OUTDOOR FAMILY ACTIVITIES CLOSE TO CLONMEL

What are your plans this weekend? With the May Bank Holiday weekend on its way and with the easing of Covid-19 Level 5 restrictions, this weekend is the perfect time to go on family adventures exploring our beautiful county Tipperary.
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We are so lucky to live in Clonmel, a town nestled between spectacular mountains with ancient Irish Castles, ruins, historic monuments, stunning gardens, and lots more places to discover outdoors, reconnecting with Mother Nature. In this blog, we are going to take you through just some of the potential outdoor family activities and places to visit close to Clonmel, that the entire family can enjoy. Let us know if we’ve missed out on your favourite attraction.

sUIR BLUEWAY

There is no better way for the entire family to enjoy the stunning Tipperary countryside and the rich heritage of the area that the Suir Blueway. This is a 21km walking and cycling trail from Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir as well as 53KM kayaking and canoe trail from Cahir to Carrick-on-Suir for those interested in water sports. The Suir Blueway certainly has something for children of all ages and adults alike to enjoy, and is one of our top outdoor family activities in the area.  

ST. PATRICK’S WELL

​One of Ireland’s largest holy wells, St. Patrick’s Well is a remarkable place to visit. Located just outside Clonmel town itself, St. Patrick’s Well is stunningly positioned at the foot of a limestone cliff in a sheltered glen. A peaceful and tranquil site, families can enjoy a leisurely stroll taking in the church ruins and a Celtic cross estimated to date back as far as the 5th Century.

MARLFIELD LAKE

​If visiting St. Patrick’s Well, a stop at Marlfield Lake will have to be added to your itinerary. This charming man-made lake is an incredible six hectares in size. Created towards the end of the 18th Century, its water comes from the spring at St. Patricks Well. Once powering local mills, today Marlfield Lake is a habitat for coots, herons, mallards, and swans which always makes the trip worthwhile for the little ones.  

COMERAGH MOUNTAINs

A trip to the Comeragh Mountains is one of the best things to do close to Clonmel, should the weather be kind. Get magnificent, elevated views of Clonmel and nearby towns, see spectacular lakes, the Mahon Falls, and maybe even some grazing sheep along the way. A glaciated mountain range, the Comeragh mountains are a haven for hikers and trekkers. There are trails suitable for families with younger kids too. This is a real favourite for kids who love to explore as it gives them the feeling they are on a real adventure.

SLIEVENAMON

​The prominent 721-Metre Slievenamon is glaringly obvious from Clonmel in the northeast of the town. Probably not one we would recommend for younger kids, but older kids will love the trail to the summit from Kilcash. Here, the rounded hillsides make for a more family friendly and easier walk to the top where you will enjoy spectacular views and even see two prehistoric markers.

ROCK OF CASHEL

​Sometimes, we don’t fully take advantage of the attractions on our doorstep, we are all guilty of that! But the Rock of Cashel is without question an attraction that everyone living close by needs to visit. It’s an exciting, educational and entertaining trip for the entire family with so many historic monuments in one place. The Rock of Cashel is a breath-taking group of medieval buildings easily reached from Clonmel. It was once the seat of the kings of Munster prior to the Norman invasion in the 13th Century. Here you can find a Round Tower, High Cross and Chapel dating back to the 12th Century, a 13th Century gothic style cathedral, a 15th century castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral.

FETHARD

​Fethard is a beautiful town to stroll around with the entire family, enjoying the sights and history of this quaint, charming town. A walled town since the 13th century, overlooking the gently flowing River Clashawley, one of my favourite things to do is explore the winding streets within the walls, enjoying the churches, towers, townhouses, friaries, and historic architecture of the town. Even with the temporary closures of many attractions and restaurant / pubs in the town due to COVID-19, Fethard is still the perfect destination for a family day out.

​These are just some of the attractions for the entire family to enjoy close to Clonmel and in the beauty and safety of the outdoors. We may be restricted to travelling within our county for now, but we are so lucky to have all these wonderful things to do close by. If we have missed any of your favourites, make sure you let us know on our social media.