Clonmel Local Attractions
Clonmel in County Tipperary is the county seat of South Tipperary County Council. The town lies mainly on the northern bank of the River Suir with a smaller section south of the river. It lies in a valley, surrounded by mountains and hills. The Comeragh Mountains are to the south, while northeast of the town is Slievenamon. The town is noted in Irish history as having withstood the Cromwellian forces which sacked both Drogheda and Wexford.
History
Clonmel grew significantly in medieval times, and many remainders of this period can be found in the town. A small section of the town walls remain in place near Old St. Mary's Church . One of the former entry points into the town is now the site of the 'West Gate', a 19th century reconstruction of an older structure. There were originally three gates in the walled town, North, East and West - with the South being protected by the river Suir and the Comeragh Mountains. The 'West Gate' is now an open arched entrance on to O'Connell street, the main street of the town.
Oliver Cromwell, who is infamous in Ireland, laid siege to Clonmel in May 1650 during his campaign in Ireland. The walls were eventually breached, but Hugh Dubh O'Neill, the commander of the town's garrison, inflicted heavy losses on Cromwell's troops when they tried to storm the breach. However, the garrison in Clonmel surrendered the following day, as O'Neill's men were out of gun powder. The story is told that Cromwell discovered this when a silver bullet was discharged from the townspeople at his troops outside the walls. As a mark of respect to the townspeople and in recognition of their fortitude in defending their town, Cromwell donated his sword to the people which can be seen in Clonmel Town Hall to this day.
Museums
Tipperary County Museum tells the history of County Tipperary from the Stone Age to the present. It is also host to many special exhibitions each year. It is the first custom built county museum in Ireland.
The Main Guard was a civic building until 1810 when it was converted to shops. During recent restoration, some of its sandstone columns were found to have been 'reclaimed' from the now demolished abbey of Inislounaght at Marlfield. It has been used in the past as an office to collect tolls, duties and customs dues, a place for civic gatherings and as a court. It now houses an exhibition showing the historic development of Clonmel, including a model of the town as it appeared in the 13th century.
Art Galleries
The South Tipperary Arts Centre opened in 1996. The centres program mixtures arts and cultural events. It hosts 12 exhibitions per year and presents a classical music season in Spring and Autumn. It holds a number of adult and child based art and music course during the course of the year. It is also home to several groups who meet there in an informal setting, including a local writer's guild.
Theatre
The White Memorial Theatre building is a former a Weslyan/Methodist Chapel. The building was purchased in 1975 by St. Mary's Choral Society, who put on an average of 2 shows a year in the building. The building also host shows by the Stage Craft Youth Theatre group and special event during the year.
Music
Banna Chluain Meala (literally translating as 'Clonmel band') was founded in 1971. Originally a brass band, Banna Chluain Meala later developed as a brass and reed band, which included concert, marching and fieldshow performances. Clonmel has hosted the Irish traditional music festival, the Fleadh Cheoil, on five occasions from 1992-94 inclusive, and again in 2003 and 2004.
One of the better known songs concerning Clonmel is The Gaol of Clúain Meala written by a Cork man, Jeremiah Joseph Callanan at the turn of the 19th century. It was revived by the celebrated balladeer Luke Kelly in the 1960s.
Clonmel Junction Festival
For nine days and nights, from the first week-end of July, the town of Clonmel is transformed by the annual Clonmel Junction Festival. With a rich mix of modern theatre, dance, family spectacles, street theatre, rock, world music and trad the festival has grown to be one of the most significant cultural celebrations of the irish summer festival season. Several international acts visit the Festival each year and Clonmel audiences are able to witness in the intimate setting of one of the many venues, the excellence of renowned musicians and performers. Many free street performances also take place and in the last few years young local bands have had an opportunity to showcase their talents. Complementing the performance events is a display of themed banners and flags which transform the town centre, created by primary schools and community groups with support from local artists.
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