Slieveardagh
'Tipperary's Hidden Corner'

Located between the major tourist centres of Kilkenny and Cashel is the area known as the Slieveardagh Hills. Rising to 1,000 feet, these hills command a view of the surrounding areas of Tipperary and Kilkenny and at the highest points, many other counties can be seen.

Located in South-East Tipperary, the area is adjacent to the major urban centres of Thurles, Cashel, Clonmel and Kilkenny. It can be approached from the N8 at Urlingford or from the N76 via Ballingarry. The medieval, walled town of Fethard is nearby as is the Lory Meagher Brod Tullaroan Centre.

1848 Warhouse

1848 Warhouse: Located between Ballingarry and the Commons is the 1848 Warhouse. It was the scene of the ill fated 1848 rising of the Young Irelanders. The rising represented Ireland's contribution to the European Nationalist Movement of the time and it is also an importand milestone in the series of events which led to the 1916 Rising, coming after the 1798 Rising and preceding the Fenian Movement of the 1860's. The building has been refurbished by Duchas, the National Heritage Service.

 

THE COMMONS The john Joe Barry monument remembers the feats of a local athlete who was a champion middle distance runner in the 1940s and '50s. Known affectionately as the ' Ballingarry Hare', his front running tatics brought him international recognition. He was the first Irishman to benefit from a Villanova athlete scolarship and he held world records at his peak. He competed first with Ballincurry Athletic Club and a plaque at Ballincurry Cross records this aspect of John Joe's career.

The musical tradition of the area is featured in the monument to the memory of Larry Wall Fitzpatrick in whose honour a festival is heald each summer.

 

Palatine Street: Located between the Commons and Grange is the area known as the Palatine Street. The name derives from a settlement of Palatine star settled in the area in the 18th century. Originally from Germany, the settled in County Limerick and were invited to the Slieveardagh area by the Baker family in Kilcooley. Descendants of the original settlers still live in the area. A member of the Switzer family established the famous department store of the same name in Grafton Street, Dublin. A Methodist Church used until the 1960s and a former school, which now serves as a community hall, can be seen on the roadside.

 

Grange Cragwalk and Wellington Monument: Adjacent to the village of Grange is a recently developed Grange Cragwalk. This part of the Coillte forest walk takes 46 - 60 minutes to complete. Features of note include a waterfall, "ice house" and a very impressive Wellington monument. The latter was built the William Barker of the coolly state in 1817 to commemorate the victory of the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo in 1815. Located on height, there is a fine view of the surrounding area.

 

Kilcooly Abbey: The Cistercian Abbey of Kilcooly is a hidden jewel dating from the 12th century although the present building was constructed in the 15th century. It contains many interesting carvings including the 12 apostles, a Dolphin, a mermaid, etc. The monastery is the burial place of Pierce Butler, a member of the Butlers of Ormond family. The beautiful ruin is set in a dramatic Woodland and lake setting in the private and walled Kilcooly estate.

 

Boulick Church: Located between Gortnahoe and Ballysloe is the ancient church of Boulick. Maintained in excellent condition, this church dates from the fifteenth century. In the surrounding area is a norman motte and bailey along with a Norman keep. It was an important medieval settlement.

 

The Reen viewing point and Derryvella lake: Overlooking Glengoole is the Reen viewing point which gives a splendid view of surrounding peatlands and fertile plains beyond. The recently developed Derryvella lake has been developed on part of the nearby bog and is a haven for wildlife as well as offering an opportunity to walk and fish. Glengoole, aka New Birmingham, owes its origins to the coal seams in the area and the plans of its founder, Sir Vere Hunt, to establish a major industrial centre in the area.

 

Derrynaflan: Derrynaflan is the site of an ancient Christian settlement. It was the home of the legendary craftsman, the Goban Saor, in the ancient era. More recently a very noteworthy treasure hoard was found in 1980. This is now housed in the National Museum of Ireland and is one of the most impressive discoveries of its kind. The site is under the care of Duchas.

 

Coalmining tradition: The Slieveardagh area has a long tradition in coalmining. Commercial exploitation of the local anthracite resources virtually ceased in the 1980s but much evidence of mining still remains. A good example of this is the steeple at the Copper, between Ballingarry and Killenaule. He was constructed with the aim of being an air shaft but was never completed. Elsewhere there is evidence of former mines, especially near the villages of The Commons, Glengoole and Ballynonty. The MARDYKE is a good example of a coalmining settlement.

 

Killenaule: The former Church of Ireland now houses the headquarters of the Slieveardagh Rural Development and serves as a culture and enterprise centre for the area. Examples of the work of local crafts people are exhibited and information is available on activities in the area. The Roman Catholic Church contains a fine example of stained-glass windows. The father of Ned Kelly, the infamous Australian outlaw, came from Clonborgan nearby. There is no evidence of the house now.