Tipperary

Tipperary most commonly refers to County Tipperary, a county in the province of Munster, Ireland. The name derives from the Irish Tiobraid Árann, often translated as “the well of Ara” or “the well of Arra.” The county is largely rural, with rolling hills, rivers, and fertile farmland that support farming, forestry, and tourism.

The county was established in 1838 by merging the historic North Riding and South Riding of Tipperary. In 2014 the two ridings were reunited into a single county named Tipperary. The county is governed by Tipperary County Council and includes towns such as Clonmel, Thurles, Nenagh, Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary Town, and Cashel.

Geography and economy: Tip­perary lies in the mid-southern part of Ireland. It is characterized by diverse landscapes, from river valleys to upland areas and rural estates. Agriculture remains a central part of the economy, with dairy and beef farming, along with food processing, tourism, and light manufacturing contributing to employment and local services. The county hosts several tourism sites and festivals throughout the year.

Heritage and culture: The county has a strong Gaelic games tradition, notably hurling, and maintains a number of historic and cultural landmarks. Notable attractions include the Rock of Cashel, a historic medieval site perched on a limestone hill in Cashel, Holycross Abbey near Thurles, and the Mitchelstown Caves. These sites, along with market towns and countryside, attract visitors and support local heritage.

Demographics and transport: The population is around 160,000. The area is served by major roads and regional rail links connecting to Dublin, Cork, and other counties, supporting commuting, tourism, and commerce.