Carrick-on-Suir.
Sean Kelly Square, at the the centre of Carrick-On-Suir, is named after the local cycling hero who was at the top of his sport for many years. He was holder of the World Championship title and won many of the great cycling classics. He is also commemorated at the local Sports Centre on the Waterford road. Near Sean Kelly Square is Clairin Well which was the source of Carrick's water supply for centuries and is now restored to commemorate its importance to the town.

Places in Carrick-on-Suir

The Clock Tower.
This distinctive clock tower on was installed in 1783. It marks the western entrance to the walled medieval town.

Heritage Centre.
The Heritage Centre is a former church, now restored. This was the site of the pre-Reformation parish church of St. Nicholas of Myra in Carrick Mor (big Carrick). Some of the interesting gravestones from the churchyard are featured at the centre, including a memorial to Thomas Butler, who died in 1604. He was an illegitimate son of Thomas, 10th Earl of Ormond.

Exhibits at the centre include examples of the traditional basketmarking craft, which has all but died out in the area, and memorabilia associated with the Sisters of Mercy who have strong associations with Carrick-On-Suir. Open June to September, Monday to Saturday, 10.00 - 17.00. October to May, Monday to Friday only, 10.00 - 17.00. There is an admission charge. Tel : 051-640200. E-mail : cosda@iol.ie.

Old Carrick Bridge.
The ancient bridge has linked Carrickmor and Carrickbeg since 1447. Built by Edmund MacRichard Butler, it had great strategic importance as the first bridge across the estuary. Over 100 people drowned when the barge in which they were travelling was swept against the structure by flood waters in 1799. A hanging took place from the bridge in 1811.

Ormond Castle and The Tudor Manor House.
This fine Tudor Manor House was built by "Black Tom" Butler, 10th Earl of Ormond in the 1560's. He was a cousin of Queen Elizabeth I, through her mother Anne Boleyn. It is remarkable, that though unfortified, the house has survived intact through the turbulent years of Irish history. It also contains a unique collection of decorated plasterwork and Royal Charters

The grace of the building is enhanced by the generous mullioned windows on both floors to the front and the elegant porchoriels in the centre front and at one side. The gallery on the first floor features two beautifully carved stone chimney pieces and a ceiling and frieze of Elizabethan plasterwork. The castle served as part of the house.

Although owned by the Ormonds into the present century, it had long been neglected, until it was taken into public ownership and restored by the Heritage Service of the Department of Arts, Culture and the Faeltacht. Open mid June to September from 9.30 - 18.30. There is an administration charge. Tel : 051-640787.

Carrickbeg.
Carrickbeg (little Carrick), on the south bank of the River Suir where two churches dating back to the 19th century can be seen on the steep hill ahead. The church on the left is St. Mollerans, which is the parish church of Carrickbeg. Fragments of the original 13th century friary are incorporated in the more modern structure. The boundary wall was built as a work-for-food profect during the terrrible famine of the 1840's. James, 1st Earl of Ormond gave the land to the Franciscans in 1336. They occupied the site until the suppression of the monasteries was ordered by Henry VIII. The friary, it's buildings and lands, were surrendered to the crown in 1540 and granted to the Earl of Ormond. A slight lull in Roman Catholic persecution occured in the 1640's and the friars returned for a brief 11 years. Then Cromwell imposed his will and priests were hunted and forced to emigrate or go undergound.

After Cromwell's death in 1658, priests returned and Carrickbeg Frairy was again occupied by the Franciscans in 1669. The Penal Laws proscribed the clergy, but a few friars held on at Carrickbeg. They were, however, in dire circumstances, as a sketch of the friary in 1702 shows the abbey in ruin. With the advent of a more tolerant regime, the people of Carrickbeg built a new chapel in 1820, and this now stands, next to the friar, across the road from St. Mollerans.

Around Carrick-On-Suir also includes part of Tipperary.

Golf Club.
Carrick-On-Suir golf club was established in 1939 and has recently extended its course to 18 holes. The parkland enjoys wonderful views of the Comeragh Mountains on on side and the Suir Valley on the other. Visitors are welcome, but please telephone in advance to secure preferred tee time. Tel : 051-640047.

Clonea
Horse lovers will enjoy the detour to Clonea (Power), 9km south of Carrick-On-Suir. Riders of all abilitiescan receive tutition where facilites include an outdoor sand arena and a larger grass arena. The village of Clonea is known locally as Clonea (Power) to distinguish it from the costal village of the same name near Dungarvan. Tel : 051-640611

Tipperary Crystal Craft Centre.
Tipperary Crystal Craft Centre can be found in the townland of Ballynoran. Housed in two pretty thatched cottages, the craft centre offers visitors the opportunity of seeing glass being hand crafted. Tel : 051-641188 Fax : 051-641190.

Kilsheelan.
Kilsheelan was originally a river port and was established in 1185. It contains the ruin of a nave and chancel church and has been a winner of the National Tidy Towns Competition. To the north of the village is Slievenamon, a dominant landmark overlooking the Suir and Anner river valleys.

To the left of the bridge is a grotto. This is built on an old motte and bailey, which contained a Norman stronghold. Immediately across the river is Kilsheelan Wood, part of the beautiful wooded demesne of Gurteen le Poer, through which the East Munster Way Walking trial passes. The demesne was part of the estate of the le Poer family, who's baronial house (private) stands on the banks of the Suir, opposite the village of Kilsheelan. The present structure, which replaced an earlier house, was built in 1866 by Samuel Roberts for Edmond, 1st Count le Poer.