Tipperary
The name Tipperary is derived from the Irish “Tibrad Ara”, the spring of the territory of Ara. The well which gave outlet to this spring, is in the town of Tipperary, near the river Ara. It was famous in Pagan times, and continued to be prized for the purity of its waters until about sixty years ago. In the early ages, when Ireland was divided into petty kingdoms, Cashel, in this county, was the seat of power for Munster.
Tipperary, in Ireland’s province of Munster, is a landlocked rural county that’s home to mountains, rivers, lakes and farmland. The medieval and Celtic collection of ruins at the Rock of Cashel have sweeping pastoral views. Cahir Castle is an imposing 12th-century fortress sitting on an island in the River Suir.
Tipperary’s county town, Clonmel, is in the south, and is a gateway for exploring the region.Taking the Limerick Junction as the point of departure by rail toward Waterford, the first of a series of lovely pictures is presented at Cahir, with the Galtees in the background. Here the Suir enters between wooded and sloping grassy banks, passing under the castellated railway viaduct, sweeping by the ruined abbey and the lofty ivy-covered ancient castle. The river is hidden from the railway on its course through Ardfinnan and Marlfield, enhanced in its attractiveness by the Waterford Mountains, picturesque glens, and extensive plantations.
Tipperary is one of the most beautiful of the inland counties. In every district the scenery has some special charm to arrest the attention of the tourist.
Waterford
The attractions of County Waterford (Port Láirge, or the Déise) are integrally linked to the first part of its name, whether in its alluring river valleys, lengthy southern shoreline, or in Waterford city itself, which derived much of its prosperity from its strategic riverside setting.
The northern stretch of the county, along the border with Tipperary, is studded with two modest but pretty mountain ranges, the Comeraghs and the Knockmealdowns, Ballymacarbry, 25km north of Dungarvan on the R672 towards Clonmel, is the best stopping-off point for the Comeraghs, while historic Lismore, 25km west of Dungarvan in the beautiful Blackwater valley, provides easy access to the Knockmealdowns.
Home to almost half the county’s population, including a sizeable mob of students, the city supports a lively nightlife and arts scene, and one of Ireland’s finest museums, Waterford Treasures. Waterford’s coastline takes in numerous sandy beaches, not least at Dunmore East, and great vantage points for panoramic views, as well as the blossoming harbour town of Dungarvan and the “holy city” of Ardmore, containing enthralling relics associated with St Declan.
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