Attractions Near Knockahopple

Here are a number of nearby sites that can be enjoyed in an afternoon or combined for a full day trip. Click here for photos of many of these destinations.

WITHIN TEN MILES

Keeper Hill
Keeper Hill is in full view from Knockahopple. When discussing the weather, locals refer to the halo of fog that often forms near the peak of the hill by saying, "Keeper is wearing his cap today." Keeper Hill Scenic Drive is full of history and breathtaking views.
Notes: A hike up Keeper Hill would require heavy walking on rough terrain. Knockahopple Cottage is located on the Keeper Hill Scenic Drive.

Silvermines Step Viewing Point/Slieve Felim Way
Located atop the Silvermines Mountains, the Step Viewing Point offers views of Nenagh including Nenagh Castle, St Mary's Church of Ireland (1860), St Mary of the Rosary Catholic Church (1896) and the Nenagh Creamery, as well as views of northwest Tipperary, south Offaly, Limerick and Clare and stretches of the River Shannon, Lough Derg and Arra Mountains. From this point you can catch a glimpse of the nearby Kilboy Estate, former home of the Barron Dunnalley now home of Tony Ryan, owner of Ryan Air. The Slieve Felim Way is a signposted hiking trail; this section takes you along the uppermost ridge of the Silvermines Mountains.
Notes: Less than 5 miles away. Modern picnic area and scenic overlook.

Silvermines Village
The quaint village of Silvermines takes its name from the mines in the area and prides itself as one of Ireland's Tidy Towns.
Notes: Less than 5 miles away.

Kilboy Church
The ruins of this 15th century parish church went through minor excavation and a major clean-up, conservation and partial reconstruction program in 1987. It is located on the Donnalley Estate.
Notes: Less than 5 miles away.

Vale of Cuneen
This beautiful valley located between Knockahopple and Templederry provides a fantastic scenic drive by auto or bicycle.
Notes: Less than 5 miles.

Castle Ottway
Seldom visited by tourists, Castle Ottway was occupied until the early 20th century and once home to the Ottway Harp (now on display in the National Museum), but the castle is now in ruins. Although it is not set up for visitors, guests have been known to explore the ruins and admire the Georgian Revival addition that was added to the original castle in the 1800's.
Notes: Can be viewed from car. Entering the grounds will require climbing a gate and a short walk to the grounds. Grounds include house, chapel and stables.


Kilcommon Prayer Garden
Site of St Colom's Well, the Prayer Garden is an effort by the townspeople to promote their fair village. In addition to the formal rose garden, the entire site has been landscaped to create a meditative area that has become a popular pilgrimage site. A local tradesman has carved the Stations of the Cross in teak that are displayed in the garden.

Shanballyedmond Court Cairn
Located just outside of the village of Rear Cross, this 4,000-year-old megalithic structure is believed to have been a tomb or part of a burial rite.


WITHIN FIFTEEN MILES

Lough Derg
In addition to supreme scenery, Ireland's premiere lake hosts a variety of fishing, boating, castle-exploring and shopping options. A day trip around Lough Derg provides a great experience for a variety of interests for hikers, shoppers and history buffs.

WITHIN TWENTY-FIVE MILES

Killaloe/Ballina
Birthplace of Brian Boru, last high king of Ireland, Killaloe is a cozy village connected to Ballina by an ancient arch bridge that crosses Lough Derg. From here, you can climb to the highest point of the Arra Mountains and enjoy the spectacular views from the Five Counties Scenic Lookout (which actually offers views of six counties on a clear day). Nearby you will find the Graves of the Leinstermen, an 11th Century burial site of a Leinster King and his army who were killed when Brian Boru's wife sent a surprise attack to intercept their plans to slay her husband.

Jim O’ the Mill
Jim and his wife Kay serve up a traditional Irish shebeen for their neighbors every Thursday evening. The night includes Irish music, song and dance with sandwiches and plenty of Guinness served. This is truly a unique experience that captures authentic Ireland at its best.

Holy Cross Abbey
One of Europe's most significant early monastic sites, the abbey was fully restored in the 1970s, and this fine example of a 15th century church is now a flourishing parish. Pilgrims have made their way to Holy Cross to view the relic of the "True Crosses" that are housed here.

