Thurles Attractions
The little market town of Thurles (Durlus Eile, "Strong Fort of Ely") lies in the fertile plain of the River Suir in the south of Ireland. It is an important road junction (N62, N75, R498) and is on the Dublin-Cork railroad line. It is the cathedral town of the archdiocese of Cashel and Emly.
Bridge Castle
At the bridge over the Suir in Thurles stands the keep of Bridge Castle (12th C.), and near the Square the smaller Black Castle.
Thurles Surroundings
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Holy Cross Abbey
The Holy Cross Abbey, constructed between the 13th and 15th C, contained a piece of the True Cross and became a pilgrimage site. It was restored in 1975 and is a National Monument.
Ballynahow Castle
3mi/5km northwest of Holy Cross Abbey, Ballynahow Castle (16th C; National Monument) has one of the few round keeps in Ireland. Two vaulted roofs of the original five have been preserved.
Brittas Castle
2mi/3km north of the town of Thurles, from the N62, can be seen Brittas Castle, an unfinished 19th C. building with an imposing battlemented tower.
