Visit Clonmel.

Clonmel is a charming medieval town straddling County Waterford and Tipperary. Its colorful streets and warm inhabitants make it a pleasant place to live, set in a pretty valley crossed by the River Suir and surrounded by mountains to the south (Comeragh Mountains), and a small hill (Slievenamon).

History of Clonmel

A medieval town marked by Oliver Cromwell’s conquests

Clonmel dates back to the Middle Ages. Numerous vestiges of this past can be found throughout the present-day town. Starting with the West Gate, a medieval fortified gateway renovated in the 19th century, giving access to Clonmel’s main avenue: O’Connell Street (which has nothing in common with Dublin’s avenue of the same name).

The town has a special place in Irish history, having attempted to resist Cromwell’s forces in May 1650, when the towns of Drogheda and Wexford had already been besieged and sacked. Cromwell eventually prevailed over the Irish troops of Hugh Dubh O’Neill, commander of the town’s garrison, although the Irish side suffered heavy losses on the English side.

Legend has it that Cromwell was so impressed by the bravery of Clonmel’s troops that he donated his sword to the people of the town (the sword is on display in Clonmel Town Hall).

Visiting Clonmel and the surrounding area

The town center

Clonmel’s town center is typical of Irish urban charm: you’ll find houses with colorful walls, well-presented shopfronts, as well as pubs and restaurants that won’t immediately de-zine your wallet.

Don’t hesitate to enter Clonmel Town Hall. Here you can admire Oliver Cromwell’s sword, given to the people of Clonmel in the 17th century, following the siege of the town and the English victory.