Short History

Based in the heart of Tipperary and with a population of over 8000, Thurles gets its name from the Irish word Durles Eile Fhogartaigh meaning the strong fort of the O'Fogarty's of Eile which formed part of the O'fogarty stronghold, during the the twelfth century. Much of their dominance included the regions of Templemore and the Devils Bit stretching as far as the Tipperary Killkenny border.

Towards the end of the twelfth century the O'fogarty clan began to loose their reign and it was towards the early part of the thirteenth century that the great Norman family the Butlers came to power. It is to them that Thurles owes much of its early development and some of their architecture can still be seen today.

Modern day Thurles has grown from its early beginnings to a thriving hub of shop's and businesses. It also has on offer a wide variety of facilities, ranging from historic museums such as St Mary' Famine Museum and Lar na Pairce (the story of Gaelic Games) it was here in Thurles that the GAA was founded in Hayes Hotel in 1884, so it is no wonder that Thurles can also offer a variety of sporting facilities including Gaelic games, Horse & Greyhound Racing, Golf ,Equestrian Centre and last but not least Thurles now has its own College the Tipperary Institute which offers diplomas in software development, Business studies and Sustainable Rural Development. So if your visiting Ireland for a holiday or looking for a place to start your studies even if you just fancy a change of scenery then Thurles is the place to visit and you'll be sure of a warm welcome.

For a more detailed history we highly recommend Thurles A Guide to the Cathedral Town by William J. Hayes which can be purchased from the Bookworm