Page 94 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

92 BACK ROADS IRELAND

5 Moore Abbey
Co Tipperary
On the western end of the Aherlow
Valley, Moore Abbey was founded
in 1204 by Donough O’ Brien, King
of Thomond (North Munster).
Repeatedly destroyed by the
Desmond and Ormonde dynasties, it
took 300 years to build. The remains
date mainly from the 15th century.
Carry on along the R663 to
Galbally, a quiet town centring
on a large square with a statue
commemorating republican heroes.
Just outside town on Duntryleague
Hill is Darby’s Bed, a megalithic
Above The Swiss Cottage at Cahir, a cottage passage tomb. To get there take the
ornée designed by John Nash 4 Clonbeg Church narrow road (behind the statue) off
Co Tipperary Galbally’s main square. The tomb is a
This 18th-century Church of Ireland 15-minute walk from the car park.
chapel is unusual in having both a ª From Galbally return to Newtown
Catholic and Anglican burial ground. and continue east towards Bansha.
It is built on the site of a church After 3 km (2 miles) turn right onto
founded by St Sedan – the ivy-clad an unclassified road signposted
remains of an earlier church can still Rossadrehid (7 km/4 miles).
be seen – and is notable for St Immediately after the first crossroads,
Sedan’s Well, situated in the far right- pull in and park in front of cottage on
hand corner of the graveyard. The the right-hand side of the road. To find
water from the well is noted for its the Kyle, follow the path to the right of
healing properties, in particular for the cottage, climb over a stile and
treating eye ailments. People visiting follow a rough path across the field.
the well tie “clooties” – pieces of
WHERE TO STAY clothing belonging to the sick – to Holy Wells
the birch tree behind the well.
AROUND CLONBEG CHURCH ª Return to main road (R663) The Glen of Aherlow has many holy
wells, many of them pre-dating
Ballinacourty House and Restaurant and turn left towards Galbally and Christianity in Ireland. Druids were
inexpensive Lisvernane. Moore Abbey is 4 km said to draw their power from
Eighteenth-century building with (2 miles) beyond Lisvernane. As the them. They continue to be
rooms and restaurant overlooking an road approaches the abbey it swings considered holy and to possess
inner courtyard. Camping and self- miraculous healing powers. Pilgrims
catering cottages attached. Located a right over a stone bridge. There is a often use a piece of cloth to wash
short distance north of Lisvernane on small parking bay on the right-hand the afflicted part of their body and
a minor road. side just past the abbey. then tie it to the tree overhanging
Glen of Aherlow; 062 56000; the well – usually an ash or
www.ballinacourtyhse.com whitethorn – as a prayer offering.
Aherlow House Hotel moderate
Former hunting lodge set in acres of
woodland. Elegant and comfortable 6 The Kyle
with beautiful views over the Galtee
mountains. Frequently has special Co Tipperary
offers. Situated just off the R663, a The oval enclosure known as the
short distance west of Newtown. Kyle was created to preserve a
Glen of Aherlow; 062 56153; collection of Celtic relics – grinding
www.aherlowhouse.ie stones, fragments of a cross and
CAHIR carvings – found on the site here. It
Cahir House Hotel moderate has also been used as a burial place
The former home of the Butler family, for unbaptized children.
this is a popular hotel complete with a To reach St Berrihert’s Well, walk
landscaped garden in the middle of past the Kyle, through the wooden
Cahir. Lively music session on Friday
evenings. gate and along a causeway over
The Square; 052 744 3000; Above The cemetry of the 18th century Clonbeg marshy ground. Follow the path to
www.cahirhousehotel.ie church some wooden steps and a bridge,
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

090-093_Back_Roads_Ireland.indd 92 11/09/17 12:29 pm
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