep Ireland Open Eddie Kennedy Mary Alice O’ Connor Noreen Higgins Tipperary Historical Society Liam Roche Jason O’ Donnell Clare Lee Andy Moloney Lisa Creighton STCC Maria Taylor Georgina Johnston Marie McMahon Ann Cooney Denis Hartnett County Museum Terry Cunningham Sinead Larkin Richard O’ Brien Mary Hanrahan Shay Hurley N.R.A. Joe Kenny Mike Maunsell Mary Alice O’ Connor Tipp Excel Edwina Newport Mercedes Caplice Roisin O’ Grady Con Corbett Kathleen Courell Archivist Catherine O’ Flynn Michael Burke Barry O’ Reilly John O’ Flynn Joe O’ Keefe NIAH Maura Barrett Senator Denis Landy Marie Phelan Corina Bolger Cecily O’ Hanlon STCC Sean Watts Helen O’ Hanlon Tim Robinson Fethard Historical Society Liam Noonan Michael Boy Julia Walsh M. De Faiote Jack Lalor County Museum Cllr. John Fahey Laurence Lee Albert Nolan Lily Barrett Denis Holland Ann Ryan Matt Alexander Clare Curley Coillte Leslie Smyth Michael Fanning Bill Martin Declan Rice Cllr Sylvia Cooney-Sheehan Emly Tidy Towns Larry Joy Cllr Richie Molloy John O’ Donnell Sharon Cunningham Cllr Michael Fitzgerald Protect Cloneen Catherine Quish John O’Mahoney Patrick Dunne Paul Creamer Marie McGivern Teddy O’ Brien Marita Mulhall Sean Keating Aidan Macnamara Seamus King Richard Clutterbuck Peig Butler Dan Hogan Lyn Mather Denis Halley

* People who either attended meetings, took part in workshops, made comments or suggestions during the making of this plan

Alison Cronin Dancers with Shellikybookie installations at Medieval Walls during Festival Cluain Meala

45 Tipperary Town Architectural Details

Permanent TSB, 74 Main Street

Loughman’s, 11 Church Street

Taste of Asia, 7 Saint Michael’s Street

The Auld Murray Inn, 7 Main Street

Nellie O’Brien’s, 11 Main Street

16 Main Street Photographs courtesy of NIAH 46 Community mapping of the River Suir in the Suir River Cafe. Workshops undertaken by Kingston University

47 48 Page 48, left to right from the top:

1. Fethard Medieval Walled Town Festival 2011. Photograph by Joe Kenny 2. script on headstone at Ahenny. Photograph by Maura Barrett 3 Bee 4 Biodiversity Event at Place to Bee Cafe as part of Clonmel Junction Festival 4. River image. Photograph by Frank O’ Donoghue 5. Margo Cullen playing the harp at the Medieval Banquet, Festival Cluain Meala 2011. Photograph by John Crowley 6. Entrance to Ballingarane Estate. Photograph by Marie Mc Mahon 7. Little girl in the wildflower meadow in Fethard. Photograph by Joe Kenny 8. Ardfinnan Bridge. Photograph by Michael Pollard 9. Eagle as part of Falconry event during Fethard Medieval Festival. Photograph by Joe Kenny

10. A view of Cahir Town from Cahir Castle. Photograph by Clare Lee 11. Kilsheelan boat. Photograph by Brendan Fennessey 12. Dressing up during Fethard Medieval Festival. Photograph by Joe Kenny 13. Hidden Headstone at Kiltinan Graveyard. Photograph by Maura Barrett 14. Otter climbing ladder. Photograph by Brendan Fennessey 15. Athassel Abbey on the banks of the River Suir. Photo courtesy of Margaret Quinlan and OPW South Tipperary Heritage Plan 2012-2016