Tourism - Thurles Information

Nightmare On Croke Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

We have seen, or at the very least heard of ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’, the 1984 American supernatural slasher film; the plot of which concerns a group of teenagers who are targeted by Freddy Krueger, latter an undead former child killer, who can murder people through their dreams; as retribution against their parents, who burned him alive.

Well our picture above shows ‘Crater on Croke Street’ which today measured 71.12cm (28ins) across at its widest, and 12.7cm (5ins) at its deepest, and which can be found at the junction of Croke Gardens and Croke Street.
The hole, which has grown considerably larger since first observed, has the ability to slash tyres, or break the axle of a vehicles. [Compare its size to the now defunct small Uisce manhole cover.]

So do take care when driving in this area, as local Thurles Municipal Council officials seem to have become entirely unforthcoming with their shovel of cold tarmac and also with regard to their responsibility as highly paid administrators.

Thurles Tourism promoters take note: I bet you won’t see one of these beauties outside Leinster House on Kildare St, Dublin 2.

Attention Local Councillors: Time to chat-up the Minister for Transport as promised at recent talk shop.

Mysterious Altars For Revenge.

Ms Maura Barrett, (Cashel Library) Reports:-

Cashel Library’s resident ‘Witch’, Maura, will gives an illustrated talk on Cursing Stones In Ireland, on Tuesday, October 31st, 2023, beginning at 7:00pm sharp.

Also called a ‘bullaun’ (Irish: bullán; meaning a”bowl”, local folklore often attaches religious or magical significance to these same cursing stones, such as the belief that the rainwater collecting in their hollow also had healing properties.

Ritual use of some stones continued well into the Christian era and many are found in association with early churches. These stones supposedly had ‘cures’ but more importantly they also had the ability to place a curse on individuals.
If you wanted to put a curse on someone, you turned the stones anti-clockwise in the morning, however, the curse had to be unprejudiced and equitable, otherwise your curse would come back to curse you later that evening.

This is one FREE and worthwhile event, which should not be missed.

Note: Refreshments will be served, thus booking is essential for attendance at this FREE event; by Telephoning 062 63825.

[ You can locate the Cashel Library building, situated on Friar Street, Lady’s Well, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, HERE. (G487+RX) ]

Cashel Palace Voted No. 3 Irish Hotel in Condé Nast Traveler 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.

It will come as no surprise to patrons that Cashel Palace Hotel, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, has been voted No. 3 in Ireland in the Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards!

The Readers’ Choice Awards are regarded as one of the travel industry’s longest running and most prestigious accolades, while remaining the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of major excellence within the sector.

These awards represent the most beloved and cherished experiences in the travel industry, as voted by their readers and previous guests. This year, an astounding 526,518 Condé Nast Traveler readers across the US and UK enthusiastically shared their recent travel knowledge of the top hotels, cruises, countries, cities, resorts, trains, airlines, airports, spas, islands, luggage, villas, and tour operators.

**Cashel Palace Hotel, Cashel, Co. Tipperary**.

The Cashel Palace Team, led by General Manager Mr Adriaan Bartels, are truly delighted to be in such prestigious company, in such a short time, both here at home in Ireland and around the world.
Most importantly, they are honoured to be recognised by their previous guests as being worthy of this most prestigious accolade.

Traditional Harvest Day Makes Long Awaited Return To Bunratty.

Co. Tipperary lovers of history take note.

Ireland’s agricultural heritage and the Fair Days of the 19th century will be brought to life when ‘Traditional Harvest Day’ returns for the first time since 2017 to Bunratty Folk Park on Sunday next September 17th.

**Traditional threshing machine at work.**

Rural Irish life and traditions from over a century ago will be showcased as part of the family day out, which will feature a display of vintage machinery and tractors, craft demonstrations, and dancers, musicians and performers from across the Banner County. (Co. Clare)

A traditional threshing machine will be put to work giving visitors an insight into how neighbours and friends once gathered during the harvest in the spirit of “meitheal” [Latter Irish word meaning ‘Group‘]. Enthusiasts will be on hand to speak about the evolution of the vintage farm machinery on display on the day, including tractors, and stationary engines. Visitors will also view a range of various ploughs, hay rakes, Root Cutter (Pulper), Turnip and a Mangel Seeder.

