Shannonvale Cottage is situated in North Tipperary, in the heart of Ireland. The East, West and South coasts are all within a 2 hour drive. Discover great scenery, beaches, cities or take in the history, it's all within reach!
North Tipperary forms part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, and their website includes a wealth of information about regional attractions. For information on places further afield, visit Discover Ireland. (Photos are courtesy of Discover Ireland.)
Attractions Within 1 Hour's Drive
Cashel and Holy Cross
Cashel is in the southern half of County Tipperary and is a historic market town. Its best known site is the Rock of Cashel, which was the seat of the Kings of Munster, and occasionally of the High Kings of Ireland.
15 kilometers from Cashel is the village of Holycross, which features a beautifully restored 12th Century Cistercian Abbey.
Guided tours are available at both sites and both are highly recommended.
Bunratty Castle
Bunratty is in County Clare, a short distance from Limerick. It is a village famed for its castle where you can take in a medieval banquet, along with its woollen mills and Bunratty Folk Park, where you can visit a recreation of a 19th century village and enjoy traditional Irish music sessions.
Birr
Birr is in County Offaly, to the east of County Tipperary.
It is a designated heritage town featuring many beautiful Georgian (18th Century) buildings and the 16th Century castle, whose gardens are open to the public year-round.
Attractions Further Afield
Kilkenny
Kilkenny includes medieval streets, a beautiful castle on a riverside setting, and a lively arts and crafts scene. It is also home to numerous festivals.
Kilkenny Castle is one of the best preserved 13th century buildings in Ireland, albeit extensively rebuilt in the 19th century. It was built by the Butler family, who also built Nenagh castle.
Dingle
Dingle is in County Kerry, and is a beautiful coastal town. Its harbour is a great place for a walk, and it has a lively pub scene and is the perfect spot for fish and chips. It is situated on the Dingle peninsular, which makes for a fantastic drive, and features many stunning beaches such as the one pictured, at Dunmore Head.
Also in County Kerry, the Ring of Kerry is a 179km drive which takes in some of the highlights of Kerry’s spectacular coast.
The Killarney National Park features stunning mountains and lakes and is also well worth a visit.
The Burren
The Burren is a beautiful area of North County Clare known for its unique limestone pavements and rock formations, and also for its stunning coastline. It is a perfect spot to spend a day walking in the hills, or driving along the coast. A recommended drive is the coastal road past Fanore (see map link below) which will show you great hill views and the stunning coastline.
Other highlights of the Burren include Hazel Mountain Chocolate and Aillwee Caves.
The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are on County Clare’s west coast, and along with the Waterford coast (see below) are among the closest coastlines to Shannonvale Cottage. The Cliffs are one of the most visited attractions in Ireland, and can be visited either by parking at the visitor centre or (for the energetic) by walking along a stunning 20km cliff path which starts in Doolin.
There are several other beautiful places to visit along the Clare coastline, such as Spanish Point and Loop Head, which features clifftop walks to rival the Cliffs of Moher.
Cong
Cong is in County Mayo, on the edge of Lough Corrib. The village featured in ‘The Quiet Man’ film and is very well preserved. From Ashford Castle, you can take a boat out on the Lough or can go for a walk in the beautiful lakeside woods.
It is also a good starting point for exploring stunning Connemara before heading back towards Galway city.
The South Coast - County Waterford
County Waterford lies to the south of County Tipperary and includes a fantastic stretch of coastline spreading out to the east and west from Dungarvan, known as the ‘Copper Coast’. Here you will find beautiful unspoilt, quiet beaches. Highlights include Ardmore, Stradbally and Kilmurrin.
In the town of Dungarvan you will find a great selection of cafes, pubs and restaurants and also the beginning of the Waterford Greenway where you can walk or cycle along the coast before heading up into the hills.
The picture to the left shows the historic town of Lismore, which is a great place to stop for a coffee on your way to the coast.
Another highlight of County Waterford is the Comeragh Mountains, which you will pass through on your way to Dungarvan. A walk to Mahon Falls is highly recommended, as a path from the carpark to the waterfall takes you through a dramatic horseshoe valley. On your way to the Mahon Falls, look out for the ‘Magic Road’, where your car will appear to be moving uphill on its own if you leave it in neutral!
Cities
Limerick
Limerick is the nearest city, and is well worth a day trip. Highlights include great places to eat and shop, and historical buildings such as King John’s Castle. There are also beautiful walks along the River Shannon, as Limerick is the final place it passes through before heading out to sea.
Galway
Galway is one of the most vibrant cities in Ireland, with a lively arts scene as well as great shopping, beautiful coastal walks and historical sites. Wander along the medieval Shop Street and soak up the atmosphere as the world class buskers ply their trade!
Galway is also a great place for live music, and we can highly recommend catching a show at Monroe’s or Roisin Dubh, where you will see well-renowned acts playing to a small audience. Or you can catch local musicians in many of the city centre pubs.
Cork
Cork is sometimes referred to as the ‘real capital’ of Ireland, and as you wander through the streets, enjoying a cafe, or visiting a lively pub, you will see why. It is a great place for shopping or just strolling along the river.
Cork is also the gateway to West Cork, which is one of many stunning coastlines that Ireland’s Atlantic coast has to offer.
Dublin
