Things to do

Situated in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, the area is a walkers’ paradise with a 4 mile circular walk beginning at the Park entrance. There are two national loop walk trail-heads in the Glen of Aherlow offering 8 looped walks. There are also lake walks and unlimited trekking in the Galtee Mountains, Ireland’s highest inland mountain range.

The Heritage Towns of Cahir, Cashel, Lismore and Tipperary are all within easy reach and well worth a visit.

Popular nearby attractions

Walking and mountain hikes

Glen of Aherlow Nature Park: Just a stones throw from the site, the Nature Park provides hours of walks and fairy trails to ensure a fun time for the whole family.

National Loop Walks: There are two national loop walk trail-heads in the Glen of Aherlow, offering 8 looped walks ranging from half-an-hour to four hours round trip. Explore Slievenamuck through miles of forest track with spectacular views of the Galtee Mountains and over the valley.

Galtee Mountains & Lakes: Right on our doorstep, with lake walks and a variety of peaks including Galtymore at 3,018 feet (919m), the Galtees provide a challenge for all levels of hill-walking and mountain climbing enthusiast.

Guided Walks: Experienced local guides will take you off the beaten track and away from the usual routes into the real wilderness of the Glen. Walks can be customised according to your requirements; you choose the length of time, the level of difficulty, and the pace. Advance booking is essential, contact us for further information.

Historic and cultural attractions

Rock of Cashel: Originally the seat of the Kings of Munster, the Rock of Cashel is iconic, historically significant, and possesses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Among the monuments is a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral, and a fifteenth-century Tower House.

Brú Ború Heritage Centre: The Centre offers you an unique Irish cultural experience, nestled in the shadow of the ancient Rock of Cashel.

Excel Centre, Tipperary Town: The Tipperary Excel Heritage Centre is an Arts and Culture space in Tipperary town providing a centre of excellence in the delivery of Arts, Culture and Heritage to the County. Its facilities include: a theatre, art gallery, dance studio, digital cinema, Heritage Centre and Tourist Information Point. It also features the French Quarter Cafe.

Cahir Castle: Built in the thirteenth century, Cahir Castle is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved monuments. The castle has won movie glory after being named “Europe’s favourite filming location” by the European Film Commissions Network (EUFCN) in 2021

Swiss Cottage: Built in the early 1800s by Richard Butler, just outside the heritage town of Cahir, this cottage orné is a fanciful realisation of an idealised countryside cottage.

Grange Stone Circle: Located 300m west of Lough Gur is Grange, one of the most impressive stone circles in Ireland. Its near-perfect circular ring is made up of 113 contiguous standing stones, with an internal diameter of approximately 46m.

Holycross Abbey: A destination for pilgrims, Holy Cross Abbey, located just 15km from The Rock of Cashel, has a rich history. Pilgrims travelled here for eight centuries to venerate the relic after which the abbey and surrounding villages are named – a piece of the True Cross of Christ’s crucifixion.

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park: The site on which Bunratty Castle stands was in origin a Viking trading camp in 970. The present structure is the last of four castles to be built on the site, constructed around 1425. Set on 26 acres of unspolit Clare countryside, Bunratty Folk Park features over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village and rural setting. Rural farmhouses, village shops and streets are recreated and furnished as they would have appeared at that time according to their social standing, from the poorest one-roomed dwelling to Bunratty House, a fine example of a Georgian residence built 1804.

Farney Castle Visitor Centre: Farney Castle was built in 1185 and is the only round tower in Ireland still occupied as a family home. It is located in Holycross, County Tipperary, and also has a knitwear and porcelain design shop.

Museum of Transport: Located in Gortnafleur Business Park, Clonmel, it contains a fleet of fully restored classic cars which include models by Jaguar, Renault, Morris, Mercedes, MG and others. A highlight includes a 1904 Clement Talbot. Motoring automobilia include signs, light garage equipment, posters, books and much more.

Hunt Museum: The museum holds a personal collection donated by the Hunt family. Located in Limerick City it is situated in Custom House, Rutland Street. Among the museum’s collection are works by notable artists and designers such as Pablo Picasso, Jack B. Yeats, and Sybil Connolly as well as distinctive historical items such as the O’Dea Mitre and Crozier.

Cycling

BBikes: Traditional and E-bike rentals delivered to the Park for your convenience. Explore the Galtee Mountains and beyond.

Glen of Aherlow road cycling: Two parallel roads run the length of the Glen of Aherlow and are linked by several smaller roads. These create large or small loop cycles suitable for all the family and can be accessed from many points in the Glen making it an ideal destination for your cycling holiday in Ireland.

Glen of Aherlow Cycling Loop: This 16km to 83km route to Ballyhoura and back offers a range of route options to suit your appetite.

