CARRICK ON SUIR
Carrick-on-Suir has the unusual characteristic of being in two counties. Although
the majority of the town is in Tipperary, part of it is in Waterford.
Set on the Suir river, the town of Carrick-on -Suir was a stronghold of the
Butler's of Ormond during the 15th century. The town grew in importance through
industries such as wool and brewing during Medieval times. It is one of many towns
claiming to be the birth place of Anne Boleyn, the second of Henry VIII's six
wives.The town's main attraction is Ormond Castle. This beautifully restored building
was built in 1584. The castle contains many fine rooms, none more so than the
Long Gallery with its depictions of Queen Elizabeth and the Butler coat of arms.
The Elizabethan mansion which is situated beside the castle was built in anticipation
of a visit by Elizabeth I, however she never arrived.
Although he retired only in the last number of years, Sean Kelly was quickly
honoured by his hometown of Carrick-on-Suir. Kelly, one of the world's greatest
cyclists through the 1980s, has the town square and a brand new sports centre
named after him.
An ideal place to browse while looking for something to take back to those
at home, is the Tipperary Crystal Shop. Free tours of the glass-cutting facility
are available weekdays from March to October. A showroom is also open daily. While
the train service is quite weak, there is an excellent bus service with regular
buses to all of the major towns and cities.
|