An intriguing love story, killing zones and plagues all feature in the story of Clonmel
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Walking tours are up and running in Clonmel as part of a new tourism initiative
Killing zones, plagues, rented pineapples, an intriguing love story and the location of a Cork tree in the middle of a controversial car park are just some of the interesting talking points that feature in a walking tour of Clonmel.
Walking tours are up and running in Clonmel, much to the amusement of the locals who stare with some curiosity at the walking guide Johanna St John and the people taking the tour of Clonmel with her.
Such tours are an unusual sight in Clonmel as passers-by try to figure out what is going on and motorists give a beep as they pass by.
The walking tour initiative is a pilot scheme running for ten weeks, with tours taking place every Tuesday at 11 and on alternate Saturdays and Sundays.
While the reaction of those not participating is one of disbelief, those who take part are engaged in the stories of Clonmel related by Johanna, a guide whose personality and experience as a walking tour guide in Kilkenny and Dublin bring them to life.
The meeting point is in the grounds of Old St Mary’s Church in Clonmel, which provides a fascinating insight into the history of Clonmel.
While the tour initially did not include a tour of the inside of the historic building, it does now thanks to the offer of Church Warden George Hogg.
A chance meeting with George has allowed Johanna to include a very interesting tour of the beautiful building, and between them, they give an informative and engaging account of the building's history and the people associated with it over the years.
“I am delighted now to be part of it and happy to show people the inside of the church. Some Clonmel people have never been inside the church, the history is incredible,” said George.
The tour proceeded out to the grounds for the twelve people on the tour to look at the walls of the town and listen about the Siege of Clonmel and how Cromwell was defeated with macabre stories of killing zones, and the sad love story Lieutenant . Fredrick Close of the 86th who fell in love with a local girl, Anna Grubb, daughter of a well-to-do Quaker merchant.
From there the tour went to Irishtown, down to the River Suir, up Dowd’s Lane to be told about the story of Bulmers in the town, on past Hearne’s Hotel to be told the story of Biancon, and finishing up in the Main Guard.
For John Donnelly, a Kerryman living in Clonmel for almost 40 years, the tour was an interesting one with plenty of information on offer.
He believes,however, that the tour is in isolation and while he understands and it is a step forward as regards tourism in the town, that there needs to be more connection by so many stakeholders in the town.
“The amount of history Clonmel has is staggering,” said John.
“While Clonmel is missing the big item to bring people in like Cashel has the Rock of Cashel, the castle in Cahir and Ormond Castle in Carrick-on-Suir,sum of its parts of the story that Clonmel has is just huge,” said John.
He believes there is massive scope for Clonmel, with that history, the Blueway and the beauty of the surrounding mountains within a short distance from the town, to make an impact as a tourist town.
“Clonmel could be the base camp; it all needs to come together though. There would have to be a collective effort in the whole town, not just a walking tour in isolation. Everybody would have to buy into it. What is on offer for the tourist needs to be more connected; the providers involved have to make a better connection with people,” said John.
Passing what remains of the Clonmel Arms Hotel, John said the condition of what is left was not a good image for the town.
“First impressions are important. The way it is now is hideous. It just gives a poor impression,” he said.
Among those on the walk were a group of people from Ballingarry Community Development CLG.
Ash Hearn, manager of the community group and a native of Clonmel, hoped people would avail of the opportunity of taking a tour of the town.
“ I am from Clonmel, and I have visited places this morning I never knew existed. I have been driving around the streets for decades, and it is great to hear about the history associated with all of the different places around the town,” said Ash.
“There is history around every corner, and I hope people take the time to experience it,” she said.
Also part of the Ballingarry group was Sister Patricia Wall, who was born in Clonmel, where her father worked as a guard before they moved to Thurles.
“Old St Mary’s Church is a part of Clonmel you would never have gone to. It is a beautiful building and has an incredible history. I didn't realise the connection between Dowds Land and Bulmers; I found out a lot this morning,” she said.
The tour takes just over two hours.It is long enough but time flies because of the enthusiasm of the guide and the company of people interested in hearing about the history of the town.
With a slight tweak, a walk past four important Clonmel landmarks could be included in the tour.
The buildings - Clonmel Courthouse, where the Young Irelanders trial was just one of many famous trials to take place there, the Town Hall where the Labour Party was founded, The Franciscan Abbey which operated in Clonmel for over 700 years and Hearne’s Hotel, the headquarters of the Bianconi transport operation - are all close to one another and should be of interest to people participating in the tours.