‘Blustery walks’ and ‘unfathomably creamy’ cheese are just two reasons to visit the Premier County
The Rock of Cashel in Tipperary. Photo: Tourism Ireland / Brian Morrison
Tourists visiting Ireland next year should “pump the breaks” in the Premier County, according to Condé Nast Traveller, which has named Tipperary among the world’s best holiday destinations for 2022.
“County Tipperary has long held an appeal for history buffs due to the atmospheric Rock of Cashel landmark – the most spectacular cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland,” the US travel bible says.
“But it has rarely been more than a half-day bullet point as part of a longer itinerary,” it continues.
“2022 should see guests pump the breaks, as there is much more to enjoy in this cosy, characterful county, from local artisans and family-run woollen mills to craft distilleries and ancient cave formations.”
Condé Nast Traveller’s annual ‘Best Holiday Destinations’ is an editorial list complied with input from its network of local experts across the world.
The latest edition includes 22 destinations ranging from cultural visits in Oslo, New Orleans and Egypt to adventure trips in Beijing and The Daintree in Queensland.
Tipperary is listed under the ‘Best for foodies’ section, alongside Birmingham, Serbia, Jersey and Bend in Oregon, USA.
Con Traas of The Apple Farm in Co Tipperary
“A cornucopia of goodies can also be gobbled up on Tipperary Food Tours,” it says, from farm tours to traditional cheesemakers where you can indulge in “an unfathomably creamy wedge” of Cashel Blue.
“It’s really wonderful,” said Con Traas of the Apple Farm in Cahir and Chairman of the Tipperary Food Producers network.
“That type of publicity isn’t easy to come by, particularly given the competition you’re up against…
“To see Tipperary as the county mentioned and then that our own food producers are getting a look in, it’s great.”
The producers’ network is having its first in-person meeting since the pandemic began this Friday, he added.
“I’m sure we’ll be toasting this.”
Condé Nast’s list follows Lonely Planet’s citing of Dublin as one of its Top 10 places to visit next year.
International citations like these are seen as critical in creating buzz around destinations, particularly as devastated tourism industries compete to attract visitors and kick-start recovery.
Next spring, the five-star Cashel Palace hotel will reopen with “42 smart rooms and suites, a promising spa and a restaurant focusing on hyper-local, seasonal dishes”, Condé Nast also points out.
The hotel was bought by John Magnier of Coolmore Stud before the pandemic, and its refurbishment is one of the most eagerly awaited openings in Ireland.
“Walk it all off along the blustery shoreline of Lough Derg, where you’ll be joined by kayakers, paddleboarders and cyclists whizzing alongside acres of cheerful wildflower meadows,” Condé Nast adds.
Travellers looking to whet their appetite can check out the Tipperary Food Producers’ new series of virtual food tours, which give a closer look at the day-to-day life of its artisan producers.
