Clonmel

Clonmel is a destination in Munster, Ireland.

Clonmel (Cluain Meala) is the county town of Tipperary, set on the River Suir. It is a market town with a compact historic core, including the remains of a town wall and West Gate. Clonmel serves as a good base for exploring the Comeragh and Knockmealdown mountains, and is the starting point for the popular Suir Blueway walking and cycling trail.

The most practical way to reach Clonmel is by car, with good road connections from the surrounding area. Regional bus services may also serve the town, though schedules can be limited on weekends. The nearest airport is typically Shannon (SNN) or Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC), depending on the specific location.

Clonmel is compact enough to explore on foot. For exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions, a car or bicycle is recommended.

Fethard for Lisronagh Castle (just a stump) and the soggy delights of Slievenamon, the mountain to the north.

Carrick-on-Suir is a small town 21 km downstream from Clonmel where the main sight is Ormond Castle . This was built in the 14th century but the 16th century Earl extended it with an Elizabethan manor house. It's open for pre-booked tours Apr-Oct. .

Ahenny is a village on the boundary with County Kilkenny. It has many prehistoric structures, notably the tombs of Baunfree and Knockroe. There are also several early Celtic High Crosses in the village and surrounds.

What's on?

• listen to Tipp FM on 97.1 FM or read South Tipp Today .

IMC Cinema is on Kickham St.

South Tipperary Arts Centre ,

Nelson St, Clonmel E91 W658 ,

☏

+353 52 612 7877 .

Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM .

Rotating exhibitions, talks and other events.   ( updated Apr 2025 )

Clonmel Racecourse ,

Powerstown Park, Clonmel E91 EP20 ,

☏

+353 52 618 8508 .

This stages both National Hunt (jumps) and flat races, with the main meetings in Feb and Nov.   ( updated Apr 2025 )

The Greyhound Stadium has races Friday and Sunday from 7PM. It's just east of the centre between the river bridge and retail park.

Golf:

Clonmel Golf Club is south on R678. White tees 6366 yards, par 71.

Walk the East Munster Way, which follows the river downstream towards Carrick-on-Suir and upstream towards Newcastle.

The Vee Drive is a scenic tour over the hills into County Waterford. It's usually done as a circuit from Lismore (and described on that page), but you could start from Clonmel.

Junction Festival is a week-long arts festival in July. The Busking Festival folded in 2022.

Galileo Cafe is at 5 O'Connell St facing Main Guard.

Mulcahy's ,

47 Gladstone St, Clonmel E91 C7Y8 ,

☏

+353 52 612 5054 .

Town centre pub with traditional "Long bar" and "Brewery bar" with live music Wednesday nights. They have rooms but it's the food that earns admiring reviews: breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily.

B&B double €120 .   ( updated Apr 2025 )

Lana Thai is at 4 Gladstone St.

Befani's ,

6 Sarsfield St, Clonmel E91 VW65 ,

☏

+353 52 617 7893 .

Th-Sa 5-9PM, Su noon-3PM, 5-8PM .

Mediterranean and tapas restaurant, great dining, also has rooms.

B&B double €120 .   ( updated Apr 2025 )

Indian Ocean is 50 m below Befani's on Sarsfield St.

Lemongrass ,

Market St, Clonmel E91 Y6R6 ,

☏

+353 52 617 0880 .

Tu-Th noon-9PM, F Sa noon-10PM, Su 1-9PM .

Reliable Thai restaurant in town centre.   ( updated Apr 2025 )

Niamh's at 1 Mitchell St is open M-Sa 9AM-4PM.

Town centre pubs include Hearn's Hotel (which has very basic rooms), Bennigan's, Sean Tierney's and Lonergan's.

Parnell St just east has Phil Carroll's, The Coachman, Moran's and Fozzy's.

Cider:

Bulmer's Irish Cider is made at Anneville 3 km east of town; no tours. They're no longer part of the Bulmer's UK cider company, so outside the Republic their brand name is Magner's but the product is identical. Under that name they've sponsored the United Rugby Championship, Glasgow Celtic FC, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and other events they reckon the Irish might show up for. Their standard cider is "hard" or dry and they suggest serving over ice.

Fennessy's Hotel ,

32 Gladstone St, Clonmel E91 HR27 ,

☏

+353 52 612 3680 .

Town centre pub with rooms in Georgian building, standards vary, some noise from bar and street.

B&B double €90 .   ( updated Apr 2025 )

Raheen House Hotel ,

10 Raheen Rd, Clonmel E91 AC82 ,

☏

+353 52 612 2140 .

Pleasant country hose hotel on south bank of river.

B&B double €200 .   ( updated Apr 2025 )

Hotel Minella ,

Coleville Rd, Clonmel E91 FY97 ,

☏

+353 52 612 2388 .

Upscale hotel and spa in 1863 mansion plus newer wing - these have more space and fittings but the extension is a boxy modern affair. On south bank of river 2 km east of town.

B&B double €180 .   ( updated Apr 2025 )

Talbot Hotel

( formerly Clonmel Park ),

Poppyfield Retail Park, Cahir Rd, Clonmel E91 X0N7 ,

☏

+353 52 618 8700 .

Modern functional hotel on edge of town, clean, convenient for motorists.

B&B double €140 .   ( updated Apr 2025 )

Connect

As of April 2025, Clonmel and its approach roads have 5G with all Irish carriers.

The main retail mall is Showgrounds Shopping Centre, on Davis Rd east edge of town.

There's a Lidl and Aldi west edge of town.

Fethard has a fine 13th-century church, and parts of the town's medieval walls still stand.

Cahir has a castle on a river island, the fanciful Swiss Cottage, and Mitchelstown Cave.

Cashel is a must-see for the cathedral and other

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