Touring Medieval Ireland-
Fethard, County Tipperary
Fethard in County Tipperary is one of medieval Ireland's best preserved Norman towns. Some ninety percent of its’ town wall are intact, and three gates remain. The town is not a big tourist destination so you are guaranteed a quiet time.
Medieval bridge at Fethard.
Directions
Fethard is located 16 km from Cashel, and
16 km from Clonmel. From Clonmel follow the R689 which is signposted for Fethard. From Cashel follow the 692.
For those without their own wheels, the Thurles to Clonmel private Shamrock Bus
Company stops at Fethard a few times a day Mondays to Saturdays.
Medieval Ireland At Fethard
- Fethard has ninety percent of its’ original
town walls left. This makes it the highest proportion of town wall left
in any walled town in Ireland. A large part of the wall is extremely
well reconstructed to give a
good feel for just how impressive the town would have been during the
time of medieval Ireland.
- There are also three gates.
The North Gate is near complete, and there are remnants of two more gates.
- You will also find the Holy Trinity Church,
one of the countries’ best preserved medieval churches, and some 15th
century medieval town houses one of
which has been reconstructed, and a medieval stone bridge.
- There is an impressive large size Sheela Na
Gig embedded in a section of the town wall near Watergate House, and there are
two more Sheelas, one at Kiltinian Castle, and one at the abbey. Sheela na gigs
are medieval relief sculptures of naked women usually exposing their prominent
genitals.they have been interpreted as fertility symbols, but personally we
believe the symbolism is more about the ongoing cycle of life and death.
- We recommend following the heritage trail
around the town. The walk takes you through the village streets and then back
along the river past all these sights in just under an hour if you walk at a
leisurely pace.
- Fethard features one of the countries’
oldest unchanged pubs, Mc Carthys, located on the main street, which is worth a
visit.
- And the best part- it's all for free!
The 15th century Watergate House next door to Edmond's Castle.
Our
Opinion
A walk around Fethard is a treat. Fethard
is a well kept secret that is worth an afternoon’s visit on a fine day.
Our Special Tips
No 1:
Drop into McCarthy’s Pub for a cuppa before
you head on. McCarthy’s is an original pub from the olden days which is also a
restaurant, and an undertakers. No
conflict there for the ancient mindset!
No 2:
If you meet any townspeople on your walk,
do talk to them. We found them to be very approachable and friendly.
No 3:
Ask at a tourist office in the area (Cashel, Clonmel, Cahir) about
dates for guided tours of Fethard. These are delivered by locals many of whom
still bear the old Fethard family names and are directly descended from the
medieval townsfolk. If you can join a
guided tour, it will enhance your experience.
No 4:
The other half of your day could be a visit
to any number of attractions in the area. You could visit the town of Clonmel
(14 km), the Rock of Cashel (16 km),
or Knockgraffon Motte and Bailey, an original Norman site, or you could follow
the trail of the Butler family venturing to Cahir to visit the stunning castle or Swiss cottage.
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Many thanks, Colm and Susanna
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