Clonmel

Old strategic river towns in Ireland sprung from one of three sources - monastic, Viking or Anglo-Norman settlement. Clonmel was born from the latter invasion, when William de Burgo, Viceroy to Henry II, received grants of land in the Suir valley toward the end of the 12th century. In the mid 13th centruy, Otho de Grandison consolidated the settlement by fortifying the town. Remnants of these walls can best be appreciated in the churchyard of old St. Mary's in Mary Street.

Its ancient origins speak through the old buildings and narrow streets. O'Connell Street was the Old High Street which was contained by the West Gate. The present structure was built in 1831 on the site of the older gate.

North of here, in Wolfe Tone Street, is the old Wesleyan Chapel, designed and built by William Tinsley in 1843. It now serves as the White Memorial Theatre.

The church of SS. Peter and Paul, 1814, is situated in Gladstone Street, known as Lough Street in medieval times.

Built as a palatinate courthouse in 1674, the Main Guard at the junction of Gladstone Street and O'Connell Street, served as an assize court until 1802. It is currently being restored by the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht.

Mitchell Street was another street of the medieval town and the market place stood at the point where it intersected with Gladstone and O'Connell streets.

Irishtown, outside the old walls, probably owes its name to the fact that the native Irish were not allowed to take up residence within the town walls, although they freely traded with the town's people.

The streets opposite the site of the eastern gate in Mitchell Street contain 18th and 19th century buildings.

Places in Clonmel

The Franciscan Friary.
The Franciscan Friary was first built in 1269. The oldest part of the present building is the tower, which dates from the 14th century. The tomb of the Lords of Cahir is contained within the friary.