Things to do in Tipperary | Why Lonely Planet picked It for 2026

Tipperary is Ireland’s biggest inland county and a cornerstone of ancient Ireland. Hailing from the heart of the Golden Vale, it’s also referred to as the “Premier County”, offering mediaeval drama and rich scenery just two hours from Dublin. With Tipperary featuring on Lonely Planet’s new 2026 list of top places to visit, now is the perfect time to discover the best things to do in Tipperary!

Visit the Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s landmark locations. This superb group of mediaeval structures sits on a dramatic outcrop of limestone overlooking the wide plains of the Golden Vale. Known as St Patrick’s Rock, it was for centuries the seat of the Kings of Munster.

Don’t miss Cormac’s Chapel, a beautiful Romanesque building, when you visit. A fee of about €8–€10 for adults is charged for entry to the Rock of Cashel, and it is worth booking the audiovisual show in the Hall of Vicars to experience the whole story. Try to come early in the morning to avoid crowds. There is plenty of parking in Cashel town, just a few minutes’ walk from the site.

Explore Cahir Castle

Located right in the centre of town on a rocky island in the River Suir, Cahir Castle Tipperary is one of the best-preserved 13th-century fortresses in the country. If it looks familiar, that’s because it’s a favourite for Hollywood; it was a major filming location for The Tudors and The Green Knight.

Entry is very reasonable at about €5-6. Access is easy just two minutes from the town square. Once you have explored the towers and defensive walls, the town of Cahir is an ideal place to grab lunch.

Walk to the Swiss Cottage

The Swiss Cottage, in Tipperary, is a scenic riverside walk from Cahir Castle which lasts 45 minutes. Nestled beneath a thatched roof and using rustic timberwork, this ‘cottage orné’ is reminiscent of a fairy tale and was built by Richard Butler, Earl of Glengall, in about 1800.

Internally there are beautiful Parisian wallpapers and a delicate spiral staircase. The tours are brief, typically around half an hour, and entrance is around €5. It’s an easy relaxing detour from your Cahir trip.

Hike the Glen of Aherlow

For outdoor adventure, the Glen of Aherlow in Co. Tipperary is a beautiful valley nestled between the Galtee Mountains and Slievenamuck Ridge. Whether you’re an easy-going hiker or a seasoned trekker.

The highlight here is Galtymore Mountain (919m), the highest inland mountain in Ireland. Detailed trail maps are available at the various trailheads (primarily in the village of Newport). It is regarded as being one of the best hikes in Ireland.

Discover Mitchelstown Caves

The rather confusing thing is that Mitchelstown Caves are in County Tipperary, which is even closer to Cork than the town of Mitchelstown itself is. These are some of the best caves in Europe, with three colossal caverns containing tall stalactites and columns of calcite.

Found by chance in 1833, the cave is now accessible through a guided tour (approx. 45 minutes) for around €12. They maintain a constant cool temperature all year round, making them a perfect rainy day activity. Then, a pleasant picnic area is available outside with views of the mountains. 

Paddle or cycle the Suir Blueway

The Suir Blueway Tipperary is a great addition to the outdoor offerings of Tipperary. This is a 53km ‘paddling trail’ for kayakers, and a 21km cycle trail from Cahir to Carrick-on-Suir.

Hire a kayak and spend a few hours on the water, or remain on the riverbank on two wheels. If you make it all the way to Carrick-on-Suir, be sure to check out Ormond Castle, a beautiful Elizabethan manor house.

Relax at Lough Derg

The lake is Lough Derg, Tipperary, Ireland’s third-largest lake, and the shores of the lake in Tipperary are very picturesque. It is a fabulous village to begin with, and as a sailor or an admirer of a world-class sunset over the harbour, you will find Dromineer to be a wonderful start.

To get a taste of the times that went before, check the ruins of Garrykennedy Castle or visit Terryglass, a village that was established by Saint Columba. Overnight stays are possible with some amazing glamping Ireland options by the water. 

Explore HolyCross Abbey

A true hidden gem, Holycross Abbey Tipperary is a Cistercian monastery dating back to 1180. Unlike many ruins, this is an active parish church open to the public.

It is an exceptionally photogenic site holding a relic in the tradition of being a part of the True Cross. It’s so laid back and peaceful that most visitors overlook it, nestled along the River Suir, near Thurles.

Where to eat and drink in Tipperary

Mikey Ryan’s is an old favourite in Cashel and legend has it the original Guinness hops came from their garden. If more substantial food is desired, Tuscany Bistro has great Italian cuisine and a cosy vibe.

If you’re after a traditional Irish pub experience, head to McCarthy’s in Fethard. It is well known for being a bar, restaurant and undertaker in one. Larkins on the shores of Lough Derg is the place to be for a classic trad session when it comes to live music.

FAQs

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