Town of Clonmel
The meadow of honey is the meaning of Cluain Meala from which the name Clonmel derives. Today it is a flourishing town on the river Suir. This town, Surrounded by the Commeragh and Knockmealdown mountains, is a very good centre for climbing and exploring. It was walled and fortified in the 14th century and was home to the powerful Butler Anglo-Norman family. In 1516 it was captured by the Earl of Kildare and in 1650 attacked by Oliver Cromwell, who faced a tough resistance.
When Charles Bianconi became the Mayor of Clonmel, he established in Ireland it’s first transport system. There were a hundred vehicles in Ireland doing service in 1843. There is a portion of the old town wall which encloses St. Mary’s church still preserved in good condition. This church which has a striking tower of eight faces was built on the site of a 14th century.
The West Gate was rebuilt in 1831, and the number 19 Main Street was, at a time, a Bishop’s palace. There letters signed by Oliver Cromwell which were found in its rafters in 1880.
The Main Guard was considered to have been designed by Cristopher Wren. On the front wall are the arms of Clonmel and those of the Palatinate of Ormond founded in the 14th C. The Franciscan church that houses the remains of the Butler’s of Cahir is a 19th C renovation on the site of a 13th C foundation.