Dundrum Celtic Plantarum
Sixty thousand plants of over two thousand varieties fill the eight acre Dundrum Celtic Plantarum with trees and shrubs. The Plantarum includes reproductions of dolmens, ogham stones and a cranog.
Notes: There are two miles of well-tended paths around the grounds.

Limerick
The Republic of Ireland's third largest city and the setting for Frank McCourt's book "Angela's Ashes," Limerick offers shopping, music, theater, fine dining and a variety of historic and cultural attractions which include the Hunt Museum and King John's Castle.


WITHIN THIRTY-FIVE MILES

Care Glens
Located on the border of Limerick and Tipperary Counties, a hike on the well laid-out nature trail is worth the short drive to Clare Glens. This series of waterfalls and rapids cut through a red sandstone gorge to provide spectacular scenery.
Notes: A variety of trails to choose from. Great picnic area. Especially vibrant during the peak of the rhododendron season (May and June).

Glenstal Abbey
Only minutes from Clare Glens, near the village of Murroe, this 1830's Barrington family residence has been a Benedictine Abbey since the monks arrived from Maredsous, Belgium in 1926. Because the Abbey still functions as a school, guests are not permitted in most of the buildings. However, visitors are encouraged to walk the fuchsia-and rhododendron-lined paths. Be sure to visit the church, the interior proves to be quite surprising and the High Mass on Sunday features the Monks and their Gregorian Chant. Visitors may also inquire about a tour of the monastery's fine collection of Russian icons.
Notes: Great picnic area. Dramatic gated entrance. Includes formal gardens and trails.

The Rock of Cashel
The last seat of the high kings of Munster, the Rock of Cashel is a spectacular group of medieval buildings on an outcrop of limestone. Set in the Golden Vale, it includes a round tower, Romanesque chapel, cathedral and restored hall of the Vicars Choral. Nearby Bru Boru Heritage Centre celebrates Irish music, dance and storytelling through art exhibits, a shop and live shows.
Notes: The Rock of Cashel is one of the most significant historic sites in Ireland. The evening show at Bru Boru is an outstanding evening event.

Athassel Priory
Once the largest medieval priory in Ireland, Athassel offers a maze of old buildings you can freely explore. A visit here will require climbing stiles built into the wall.


Cahir Castle & the Swiss Cottage
One of Ireland's largest and best preserved castles, Cahir Castle is situated on a rocky island on the River Suir. A twenty-minute walk or five minute drive from the Castle is the Swiss Cottage. Considered the finest example of a "cottage ornee" in Europe, it followed the example of Marie Antoinette, and the superrich aristocracy built these splendid rural "cottages" to pretend they were living a peasant's life.

Glen of Aherlow
The Glen offers amazing views of the Galtee Mountains and is close to several "hidden" holy wells.


Portumna Castle
This 17th Century, semi-fortified house is surrounded by beautiful gardens.


Birr Castle & Demesne
Although the castle is not open to the public, the beautiful gardens and telescope are. A carriage ride through the demesne is the best way to experience Birr Castle.

WITHIN FORTY MILES

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
The restored 15th century castle is considered one of the most complete in Ireland and it is surrounded by 25 acres of traditional Irish cottages and buildings. The main street recreates a 19th century village, and it is all watched over by the "big house" on the hill. The castle also features a nightly Medieval Banquet and a Traditional Irish Night.

Blarney Woolen Mills at Bunratty
A sister store to the famous mill at Blarney, the shops provide a great selection of Irish items from crystal to clothing to chocolate.

Adare Heritage Centre
Possibly one of Ireland's prettiest villages also offers a great look at Irish culture and history.

WITHIN SIXTY-FIVE MILES

The Cliffs of Moher
Spectacular coastal views abound from the top of the 210 meter high cliffs. A new visitor centre does even more to enhance the Cliffs of Moher experience. Also, nearby Doolin is a reknown home of traditional Irish music.

The Burren
This barren limestone landscape is a natural wonder. It's dramatic terrain is also marked by stone alters called dolmens. The village of Kilfenora boasts one of the greatest concentrations of high crosses in Ireland.