Glen of Aherlow mountain biking: Forestry tracks offer rough routes for the keen mountain biker.

Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails: Quench your thirst for speed at the nearby Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails which are nestled in the beautiful Ballyhoura mountains, straddling the counties of Cork and Limerick. The most extensive bike trail network of its kind in Ireland provides many options for off-road cycling.

Driving routes

The Vee: Famous for its breathtaking panoramic views. The journey rises to about 2,000 feet (610m) above sea level, above Bay Lough, and it gives wonderful views of a portion of the ‘Golden Vale’, between the Knockmealdown and Galtee Mountain Ranges.

Distance: 128km (round trip)

Golden Vale Drive: This sweeping drive will introduce you to the natural features that gave The Golden Vale its evocative name. It will take you from the foot of the highest inland mountain, Galtymore (3,015ft), by Griston Bog, where you’ll pass from the picturesque countryside through historic towns and around Lough Gur, famous for its many archaeological sites. You’ll join the signposted driving route at Galbally (10 minutes drive from the Park) and weave through the villages and towns of Ballylanders, Kilfinane, Kilmallock, Bruree, Bruff, Croom, Lough Gur, Ballyneety, Pallasgreen and Emly.

Distance: 112km

Ballyhoura Drive: Not only are you guaranteed beautiful scenery on this rural drive, but you’ll pass through a collection of beautiful towns that showcase the rich history and culture of the area. You’ll join the signposted driving route at Ballylanders (15 minutes drive from the Park) and pass through the towns and villages of Anglesboro, Mitchelstown, Kildorrery, Shanballymore, Castletownroche, Doneraile, Churchtown, Liscarroll, Dromina, Milford, Charleville, Kilmallock, and Kilfinane.

Distance: 123km

Family activities and attractions

Mitchelstown Caves: Situated in County Tipperary, one of Europe’s major showcaves, discovered in 1833.

Marlhill Open Farm: This family owned and operated farm is designed with a young family in mind. Relax and enjoy getting ‘up close and personal’ with the animals and drop by the café while the children burn off steam.

A dynamic three tier indoor soft play area and an outdoor play area with playground, mini diggers, pedal go karts, air hockey and much more will keep your children happy for hours on end.

Fota Wildlife Park: Fota Wildlife Park is a 100-acre wildlife park located on Fota Island, near Carrigtwohill, County Cork. It is an independently funded, not-for-profit charity, that is one of the leading tourism, wildlife and conservation attractions in Ireland.

Celtic Plantarum: Located in Dundrum, County Tipperary. It is a magical combination of numerous plants, shrubs and trees, some quite rare with quaint water features. The display features a range of conjectural reconstructions of ancient field monuments drawn from Ireland’s romantic past, all presented in a delightful setting with meandering pathways and ever-present birds and wildlife.

The Donkey Sanctuary: Visitors are welcome to visit the donkeys at the Open Farm in Knockardbane. The farm is nestled in the beautiful hillsides outside Liscarroll village. Admission and parking are both free but donations are welcomed.

Doneraile Court & Pleasure Garden: The stunning centrepiece of one of Ireland’s most beautiful estates. Located on the banks of the Awbeg river in north County Cork, the house dates from the 1720s, when it was built by Arthur St. Leger, the first Viscount Doneraile and father of the renowned Lady Freemason.

Doneraile Wildlife Park: The Park comprises approximately 166 hectares and is an outstanding example of an 18th century landscaped park in the ‘Capability Brown’ style. Mature groves of deciduous trees, several restored water features and a number of deer herds can be viewed along the many pathways within the Park.

Lismore Castle Gardens & Lismore Castle Arts: The historic gardens of Lismore Castle are essentially two distinct gardens. Both are set within the castle walls and comprise of 7 acres with spectacular views of the Castle and surrounding countryside.

Lismore Castle Arts, a not-for-profit initiative, was founded in 2005 and is committed to the presentation and promotion of contemporary visual art in Ireland. It hosts exhibitions of international significance alongside a series of smaller exhibitions, projects and events as well as a comprehensive learning programme.

Please note Lismore Castle itself is a private residence and there is no public access.

Galbally Public Playground: Modern, well equipped children’s playground in the local village of Galbally.

Fishing

The Glen of Aherlow is an ideal destination for your fishing holidays in Ireland. A range of fishing options are available in close proximity.

River Aherlow: The River Aherlow offers brown trout and perch. No permit is required to fish this river.

River Suir: Just a short drive away, the River Suir is a paradise for both salmon and brown trout. Licence/permits are required to fish River Suir.

River Blackwater: Munster’s River Blackwater is Ireland’s third largest river. It is one of the best fishing rivers in Europe, not only for salmon and trout but also for coarse angling. Fermoy offers the ideal location by catering for all types of fishermen. Licence/permits are required to fish River Blackwater.

