Non Angling Activities

Clonanav Fly Fishing

Local Attractions

Rock Of Cashel

Set on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale, The Rock of Cashel, iconic in its historic significance, possesses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Among the monuments to be found there is a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and a fifteenth-century Tower House.

Originally the seat of the kings of Munster, according to legend St. Patrick himself came here to convert King Aenghus to Christianity. Brian Boru was crowned High King at Cashel in 978 and made it his capital.

In 1101 the site was granted to the church and Cashel swiftly rose to prominence as one of the most significant centres of ecclesiastical power in the country.

The surviving buildings are remarkable. Cormac’s Chapel, for example, contains the only surviving Romanesque frescoes in Ireland.

The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most spectacular and – deservedly – most visited tourist attractions.

Cahir Castle

Cahir Castle is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles. It stands proudly on a rocky island on the River Suir.

The castle was built in the thirteenth century and served as the stronghold of the powerful Butler family. So effective was its design that it was believed to be impregnable, but it finally fell to the earl of Essex in 1599 when heavy artillery was used against it for the first time. During the Irish Confederate Wars it was besieged twice more.

At the time of building, Cahir Castle was at the cutting edge of defensive castle design and much of the original structure remains.

An excellent audio visual show now provides sightseers with a detailed appreciation of the castle’s long history. Visitors also flock to the castle because of its role as a film and TV location – it has featured in productions like Excalibur and The Tudors.

Clonmel Town

The small city of Clonmel (population 20,000) is in South Tipperary, bordering Waterford on the River Suir. Clonmel is an excellent base for visiting a wide range of attractions, and the area is known for centuries old castles and ruins, historical monuments, gardens, and even a miraculous spring. Nestled in the Comeragh Mountains with the Knockmealdown Mountains to the South and legendary Slievenamon to the East, the town is noted in Irish history for its resistance to the Comwellian army which sacked the towns of Drogheda and Wexford. The area in which Clonmel is situated was part of a very old territory – the Decies, which included County Waterford and parts of the present County Tipperary. The name Clonmel comes from the Irish name Cluain Meala, meaning “honey meadow” or “honey valley.” Here are some of our favorite area attractions:

Walking/Cycling the Suir Blueway

There is a 21km marked trail along the Suir Blueway river towpath from Carrick-on-Suir to Clonmel which is ideal for leisure cyclists and walkers of all abilities. This is accessible from the Hotel Minella.

Starting at the Gashouse Bridge in Clonmel, walk along the river until you reach Sir Thomas’ Bridge, cross the bridge and leave the Blueway to follow the waymarked route of the East Munster Way into the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains until it rejoins the Blueway at Kilsheelan Bridge. Follow in the footsteps of merchants and tradesmen who made their living along this 17th century towpath. Take in beautiful bridges, castles and churches set in picturesque countryside – but keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as otters and heron!

The route is divided into the sections below so you can decide on the location and distance you’d like to do.

Comeragh Mountains

A glaciated mountain range in the southeast of Ireland in County Waterford, the Comeragh Mountains are situated between the towns of Carrick-on-Suir and Clonmel. This is a stunning paradise for hikers and trekkers, and a day or two at Comeragh is one of the best things to do in Clonmel on weekends. Walk around the trailhead past the first two ranges for a magnificent view of nearby towns, see the Mahon Falls, and walk across moorland littered with grazing sheep and goats to Coum Tay, skirted by epic rocky bluffs.

Places to Visit

Waterford City & Crystal Factory

Sitting in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s oldest city is a treasure-trove of ancient artefacts, elegant architecture and great local food.

Stand on the quays in Waterford city, breathe in the salty air and it doesn’t take much to imagine the hustle of ships loading and unloading cargo in the 1700s. Trade with Newfoundland brought affluent merchants to settle here in the late 18th century turning the city into one of the great ports of Ireland and kickstarting a building boom. Take a stroll around the centre of Waterford and you’ll see a host of beautiful architectural showpieces that date from this time. But to get the real picture, you need to cast your mind back further – to its founding by the Vikings in 914.

Dungarvan

Dungarvan is a harbour town located at the heart of County Waterford, Ireland. It is an ideal base for any tourist wishing to tour or holiday in Ireland’s ‘Sunny South East’. There are lots of activities, places to see and things to do. So whether you want an energetic walk in the Comeragh Mountains, a bike ride along the Waterford Greenway or maybe just a relaxing coffee overlooking the harbour, then Dungarvan awaits you!

