Things to Do
– Emilia D, Tripadvisor
Country Pursuits
Beyond the house, the surrounding countryside invites you to slow down and get outdoors. Cast a line for trout along the River Ara, which runs right through the estate, or venture further afield to the River Suir for trout and salmon. The Galtee Mountains offer wonderful walking and hill climbing, with trails for every level just beyond the parkland.
For those who prefer to explore on horseback, the surrounding hills and countryside make for beautiful riding country. And when a round of golf calls, four courses are within easy reach — Tipperary, Ballykisteen, County Tipperary Golf & Country Club, and Cahir.
Fishing
There are few pleasures more enjoyable than a day spent on the river, and Lismacue is fortunate to be surrounded by some of the country’s finest waters. The River Ara runs directly through the estate, offering excellent trout fishing on your doorstep, while the River Suir meanders through the county nearby, well known for both trout and salmon.
We’re happy to arrange a day licence, a picnic, and a local guide, so all you need to do is cast a line.
Motorcycling
We may be biased, but we think there’s no better way to experience the Irish countryside than by motorcycle — stunning scenery, twisting roads, and unmatched opportunities to meet the locals along the way. Centrally located, Lismacue makes a fantastic base for a motorcycling trip through Ireland’s heartland.
Spend the day exploring the open road, then return to Lismacue for an evening of good food, old-world luxury, and stories swapped by the fire. We’re happy to arrange for bikes and gear to be delivered right to the house, along with routes and a local guide to help you make the most of your trip.
Golf
There are four golf courses within a 15-minute drive of Lismacue. Transport can be arranged for guests.
- Tipperary Golf Club — an 18-hole parkland course set against the backdrop of the Galtee Mountains.
- Ballykisteen Golf & Country Club — a championship parkland course just a short drive away.
- County Tipperary Golf & Country Club — a scenic course offering a relaxed round close to home.
- Cahir Park Golf Club — a well-established course on the banks of the River Suir.
Equine Pursuits
Tipperary sits at the very heart of Ireland’s thoroughbred country, and a day out on horseback here is something special. Rides can be arranged for individuals or groups, from gentle trails to the wild magic of the Galtee Mountains, with all levels of experience catered for. Just a short drive away, the Fethard Horse Country Experience brings the region’s 2,000-year relationship with the horse to life, while a guided tour of the world-renowned Coolmore Stud offers a rare glimpse behind the gates of one of the world’s most celebrated thoroughbred breeding operations. For anyone drawn to the equine heritage of this part of Ireland, it’s a day unlike any other.
Hiking
Lismacue is nestled at the base of the Galtee Mountains, Ireland’s highest inland mountain range. Mapped walking routes wind across forest tracks and open moorland, leading walkers past corrie lakes and through some of the country’s finest mountain scenery. With trails throughout the range and in the nearby Glengarra Woods, and the Galtees stretching over 30km, there’s something here for every level of walker. For those who’d like to explore with a guide, we can arrange a jaunt up the Galtees with an experienced local guide who knows the mountains well.
Places to Visit
Rock of Cashel
The Rock of Cashel is one of the most spectacular archeological sites in Ireland. It sits on the outskirts of Cashel on a large mound of limestone bristling with ancient fortifications. Mighty stone walls encircle a complete round tower, a roofless abbey, a 12th century Romanesque chapel, and numerous other buildings and high crosses. The Rock of Cashel is composed four structures which are the Hall of the Vicars Choral, the cathedral, the round tower, and Cormac’s Chapel. Hore Abbey is about one kilometer north at the base of the rock. More information.
Cahir Castle
Cahir Castle is a great 15th-century Butler castle near the town centre of Cahir.The Butlers were granted lands in the area in 1192, but they didn’t build their first castle until the 13th century. The castle is in remarkable condition and one of the largest in Ireland. The inhabitants surrendered to Cromwell in 1650 without a struggle -memories were fresh of the battering the place had suffered in 1599 at the hands of the Earl of Essex and his mearge two cannons -and it has been extensively restored. Some of John Boorman’s movie, Excalibur, was filmed in Cahir Castle. More information.
Hore Abbey
The 13th century Hore Abbey is set in farmland just a few hundred yards from the base of the Rock of Cashel. It was the last daughter house – a religious house which was affiliated to the main monastery – of Mellifont’s Cistercians and was a gift from a 13th century archbishop who expelled the Benedictine monks after dreaming that they had plans to murder him.
Swiss Cottage
The Swiss Cottage built in 1812 was designed as a hunting and fishing lodge for Lord Cahir. Designed by John Nash, the famous Regency Architect. The interiors have been fully restored. More information.
Mitchelstown Cave
The karst around Mitchelstown is restricted to very small area. The Galtee Mountains consist of sandstone, which contains no caves as it is not soluble. But in the southern side of the mountains is the outcrop of a small strip of limestone. This is the location of the caves and it is a material which is quarried for bricks and lime. More information.
Holycross Abbey
On the west bank of the Suir, 4 miles (6 km) south of Thurles, stands Holycross Abbey, which was fully restored as part of European Architectural Heritage Year 1975. Founded originally in 1168 for Benedictines by the King of Muster, Donal O’ Brien, the abbey was transferred to the Cistercians about the year 1182. More information.
Cliffs of Moher
These majestic cliffs rise from the Atlantic Ocean to a height of nearly 200m and extend for a distance of 8km from Hag’s Head due west of Liscannor to a point beyond O’Brien’s Tower. They take their name from a ruined promontory fort, Mothar, which was demolished during the Napoleonic wars to make room for a signal tower. More information.
Coolmore Stud
Coolmore Stud, which is probably the leading stud farm in the world, is about 20 miles from Lismacue House. More information.
– GeargeBartov, Tripadvisor