The public will be able to witness local craftspeople at work, including Michael Foudy, as he carries on the time-honoured tradition of basket making, Blacksmith Ger Treacy, Elizabeth O’Connor and Geraldine O’Sullivan who will demonstrating the ancient craft of wool spinning, using locally sourced wool, a practice first introduced by Neolithic farmers over 6000 years ago. Bunratty’s ‘Bean an Tí’s’ also will be on hand throughout the day to demonstrate the art of bread and butter making and with tasting opportunities for those who pay a visit to the Golden Vale and Loop Head Farmhouses.

As well as so much to see throughout the 26-acre site, there will be entertainment from Sean Nós Singer MacDara Ó Conaola, the Mary Liddy School of Music from Newmarket on Fergus, the Helen Hehir School of Dance, and resident musicians James Anglim and Michael Grogan, while resident Seanchaí Mike ‘Mickey Joe’ Flynn will regale stories of tales of bygone days and traditional ways from Corry’s Pub on the Village Street. At the Old Schoolhouse, located in the Village Street, the school master will be on duty to greet children and adults as they hand over their customary sod of turf for the tiny school room fire.

A range of native Irish and Heritage Breeds of animals will be located throughout the Folk Park paddocks on the day, including Irish Red Deer, Peacocks, Highland Cattle, Tamworth Pigs, goats, geese, bronze turkeys and the recently arrived Irish Wolfhounds Míde and Rian.

Ms Marie Brennan, (Events Manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park), commented, “We are delighted to bring back this event after a six-year hiatus and to give everyone, both young and old, a flavour of what life would have been like in Ireland during harvest time at the turn of the 19th century.
The essence of a Harvest Day was bringing communities together, to support, celebrate and toast the end of a good season,” she explained. “Threshing was backbreaking work, which started early in the mornings and continued until the end of the day with neighbours and friends, all gathering to help out. The machine, and all the activity about it, had a special attraction for children. Its moving belts, the noise from inside and the way it put out straw and oats, was as intriguing back then as the latest computer game is today.
We are looking forward to providing a true glimpse of life in rural 19th century Ireland and celebrating the immense sense of community and hospitality that existed during harvest time. Throughout the Folk Park, for example, there will be plenty of activities available to visitors just like during the fairs of old” added Ms. Brennan.

Visit www.bunrattycastle.ie for more on the Traditional Harvest Day. Normal admission rates apply.

Medieval Knights Ride Into Bunratty For Inaugural Grand Medieval Tournament.

Looking for something new and an exciting experience next weekend, then read on.

Medieval archery contests, mounted swordsmanship and jousting will be showcased during the inaugural Grand Medieval Tournament at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare this coming Saturday and Sunday. [September 9th & 10th]

Reenactors from the Wexford-based Horsemen of Éire group will play the knights of the Earl of Ulster Hugh De Lacy and his bitter rival John DeCourcy as they take over the paddocks of the Folk Park.

Visitors can also experience a true to life medieval encampment and witness history come to life by meeting the characters, learning about the turbulent times, lifestyles, customs and skills of 12th and 13th century Ireland.

The two-day medieval spectacle will also afford the public a unique opportunity to witness the preparation and training required for those facing into battle and see how their customs, crafts and traditions have shaped modern society.

The tournament consists of a series of duels and feats of arms horseback and on foot where the two teams try to accumulate points. Visitors will see mounted knights joust at the quintain attempting to strike stationary objects with a lance and hurl javelins at targets, archers demonstrate their accuracy and precision by shooting at distant targets, knights duelling while mounted on their steeds, and multiple knights engaging in a fierce battle within the arena, demonstrating their swordplay, agility, and tactics.

The closing ceremony each day will feature two of the most outstanding knights facing each other in an epic duel on horseback and on foot. A panel of experienced judges will assess the participants’ skill, technique, sportsmanship, and adherence to the code of chivalry. Points are awarded for successful strikes, deft manoeuvres, and demonstrations of honour and respect. The victorious knight will be crowned the Champion of the Grand Tournament, awarded with a glittering laurel wreath, and the admiration of the crowd.

Bunratty Castle was itself the target of multiple attacks during medieval times. The castle was captured and destroyed in 1284, before being rebuilt by Thomas de Clare, Lord of Thomond, three years later.

See www.bunrattycastle.ie for more on the Grand Medieval Tournament at Bunratty Castle on September 9-10th.