our time, our way
Gateway to the Galtee Mountains, Tipperary Town is nestled in the superb and scenic surroundings of the Golden Vale, just four miles from the beautifully secluded Glen of Aherlow. Tipperary Town is tucked between the Galtee Mountains and Slievenamuck Hill which both hold magnificent panoramic views that are ideal for hill walking and pony-trekking. Tipperary Town is a 19th century market town that originally began as an Anglo-Norman settlement – the motte and bailey built by the Normans can still be seen in the town today. The land surrounding the area is known as a rich, lush agricultural expanse that is perfect for farming. Architecturally, Tipperary Town boasts some striking 19th century buildings and more decorative work than anywhere else in the country. It is also home to a fine collection of well-kept shop fronts, historic buildings and streetscapes
The name of the town and county derives from the Irish ‘Tiobraid Árann’ meaning the ‘Well of Ara’ referring to the River Ara upon which the town is built. This ancient, sacred well is now unfortunately closed, but was originally located on Bridge Street in the town. Today, Tipperary Town has a population of approximately 5,000 people. In the centre of Mitchell Street, overlooking the Market Yard, stands the town’s ornate clocktower. This charming structure punctuates Tipperary Town’s bustling and cultured history.
The clocktower was originally part of the Town Hall; the building of which was commissioned by the Smyth-Barry family who were landlords of the town. Designed in Jacobean Revival architectural style, The Town Hall was constructed in 1876 by Oxford-based architect, Thomas Jackson. This building was to be Jackson’s only ever Irish work. On New Year’s Eve in 1940, Tipperary’s Town Hall was transformed into the Tower Ballroom – an elaborate entertainment complex comprising of a theatre, cinema and ballroom. This venue became a hub for social meetings and live dances, and is embedded in the very fabric of many relationships within Tipperary Town and its surrounding catchment area. The Tower Ballroom building was ravished by fire in 1941, and again in the 70s, and has since been demolished. Thankfully today, the quaint clocktower is still a much cherished and noteworthy giant amidst the townscape.
Peace and Prosperity
Tipperary Town has long been linked with the song “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary”. Written by Jack Judge in the early 1900s, the song became a marching tune in WWI and was sung by both sides during the Great War. Modern day Tipperary however, is now known for its efforts to promote peace and peaceful co-operation on a national and international stage through the work of the Tipperary Peace Convention. The Tipperary International Peace Award lists Nelson Mandela, Mikhail Gorbachev, Malala Yousafzai and Bill Clinton amongst its many recipients, whilst the Tipperary International Song of Peace title has been claimed by songwriters from England, U.S.A., Canada and Argentina.