Fishing licence/permits: Licence/permits can be obtained from https://store.fishinginireland.info/

Golfing

Tipperary Golf Club: The course is maintained in excellent condition, with the greens offering superb playability and presentation throughout the year. The quality and layout of the course makes it very accessible to golfers of all ages and abilities. Facilities cover everything from practice areas, golfing accessories and the course itself right through to the warm reception you will receive in the clubhouse, bar and restaurant.

Ballykisteen Golf Club: The Ballykisteen Championship Golf course is a superb 18 hole, 72 par, Des Smyth designed championship golf course which was opened in 1993. Nestled in the heart of the Golden Vale, the clever design and suitability to all handicaps makes this golf course an ideal venue for any golf outing.

Dundrum House Golf Club: This impressive 18 Hole Championship Parkland Golf Course has been woven into the fabric of a mature Georgian estate, designed by 1995 Ryder Cup hero Philip Walton. Using the natural features of woodland and parkland, adorned by the Multeen River, Philip has created an exhilarating, par 72 course over 7200 yards that provides a real test of golf.

Cahir Park Golf Club: In the heart of the Golden Vale. Cahir Park is an 18 Hole Parkland Golf Course on the banks of the river Suir in the heart of Co. Tipperary. Backdropped by the Galtee, Knockmealdown & Comeragh Mountains.

Horse riding

Hillcrest Riding Centre: Located in the shadow of the breath-taking Galtee Mountains, bisecting the Glen of Aherlow and Ballyhoura Mountains, Hillcrest Riding Centre near the local village of Galbally, boasts one of the most picturesque settings for horse riding in Ireland.

The centre offers lessons to all levels of riders along with a wide variety of equestrian events including hacking, trekking, show jumping, cross-country, dressage, pre-hunting, and week-long pony camps for all ages. Hillcrest offers a great way to engage with the horses and improve your riding skills. From novices to experts, to anyone who just appreciates the magnificence and beauty of horses, the setting at Hillcrest Equestrian centre is a must see.

Tel: +353 62 37915 or +353 87 1250915
Email: hillcrestequestrian57@gmail.com

Solohead Equestrian Centre: Located in the tranquil countryside of Solohead, Monard, Solohead Equestrian Centre cater for all levels in a fun, safe environment. Showjumping, dressage, and cross country in group and private lessons are offered by the centre. In addition, pony camps for all levels run through the year.

Tel: +353 871253481
Email: marionwallace90@yahoo.co.uk

Cahir Equestrian Centre: Located in the beautiful countryside, just 2km outside the heritage town Cahir, this family-run centre provides wonderful riding experiences for novices to more adventurous riders both young and old.

The approved AIRE centre offers tuition, trekking through Cahir Park, cross country riding and Pony Camps during school holidays.

Tel: +353 86 2515875
Email: cahirequestrian@gmail.com

Leisure and spa

Canon Hayes Recreation Centre: Located in Tipperary Town, the centre boasts a vast range of health, fitness, and sports facilities.

Indoor facilities include a sports hall, aerobics studio, sauna, steam room, squash and racquetball courts, a magnificent gymnasium, strength and conditioning room, pre-school and an adjoining swimming pool.

Outdoor facilities include a flood lit Running Track, 3 all-weather Astro Turf pitches and 2 tennis courts.

Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel – Leisure Centre and Spa: Take advantage of this great facility to keep up with your fitness routine while away from home. Complete with gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room you will be transported to a world away from the stresses of daily life.

With five luxurious therapy rooms and the ultimate selection of Dermalogica products and treatments, you will be completely pampered by their professional therapists.

City day trips

Cork: Sitting proudly on an island in the middle of the River Lee, Cork’s feelgood vibe surges through its streets, hip cafes, vibrant art galleries, museums and shops. When you get peckish, the many gastro-pubs and restaurants are bound to tickle your tastebuds. Steeped in culture, Cork is a wonderful city for a day trip.

Distance: 76km/47miles
Travel time: 1 hour approximately, by car

Limerick: An ancient city on the banks of the mighty River Shannon, Limerick is quirky, arty, and utterly individual. Spend a day shopping or exploring the culture, its grand museums and historical sites are bound to keep you occupied.

Distance: 46km/29miles
Travel time: 50 minutes approximately, by car

Dublin: Ireland’s Capital is a city abundant with history. Founded in 988 when the Vikings settled here, there is much for visitors to enjoy. Shop until you drop, check out the museums and galleries, sample the best traditional food in Temple Bar, and visit the Guinness Storehouse for a pint. This and much more awaits you.

Travel time: 1 hour 35 minutes approximately, by train from Limerick Junction, Co. Tipperary

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