Carrick on Suir

Carrick-on-Suir has the unusual characteristic of being in two counties. Although the majority of the town is in Tipperary, part of it is in Waterford.

Set on the Suir river, the town of Carrick-on -Suir was a stronghold of the Butler's of Ormond during the 15th century. The town grew in importance through industries such as wool and brewing during Medieval times. It is one of many towns claiming to be the birth place of Anne Boleyn, the second of Henry VIII's six wives.The town's main attraction is Ormond Castle. This beautifully restored building was built in 1584. The castle contains many fine rooms, none more so than the Long Gallery with its depictions of Queen Elizabeth and the Butler coat of arms. The Elizabethan mansion which is situated beside the castle was built in anticipation of a visit by Elizabeth I, however she never arrived.

Although he retired only in the last number of years, Sean Kelly was quickly honoured by his hometown of Carrick-on-Suir. Kelly, one of the world's greatest cyclists through the 1980s, has the town square and a brand new sports centre named after him.

An ideal place to browse while looking for something to take back to those at home, is the Tipperary Crystal Shop. Free tours of the glass-cutting facility are available weekdays from March to October. A showroom is also open daily. While the train service is quite weak, there is an excellent bus service with regular buses to all of the major towns and cities.