Those of you who may have followed my blog over the years may remember that back in 2021, I travelled to the Old Fremantle Gaol in search of the story of my Great Grandfather who was transported to Australia as punishment for stealing during the Irish Famine.

The Nenagh Gaol, in Tipperary was completed in the 1830’s and was where my Great grandfather was incarcerated prior to transportation to Australia.

Amazingly, the Genealogical Centre is in the old gaol offices!

Having confirmed that this was the place of my ancestors, it was time to explore.

This is my third trip to Ireland, and this was a chance to visit some special places.

Cahir Castle is one of the historic tourist attractions in County Tipperary. But my B&B host had suggested the “Swiss Cottage” was a more interesting place to visit.

The Swiss Cottage is a wonderful example of a “cottage orne“. A place where the rich played at being ordinary peasants.

Around the cottage and the 2.5km. riverside walk from Cahir Castle, there are lovely trees and community facilities.

But my favourite tree was the 1000 year old Yew Tree standing by the cottage.

From Nenagh, there is a beautiful road that runs along Lough Derg to Ballina/Killaloe, where the Shanon River starts.

Killaloe is the birthplace of Ireland’s great great High King Brian Boru. King Brian in around 1000AD drove the Vikings out of Ireland and united all the then  Irish Kingdoms.

A stone church stands on the site of an wooden church of Brian Boru. His story lives on in the stone church.

But the most beautiful aspect in the church were the patchwork quilts that told the tale of High King Brian Boru.

I felt this very Irish. Both proud and humble at the same time.