RTÉ 2FM presenter, Instagram influencer, and Hike Life author Roz Purcell has always been proud of her Tipperary roots.
Hailing from Clonmel, she was raised on a farm nestled beneath Slievenamon - a mountain steeped in folklore that undoubtedly spurred her love for both history and hiking.
Now, working with Fáilte Ireland, Purcell is putting a spotlight on her home county and encouraging others to make use of Ireland's Ancient East.
"There's a sense of pride doing this because I've been to all these places and I know them so well," she tells RTÉ Lifestyle. "I was concentrating on the Ancient East, so mostly south Tipperary, which is where I'm from. It's so nice for me to introduce people to these spots."
Some of her favourites range from the beautifully eerie Mitchelstown Caves to the plethora of historical sites dotted around the county, including Ormond Castle, which is Ireland's only unfortified Tudor castle.
"When people have a weekend off, it's important to make use out of it," she insists. "It's really nice to break from routine and feel like you've actually had a bit of a break. I know myself, when I stay at home, I end up doing a million different things, like chores and catching up on work."
To keep herself accountable, Purcell makes an annual bucket list of adventures she wants to take around Ireland, whether they involve short day trips or long weekends away.
"I like to remember that, especially when the weather is good, you have to seize the opportunity and get out because it is worth making the effort," she insists.
"Even if it's a case of driving early on a Saturday, spend the night, and come back late on a Sunday - you are getting the full two days," she adds. "That's the great thing about Ireland - it is a small country! You can drive the length of it and still have the majority of the day to explore."
Roz Purcell's Tipperary itinerary:
Friday evening
- Littleton Labyrinth (wildlife reserve and walk starting from this hotel).
- Dinner at Chez Hans in Cashel (my favourite dinner spot in Tipp).
- Sunset on the west side of the Rock of Cashel (walk down the trail to the left of the castle entrance; there is a stile to get into the field).
Saturday
- Galtymore Hike (rated difficult; great conditions and navigation required). Access via the Black Road and park at the Galtyway Climb Car Park.
- Breakfast and coffee at one19 (the new Thurles location is amazing).
- Galtee Honey Farm (family-run and set up to save the native black bees; you can book in for beekeeping or candle making with honey tasting).
- Mitchelstown Cave (booking required; an incredibly cool cave).
- Lunch at Lava Rock in Cahir
- Cahir Castle Tour (your ticket lets you in and out all day). It's one of our best-preserved medieval castles and has been in lots of Hollywood movies-the gate sound effects were even used in Braveheart!
Dinner options: Mikey Ryan’s in Cashel, Befani’s in Clonmel, or takeaway from Vesuvio Pizzeria.
Sunday
- Morning stroll on the Blueway (all the bridges are so scenic, and it’s a paved trail for miles). If you want something harder, try the Slievenamon summit or the Holy Year Cross beside the hotel.
- Breakfast at Fetcv in Clonmel (great coffee, freshly made sandwiches, veggie sausage rolls, treats, and açai bowls. It’s my sister’s spot, so if you see her, say hi! I recommend getting snacks for the trip home here.)
- Tipperary Museum of Hidden History, Clonmel (free and very interesting for those who like Irish history).
- The Apple Farm, Clonmel (their apple juice is class, and you can go strawberry picking too).
- Swiss Cottage tour in Cahir (it’s got some crazy history and stories!)
Hotel recommendations:
- Hotel Minella in Clonmel, right on the Suir (perfect for the Clonmel/Cahir/Carrick area).
- Horse and jockey- great for the Cashel/ Cahir/ Thurles area & just off the motorway.
Go to DiscoverIreland.ie now to help plan your next short break to Ireland's Ancient East.
