TIPPERARY
This town is the capital of the County of Tipperary. Originally an Anglo-Norman
settlement, it is now at the centre of a fertile plain known as the Golden Vale.
Rich and fruitful land makes its farmers the envy of their fellow-farmers throughout
Ireland.
It was the scene of many violent incidents during the Plan of Campaign which
was part of the second phase of the Land War in the 1880s. A statue of the Fenian
leader of that time, Charles J. Kickham, can be seen on the main street. The Sean
Treacy Swimming Pool, named after the War of Independence veteran, is also testament
to the past history of this town.
South of Tipperary town are the Slievenamuck and Galtee Mountains which provide
the perfect setting for hiking and sightseeing.
The county of Tipperary is an important equestrian area, with racecourses at
Thurles, Clonmel and also Tipperary town. Regular race meetings take place at
Tipperary Racecourse which is actually situated at Limerick Junction and was formerly
known as 'The Junction'. There are also many racing stables and studs in the area.
The world-famous Coolmore Stud is situated in Fethard with its satellite farms
dotted around the Tipperary countryside. The great Istabraq is trained locally
at Ballydoyle. Next to Kildare, one could suggest that the area is the bloodstock
and racing centre of the country.
Good accommodation and easy travel to and from the town make Tipperary a good
destination. Limerick Junction train station on the main train line between Cork
and Dublin is 3 miles from the town.
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