Kilkenny City

A cultural treasure with a big personality – Kilkenny city is the perfect mix of modern and medieval.

A 12th century castle, a bustling crafts and design scene, time-honoured traditional pubs, cobbled lanes and secret alleys – the medieval city of Kilkenny mixes small-town charm and big-city buzz to perfection.

Set within Ireland’s Ancient East and just 90 minutes from Dublin, the “Marble City” (so known for the many buildings built with local Kilkenny marble) packed with colourful characters, amazing music and an electric atmosphere.

By day, you can pile on the culture with medieval showpieces such as Rothe House, Black Abbey, and the Medieval Mile Museum. Sip on Ireland’s oldest ale on a guided tour at Smithwicks brewery, or admire the design exhibitions at Kilkenny Design Centre or Kilkenny Art Gallery. After dark Kilkenny amps things up with cracking trad music sessions, historic pubs and some of the best festivals on the island.

Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark

The Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark and Visitor Centre is located on the South East coast of Ireland, between Tramore and Dungarvan in County Waterford. It extends between Fenor in the east to Stradbally in the west and up to Dunhill in the north. The area was declared a European Geopark in 2001. In 2015 Waterford’s The Copper Coast Geopark, became a UNESCO Global Geopark.

The Copper Coast gets its name from the 19th Century copper mines that lie at its heart. It comprises some 25 kilometres of spectacular coastline consisting of scalloped beaches and coves buttressed and enclosed by rocky headlands. Oceans, volcanoes, deserts and ice sheets all combined to create the rocks, which provide the physical foundation of the natural and cultural landscapes of the Copper Coast.

Day Trips

Cobh & Titanic Experience

A charming, walkable town, Cobh’s tidy size belies its global impact. Cobh was ranked as one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe by Condé Nast Traveler. It was from here that the mighty RMS Titanic last set sail on her maiden voyage; a young girl called Anne Bonny left home and became a Caribbean pirate; and Ellis Island’s very first immigrant, 17-year-old Annie Moore, began her journey.

A visit to this town simply isn’t complete without a trip to Titanic Experience Cobh. Set within the original White Star Line ticket office, this exhibition tells the story of all 123 passengers who boarded the ship in Queenstown, as Cobh was then known, on the final leg of Titanic’s ill-fated journey in 1912.

Kinsale

Brimming with energy and creativity, and boasting a top-notch culinary scene, there’s a good reason that Kinsale in County Cork is one of the most popular destinations on the island of Ireland

Wander through the narrow streets of Kinsale and get a feeling for the town’s unique 1,000 year history. Discover its medieval past, the beautiful Kinsale Beach and the town’s intriguing connection to the world’s most famous ship.

Relax in the lively, friendly atmosphere of the town before treating yourself to a meal at one of the many award-winning restaurants. You might find it hard to leave, there’s so many things to do in Kinsale.Start planning your trip to Kinsale and the Cork coast now.

Cliffs of Moher

When you head to the Cliffs of Moher, you’re coming for one of two things: the staggering height of the rock face, and the stunning views from the top.

Soaring to 214m, the striated stone reaches its long fingers southward to counties Cork and Kerry beyond, and from O’Brien’s Tower those with a keen eye may even be able to spot the Aran Islands to the north.

As the sea spray fills the air with the invigorating freshness of the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s hard not to feel as though you’re braving the ocean from the prow of a magnificent ship. To make the most of the magic, nothing quite beats a wind-whipped trek across the clifftop, the edges peaking slightly upwards like the crests of the waves that roll endlessly below. Try the Doolin Cliff Walk: it leads you down the full length of the well-worn trail to the hugely informative Visitor Centre, set into the hillside like a hobbit house.

To guarantee that you’ll see those magnificent sights, pre-book to avoid disappointment!

Cork City

The Rebel City has a strong independence and Corkonians are proud of their stomping ground. Experience a warm welcome as you walk through the busy Cork City centre streets.

Stop by Cork City Gaol and get to know the city’s past and enjoy the incredible grounds. Refuel at an artisan coffee shop and discover the city’s food market. Visit a flea market in the Victorian Quarter and soak up the energetic atmosphere.Plan a trip to see why Cork City has been dubbed the ‘real’ capital of Ireland.