THE ROCK OF CASHEL

One of Ireland’s most visited sites, the rock of Cashel is a spectacular collection of medieval buildings. The ruins include a 12^th century round tower, high cross, Romanesque chapel, the 13^th century Gothic cathedral, a 15^th century castle and the Hall of the Vicars.

CAHIR CASTLE AND SWISS COTTAGE

One of Ireland’s best preserved castles, this was once the stronghold of the Butler family. The castle retains much of its impressive keep, tower and its original defensive structure.

A short walk along the River Suir from the Castle is a delightful cottage built in the 1800’s by Richard Butler, first Earl of Glengall.

HOLYCROSS ABBEY

A very special and sacred place where you can walk in the footsteps of ancient Monks. Beautifully restored 12^th century Cistercian Abbey. Guided tours tell the story of the two Relics (pieces) of the True Cross of Christ that are displayed in the Abbey.

ROSCREA CASTLE AND DAMER HOUSE

Roscrea stone castle was constructed in 1332. It comprises of a gate tower and two D-shaped corner towers. Damer House is a elegant three storey Georgian house built in the 18^th century in the courtyard of Roscrea Castle.

THOMAS MACDONAGH CENTRE

Thomas MacDonagh, signatory of the Irish Proclamation, was born in the village of Cloughjordan. At the centre his story is presented through his family, writings and the Gaelic Revival. visit http://macdonaghheritage.ie for more information.

NENAGH CASTLE

An impressive 13^th century construction which offers visitors a 360 degree view of the town and the surrounding countryside. It has a spiral staircase with 101 stone steps to the top. Take time to stroll around the adjacent Medieval Garden. The castle is Nenagh’s oldest building and offers free admission.

PORTUMNA IRISH WORKHOUSE

The workhouse was an institution which operated in Ireland for 80 years from the early 1840s to the early 1920s. Guided tours of the workhouse tell the story of the life, staff, diet and emigration from the workhouse to Australia and Canada.   info@irishworkhousecentre.ie

PORTUMNA CASTLE AND GARDENS

Portumna Castle and Demesne occupy a magnificent location on the shores of Lough Derg on the River Shannon. Built before 1618 the castle is approached by a long avenue and formal gardens. The ground floor of the castle is open to the public and houses an exhibition on the history of the building.

LORRHA/DORRHA

A parish steeped in history, where among the spirits still lingering in the walls of Lorrha’s abbeys and castles are saints, monks, Kings, rebels, murderers, Vikings, Normans and Cromwellians. Tour guides tell the stories of Lackeen Castle and the O’Kennedys, Redwood Castle and the McEgans, St. Ruadhan etc.

NENAGH GENEALOGY and HERITAGE CENTRE:

Located in the unique former residence of the Governor of Nenagh Gaol (Prison), This museum sends one back in time to experience old rural Ireland and follow in the footsteps of the condemned prisoners. You can also take the opportunity to reconnect with the land of your ancestors where a genealogical research service for clients whose ancestors originated in North Tipperary can be provided. (Fees Apply for Genealogy Research) Contact: http://rootsireland.ie

WATER ACTIVITIES

Lough Derg one of Ireland’s largest lakes is located 9Km from Willowbrook Bed & Breakfast. There is a wide range of water sports and angling options for visitors to Tipperary.

Enjoy a cruise along Lough Derg from the heritage town of Killaloe with commentary provided. Contact James or Aoife at www.killaloerivercruises.com

For the Angler/Fisherman the perfect setting can be found on Lough Derg for game or coarse fishing. Local guiding service, tackle and boat hire are available. Contact Paul: http://www.irishfishingtours.com 

Enjoy a unique Kayaking Tour on the waters of Lough Derg. Contact: http://mynextadventure.ie

Lough Derg Yacht Club is enjoying sailing in Dromineer since 1835. The club hosts a number of events every year, a combination of local, regional, national and international events. Contact: http://ldyc.ie

WALKING

With a multitude of walking trails to explore locally, we can help you plan your walking holiday with maps, walking sticks, packed lunches all available. As avid walkers ourselves, we'd be delighted to offer advice on all the waymarked trails in the area.

Base yourself at Willowbrook B & B and choose the walks that suit you. With spectacular views from the Graves of the Leinstermen loop you can extend the walk to the nearby Millennium Cross. Both of these walks are loops of the Lough Derg Way. Upperchurch and the Silvermines are perfect locations for hill walking. Walk the Kilcommon Pilgrim Trail which takes in the Prayer Garden in Kilcommon or the nearby Curreeny Hedge school. Named after a local legend, the spectacular Devil’s Bit Mountain does not disappoint with inspiring views to Lough Derg. http://discoverloughderg.ie

GOLFING

Tipperary takes its golf courses and their upkeep very seriously. Willowbrook B&B is located 11Km from Nenagh’s 18 hole parkland golf club. www.nenaghgolfclub.com

PORTROE DIVE CENTRE

Portroe Quarry is the best training facility for scuba divers in IRELAND. The visibility is always gin clear and they have many underwater attractions. Depth of the quarry ranges from 38 to 40 metres. Recreational and technical diving courses throughout the year. http://4dive.eu

EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITIES

Tipperary is home to some of the world’s most famous race horses and the equestrian world is a serious business in these parts. Coolmore Stud, based near Fethard, Co. Tipperary is generally acknowledged to be the world’s biggest thoroughbred racehorse breeding operations. Fethard Horse Country Experience is a state of the art interactive exhibition housed in C17th Tholsel building Showcasing the link between the people , the land and the horse in the surrounding area.

Tours to Coolmore Stud can be booked at the centre.

Spectacular off road mountain treks from one hour to all day for all levels of riders can be arranged at one of the Tipperary equestrian centres.

KILLALOE/BALLINA

Twin towns Killaloe/Ballina are linked by a 13 arch bridge that takes one from Co. Tipperary to Co. Clare. Driving from Willowbrook B&B to these towns take the scenic route and experience the breathtaking views of Lough Derg pleasure lake at viewing points . Explore the River Shannon by hiring a boat or taking a cruise and learn all about the various sites dotted along the lake. Try your hand at sailing, windsurfing or kayaking, rental options available.

FLANNAN’S CATHEDRAL AND ST.FLANNAN’S ORATORY

This Romanesque cathedral was founded about 1185. The well preserved Oratory has a barrel vaulted roof with its small square opening leading to the croft above. This croft would have been a cell for study or protection against attack.