Rethinking Rural – Tipperary

Rethinking Rural

Focus On: Tipperary

Taking in the shores of Lough Derg, right down to the lush lands of the Golden Vale, Tipperary is famed for its fine castles, horses, hurling and more. Known as the Premier County, it was the birthplace of the GAA and also home to some of Ireland’s world-beating stud farms and training establishments, such as Coolmore and the famous Ballydoyle. Bordering Galway to the north, Limerick to the west, and Cork and Waterford to the south, Tipperary is well connected by road as well as rail, and in some spots you’re under two hours from Dublin, so what’s holding you back?

Living in Tipperary

Ranging across a large section of the Irish midlands, there is no typical Tipperary experience. Heading west from Nenagh, Lough Derg and the Shannon exert their pull, while an advance guard of eco people set up the ground-breaking sustainable community at Cloughjordan Eco Village to the east. Further south, you’ll find the apple orchards that feed the Bulmer’s empire in Clonmel, as well as the rich Golden Vale countryside that is famous for farming, as well as horse breeding and training.

Divided into five municipal districts, each with its own character, Tipperary includes Clonmel, Carrick-on-suir, Cashel-Tipperary, Nenagh and Templemore-Thurles. The cost of living in Tipperary is an average of a third less than in Ireland’s major urban centres.

While property prices are on the rise (by approximately 2.1% in the past twelve months), the average price of a three-bed semi is €175,125, as compared with a whopping €427,167 in Dublin. You’ll find the higher prices in Nenagh and Newport, followed by Clonmel and Roscrea – but with the Nenagh average being €180,000, you’re still looking at substantial bang for your buck.

Because of the fabulous agricultural land, as well as the stretch of Shannon-side that includes Lough Derg, you will also find a series of wonderful larger historic and Period country houses and the odd magnificent castle dotting the landscape, some already beautifully updated, others offering huge potential to buyers with imagination and resources. While some commuters base themselves in Tipperary to strike out for Limerick and other neighbouring counties, the county also has a host of its own major employers. With the M8 Dublin/Cork motorway running down the middle of the county access to all large urban areas is very easy. The cross route of Limerick/Waterford makes this county makes it a base with access to all major population hubs.

Schools range from local national schools, to famous secondary schools, such as Rockwell & Ursuline, Thurles and in Cashel.

Working in Tipperary

Employment in the agri-sector in Tipperary is slightly above the national average, which could be all the Golden Vale farmers, or maybe the apple growers for Bulmers / Magners in Clonmel. Or perhaps it’s down to those involved with the horse racing and breeding industry. Across the county, you’re spoiled for choice. There is also a growing artisan and organic sector, for example, the award winning Brookfield Farm. See also www.tipperaryfoodproducers.ie

Heritage is big in the county too, with centres at Cahir and Cashel, which is also a Gold Star town, meaning there is an emphasis on full disability access across the town and its services.

Other leading employers include Boston Scientific, Abbott Ireland, Technopath Clinical Diagnostics, Premier Green Energy and Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Coolmore, Ballydoyle Racing, The Garda College at Templemore and the Agricultural College at Gurteen are also significant centres within the county.

There is plenty of employment to be had in the leisure industry, especially along Lough Derg, while the Cashel Palace Hotel will shortly reopen as one of Ireland’s most luxurious properties, following a major multimillion refurbishment, which will change the dynamic of this beautiful heritage town and bring it a renewed focus.

Playing in Tipperary

Where to start with Tipperary leisure activities? The GAA was born here in 1884, and the county has more than 70 clubs. Rugby is well represented with 3 senior clubs already in the county. You’ll find a choice of golf and horse riding establishments, while there’s hill walking in the Comeraghs, Knockmealdown Mountains, Slievenamon and Galtymore. The Greenway running along the Suir in the sunny South east of the County is a much loved cycling and walking experience with plans to extend this success across other areas.

There are arts centres in Nenagh and Clonmel, and the award winning Source at Thurles has a contemporary gallery and theatre with a lively programme of exhibitions, performance, live music, cinema, children’s events and more. The Clonmel Junction Arts Festival is a major event each July, and there is also an annual literary festival lakeside at Dromineer.

Lough Derg is a hot spot for angling, kayaking, sailing and cruising, all of which will work up an appetite to enjoy the county’s feast of restaurants, ranging from fine dining to cosy pubs, as well as finding fresh foods in the farmers markets and artisan shops, such as Nenagh’s Country Choice, one of the first places to champion artisan foods in Ireland.

You Might Miss…

Each of Tipperary regions has its own character, so take time to soak them up before you take your pick. The pace of life is obviously slower than in the major cities, and away from the towns you’re right in the thick of country living, so even though the M7 and M8 serve the county, you’ll definitely need to run a car off the beaten track.

You’re also getting away from the coastline, and in a country as geographically small as Ireland, this may seem like a big deal. On the other hand, you’re a short hop to the Copper coast at Dungarvan with all its beautiful beaches, and if waterside is your thing, just head to the network of pretty villages that run along the edges of Lough Derg – including Ballina, Dromineer, Puckane and Terryglass. Each is charming in its own way and the water may not be salty, but the scenery is just as delicious.

Contact us today on 062 63743 to help you make the move.