TIPPERARY

In 1868, the parish of Tipperary contained the following places:

"TIPPERARY, a parish and market town in the barony of Clanwilliam, county Tipperary, South Riding, province of Munster, Ireland, 23 miles N.W. from Clonmel, 56 N.W. from Waterford, and 27 S.E. from Limerick. It is situated on the river Arra, an affluent of the Suir, and has stations on the Great Southern and Western and the Waterford and Limerick railways. Its population in 1851 was 6,829, exclusive of 2,750 in the union and auxiliary workhouses which were in the town, but had fallen in 1861 to 5,872, inhabiting 975 houses. The town is old, and its name is said to be a corruption of Tipra-Rae, signifying "the wells of the plains." A castle was built here by King John, and a monastery for Augustinian friars, founded by Henry III., added to the importance of the place. The town was burned in 1329 by one of the O'Briens, but was quickly rebuilt. It is situated at the base of the Slievenamuck mountains, and almost in the centre of the Golden Vale, and, being on the direct road from Clonmel to Limerick, it is advantageously placed for improvement. It consists of one principal street, with smaller ones branching off at right angles, has lately been considerably improved, and is well lighted with gas. The care of it is vested in 21 town commissioners, including the chairman. It contains a handsome church, Roman Catholic chapel, and Presbyterian and Methodist meeting-houses. Quarter and petty sessions are held. A considerable business is done in corn, flour, and butter, and agricultural produce generally, which is sent for shipment to Waterford and Limerick. Thursdays and Saturdays are market days. Fairs are held on 5th April, 24th June, 10th October, 11th December, and on the second Tuesday of the other months in each year. The parish is in the diocese of Cashel, and has a net income of £536, the patronage being vested in the bishop. The Poor-law Union extends over 179,988 acres, with a population in 1861 of 47,298."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018