TIPPERARY (Ireland)

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Tipperary, Ireland's largest inland county, has richly varied scenery in its hills and mountains, its plains and river valleys. In the south are the Galtee Mountains, the Knockmealdowns and the isolated height of Slievenamon. Keeper Hill is the highest point among the various groups of hills in the north.

The middle of the county is a broad plain, through which the River Suir flows from north to south; and from this plain the rich land of the Golden Vale extends westwards into County Limerick. Apart from its scenery and its excellent facilities for pastimes such as angling, golf, mountain climbing, caving and hunting, Tipperary offers the opportunity of seeing important antiquities such as the magnificent ruins of the Rock of Cashel.

This former 'Port of Ormond' in the era of canal and Shannon navigation is now the mecca of sunbathers, swimmers, anglers, yachting aficionados, water-skiers and wind-surfers. The ruin of a medieval castle dominates the harbour. The facilities include developed piers and children's play area , boat Club and Yacht Club - founded in 1837 , the third oldest in the world.

Mauherslieve (Mother Mountain) peeps up on the left behind the green and brown tail of the Slieve Felims. A sign erected by the local community announces entry to Rearcross , 'land of ancient tombs, beautiful scenery and deer sanctuary'. Cullaun Hill (462 M) , the highest of the Slieve Felims explains one feature the forestry obviously provides a habitat for the deer. The village has signposts for two of the twenty tombs, which mean this of special interest for those keen on archaeology .

An garden memorial to the italian stigmatist Padre Pio includes Stations of the Cross. There is an identical set in the Papal gardens at the Vatican which were presented to Pope John Paul II on his visit to Ireland in 1979. Padre Pio devotees gather here for an annual anniversary and weekly summer ceremonies.

Holy Cross Monastery Thurles is remembered for being the town where Michael Cusack and his friends, formed the G.A.A. It is also known as the town which hosted Feile for a number of years, where teenagers made the "Trip to Tip." But outside Thurles, is the Holy Cross Abbey, which was founded in 1169 by the King of Thomond of the Cistercian monks. A relic of the true cross owned by the King was given to the Abbey. It was very prosperous and several of the Abbots were peers of Parliament. The Abbey was suppressed in and given to the Earl of Desmond. The monks however, stayed until the 17th century. In the grounds of the Abbey are a complete set of Stations of the Cross, donated by Senator and Mrs. Hanafin, of Thurles. The Stations of the Cross were erected in honour of Padre Pio. Mass is said in the Abbey and is a popular place for weddings.