Planning a trip to Ireland?

Forget Dublin and Cork. If you want to immerse yourself in the rich, millennia-old history of Ireland, you should head for County Tipperary. County Tipperary is home to some of the country’s greatest and oldest historical treasures.

Swiss Cottage

After you leave Cahir Castle, don’t miss the Swiss Cottage, located just 2 km away. This quaint thatched cottage, located in the Clogheen countryside, combines rural and royal. Have you ever seen a thatched country cottage with a lavish spiral staircase?

You will when you visit the Swiss Cottage. Though in disrepair as recently as the late 1990s, the Swiss Cottage has since been fully restored according to its original décor.

Make sure to plan your visit for the first Wednesday of the month for free entry.

Celtic Plantarum
Dundrum

One of the most fascinating parts about visiting Ireland is relishing in its natural beauty. If you’re looking to appreciate the natural landscape of Ireland in County Tipperary, look no further than the Celtic Planatrum. Take a two-mile stroll through this natural beauty spot, and enjoy lakes, waterfalls, wildlife, and more than 60,000 plants spanning 2,000 species. (Photo Credit: IrishFireside)

Ormond Castle

Built in the 1560s by the famous Butler family, this castle is a little younger than others throughout County Tipperary. The style of Ormond Castle resembles the classic English Elizabethan style of architecture. This is no coincidence; the owner of the castle, Thomas Ormonde, and Queen Elizabeth I were cousins. According to legend, she promised she would visit the castle one day – a promise we can assume she never kept. Unlike most castles in Ireland, Ormond Castle was completely unfortified – a risky choice considering the political instability of the time period. The castle was abandoned in the late 17th century after the death of James Butler. Ormond Castle remained in the family’s possession until the mid-20th century, after which the state took it over and restored it.

Whether you want to explore castles and museums or connect with the gorgeous natural landscape, these historical and heritage sites in County Tipperary offer you the chance to do a little bit of both. Some of these sites are well-known tourist attractions, while others are off the beaten path, giving you a healthy mix of Irish history, culture, and adventure.