Eight Tipperary Heritage Sites Included in Free Entry Initiative for National Heritage Week

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The Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced two days of free admission to over 80 heritage sites across the country in celebration of the opening weekend of National Heritage Week 2024. Free entry will be permitted on the 18th and 19th of August for these sites.  

Out of more than 80 sites countrywide, there are 8 sites in Tipperary which will be free to the public for these two days, these are – Ormond Castle, Cahir Castle, The Swiss Cottage, The Main Guard, The Famine Warhouse, The Rock of Cashel, Holycross Abbey and Roscrea Castle, Gardens and Damer House/ Black Mills.  

Situated in Carrick on Suir, Ormond Castle (E32 CX59) is one of Ireland’s most exceptional examples of Elizabethan architecture. Joined to an earlier medieval riverside Castle, Ormond Castle was built in 1565 by Thomas, 10th Earl of Ormond in honour of Queen Elizabeth. The building contains some of the finest decorative plasterwork in the country and throughout the castle many emblems and motifs associated with the Tudor monarchy can be seen. Audio-visuals and technological installations have been implemented to help bring the history of this magnificent castle to life for the public.  

Standing on a rocky island on the River Suir, Cahir Castle (E21 P652) was built in the 13th century and was the stronghold of the Butler family. In 1599 it fell to the Earl of Essex. Following this it came under siege twice during the Irish Confederate Wars. Excellent audio-visual presentations allow visitors to immerse themselves in the castle’s long history and give the public a detailed view of one of the country’s most well-preserved stone castles.  

The Swiss Cottage (E21 DX07) also found in Cahir is a fanciful recreation of a cottage which would have been used as a peaceful retreat to host hunting parties, for fishing parties, soirees and picnics by those who lived in the big house. The house was built in the 1800s and was dubbed ‘The Cottage’ because it was thought to resemble an Alpine cottage. The main features of the interior include a spiral staircase and exquisitely decorated rooms. A restoration of the interior took place in the 1980’s directed by renowned fashion designer Sybil Connolly.  

The Main Guard (E91 P7Y8) in Clonmel was built when James Butler, the Duke of Ormond, decided to build a courthouse. This two storey building was the venue of the Clonmel Assizes in the 18th century. In 1810 it was converted into shops. The Main Guard has recently undergone a major refurbishment and now features a state-of-the-art exhibition and event space inside.  

The Famine Warhouse (E41 XK23) near Ballingarry, Tipperary was the site of a bloody battle fought during the Young Irelander Rebellion of 1848. The rebels led by Protestant William Smith O’Brien attacked 47 police officers who had barricaded themselves into the McCormack homestead taking 5 children hostage. After 2 of the rebels were killed, they surrendered and were transported to penal colonies abroad. The house became known as ‘The Warhouse’ and was transformed into a museum. The museum showcases the events of the Young Irelander Rebellion in the wider context of The Great Famine and the trials and exile of those who fought and surrendered in the rebellion and their eventual escape to America.  

The Rock of Cashel (E25 KX44) is set on an outcrop of limestone rock. This cluster of medieval buildings was originally the seat of the kings of Munster. In 1101 the site was granted to the Church and became one of the most important ecclesiastical strongholds in Ireland. Nowadays it is one of the country’s most visited tourist attractions.  

Holycross Abbey (E41 PH01) is one of the country’s most important pilgrimage sites. Pilgrims have visited here for eight centuries to view the piece of the True Cross of Christ’s Crucifixion which is housed in the abbey. The abbey provides visitors with a place for quiet contemplation and the opportunity to take in its ornate stonework and architectural beauty.  

The final heritage site featuring in the offer from the Office of Public Works is Roscrea Castle, Gardens and Damer House/Black Mills (E53 F652). Dating back to the 1280’s Roscrea Castle has served as a barracks, school, library and sanatorium. The castle shares its grounds with Damer House named after John Damer who came into possession of the castle in the 18th century. The impressive garden and restored mill make this destination very pleasant for a day out.  

Welcoming the free admission initiative, Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, said:  

It gives me great pleasure to welcome the OPW’s decision to open over 80 of its sites for free admission during the opening weekend of National Heritage Week in 2024 – a testament to the excellent partnership we have shared with the OPW over many years. It will bring immense benefits to the public, allowing families and visitors to experience some of the richest and most beloved heritage sites in Ireland. National Heritage Week is a fantastic festival of events, where everyone from big organisations to small voluntary community groups come together to make significant contributions to the celebration of our national heritage.” 

 

 

 

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