Burren Perfumery
The only handcrafted perfumery in Ireland features a shop, gardens and tea room. Not far from other Burren sites such as the Poulnabrone Dolmen and Caherconnel Stone Fort.

Quinn Abbey
A 15th century ruined abbey with plenty of nooks and crannies to wander about.


The Vee (aka "The Gap")
This route is considered one of Ireland's most beautiful drives. The Vee refers to the shape cut out of the Knockmealdown mountainside.
Note: Although beautiful year-round, The Vee is even more spectacular at the end of May beginning of June when the rhododendrons paint the entire hillside pink and purple.

Knockpatrick Gardens
Part of the Limerick Garden Route, Helen and Tim O’Brien are always happy to share their beautiful garden with visitors who pass through the Foynes area.

Foynes Flying Boat Museum
This nostalgic museum takes visitors to a golden age when the first commercial planes crossed the Atlantic and Irish Cofffee was born.

Askeaton
A sleepy village along the Shannon Estuary that boasts a wonderful castle and amazing friary. Visitors are encouraged to take in local historian Anthony Sheehy’s tours...which are free, but tips are encouraged.

Curraghchase Park
A scenic spot for a picnic or a wooded walk. While you are there be sure to stop by the pet cemetery.

Heywood Gardens
Located outside of Ballinakill, Heywood Gardens offer a quiet garden oasis.

Rock of Dunamase
This hilltop ruin of an ancient fortress proves to be one of the most impressive in Ireland.

Irish National Stud, Japanese Garden and St Fiachara’s Garden
Horse breeding is serious business in Ireland, and the Irish National Stud gives visitors a peek at the business and the animals that have made Ireland famous. On the grounds, visitors should not miss the Japanese Garden and Saint Fiachara’s Garden.

Craggaunowen Project
This living history park explores Ireland during the bronze age and features architecture and tools of the time. It also includes Tim Severin's hide boat the Brendan which he created to prove that St Brendan could have "discovered" America in the 6th century.


Knappogue Castle
This 15th century castle was spared destruction because Cromwell used it as a base during his siege. The castle offers tours, banquets and a walled garden.

Kilkenny Castle & Design Centre
This restored castle with a beautiful Long Room is located next to the Irish National Design Center that sells a variety of Irish-made crafts. Kilkenny is Ireland's Medieval capital.

The Clay Pipe Visitor Centre
For 250 years the Village of Knockcroghery has produced 'Lord ha' Mercy' pipes.


Mitchelstown Caves
Travel 88 steep, narrow steps underground to view one of Ireland's most interesting public caves. After the initial decent, the path is quite easy...the climb back up takes some energy, so be sure to take it slow.

Clonmacnoise
The impressive riverside monastic remains include two round towers, three high crosses and large collection of early Christian grave slabs.

West Offally Railroad
Visitors hop aboard a train to explore the Blackwater Bog and the power-generating industry that comes from the peat/turf harvested there.


Lismore
Though the castle, once occupied by Fred Astaire's sister, is not open to the public, the stunning gardens are only one of many attractions you will find in this extraordinarily charming village. Nearby Ballysaggatmore Towers were built as extravagant gatehouses. However, the home on the site was never built.


Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown
One of Ireland's finest ruined abbey's, Jerpoint is noted for its unique cloister pillar carvings that represent the dress and styles of 14th and 15th century life.

WITHIN SEVENTY-FIVE MILES

Kells Priory
Set in beautiful countryside, you can wander at will among these extensive ruins.


Waterford Crystal
First produced in 1783, the crystal factory is now the world's largest glassworks. Tours and of course the giftshop are open year round.

Annesgrove Gardens
Located in the beautiful Blackwater River Valley, Annesgrove provides a gardener’s delight. Especially in May/June when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in bloom.

WITHIN NINETY MILES

Blarney Castle
Ireland's most famous attraction. Home of the Blarney Stone, Blarney Woolen Mills and great shopping.

Please note that travel times in Ireland can be slower than other parts of the world due to narrow, winding roads and traffic conditions - most visitors find themselves averaging 35 miles per hour on sideroads.