Many will be aware of the British First World War song "It's a long way to Tipperary" - but where is Tipperary? And is it a long way to go? Also is there anything to do once one gets there? Tipperary is in Ireland and besides being a long way to go, it is a great place to visit while touring the isle.
Ireland is full of things to see and do and has adventures for everyone. Even the peat bogs of Ireland are full of secrets that tell the stories of its Stone Age past. Another must while in Ireland is to see the oldest pub in Ireland. As per the Guinness World Book of Records, the oldest pub in Europe is Sean's Bar in Ireland - established in AD 900.
So What Is Tipperary?
Tipperary Town is a town in County Tipperary in the Republic of Ireland. Tipperary Town has a population of around 5,000 and gave its name to the county. Tipperary Town was founded in the 13th soon after the Norman/English invasion of Ireland. The county is in southern Ireland within the province of Munster and has a population of around 160,000.
- Largest Towns: Clonmel, Nenagh, and Thurles
Tipperary is the sixth-largest of Ireland's 32 counties by area and is landlocked. It has a diverse terrain with several mountain ranges including the Knockmealdown, the Galtee, the Arra Hills, and the Silvermine Mountains.
At Tipperary, one can explore Ireland's Hidden Heartland and see the country's stunning lakes and leafy Blueways.
What Is There to Do In Tipperary?
"Uncover the mysteries of Ireland’s Ancient East with hidden gems such as Athassel Abbey, Lorrha Monastic Village and St Patrick’s Well. Home to some of the most fertile rolling hills in the country, don’t forget that Tipperary is an incredible place to explore on horseback or by bicycle."
For an itinerary and ideas of what to see and do in Tipperary one should see Tipperary.com. Visiting Tipperary is a relaxing and fun experience to see some of the best of the quieter interior of Ireland. There is plenty of hiking, horseriding, farm tours, castles, restaurants, and old-timey Irish bars to check out.
If one is looking for ideas, consider walking their Bulter Trail. Explore more than five turbulent centuries the Butlers were the most powerful aristocratic family in Tipperary and the indelible mark they left behind.
They raised armies to battle with rivals and sometimes against the English Crown. See the numerous castles and homes they build and more. Tipperary is more than a name in a song, it is a very worthwhile destination.
Visit The Rock Of Cashel
Located in the county but out of the town of Tipperary is the old ruined Rock of Cashel. It possesses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland - including a round tower, a high cross, a chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, and more. It was once the seat of the kings of Munster and legend has it that St. Patrick himself came here to convert King Aenghus to Christianity.
- Popular: The Rock of Cashel Is One Of Ireland's Most Visited Tourist Attractions
The surviving medieval buildings today are remarkable and the site is regarded as one of Ireland’s most spectacular tourist attractions.
It is full of history having served the kings of Munster for hundreds of years prior to the Norman invasion. Today the majority of the structures seen there today date from the 12th and 13th centuries.
- Round Tower: The Round Tower Is The Oldest and Tallest Building On-Site, and Is The Most Preserved Round Tower (Dates From c.1100)
- Cormac's Chapel: A Chapel of King Cormac Mac Carthaigh Began In 1127, Boasts One of The Best Preserved Irish Frescoes Of The Period
- The Cathedral: Built Between 1235 and 1270
Visiting:
- Adult: €8.00 ($9.00)
- Opening Hours: Daily 09:00 – 17:30
- Address: St. Patrick's Rock of Cashel, Cashel, Co. Tipperary
The Tipperary Song
The Tipperary Songs' authorship has long been disputed but it was first performed by Jack Judge in 1912 and is believed to have been written by Judge and Harry Williams. It was recorded in 1914 (by Irish tenor John McCormack) and soon became a popular marching song during the First World War.
- First Performed: In 1912 By Jack Judge
- Remembered: As The British World War One Soldier Marching Song
Today it is likely the most famous English war song of the war and often features in movies.
Chorus
It's a long way to Tipperary,
It's a long way to go.
It's a long way to Tipperary,
To the sweetest girl I know!
Goodbye, Piccadilly,
Farewell, Leicester Square!
It's a long long way to Tipperary,
But my heart's right there.
As one visits Tipperary today, one will see the town's welcoming signs proclaiming "You've come a long way."