New heritage trail to be developed in a Tipperary town highlighting history and culture

A Heritage Trail in Tipperary is set to be developed in Thurles, aiming to boost local tourism while offering residents a looped walking route that explores the town’s rich history.

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The project is being led by Thurles Lions Club, which has secured €29,600 in funding through the LEADER Programme. The initiative will involve the installation of signage at key locations around the town centre, presenting and interpreting Thurles’ heritage. Each sign will feature a dedicated QR Code, allowing visitors to access more detailed online content and explore the town’s history in greater depth.

The development will take place in two phases. Phase one covers planning and preparation, including identifying the trail route, designing and translating signage content, consulting with the public, and developing the online component. This stage carries a total cost of €39,600, with Thurles Lions Club contributing €10,000 in matching funds raised through public donations.

Phase two will see the manufacture and installation of the physical signage, with funding provided by Thurles Municipal District through Tipperary County Council.

The Heritage Trail will be the first of its kind in Thurles, uniting the town’s history, culture, and heritage into a single experience for both visitors and locals. The trail is expected to enhance the town’s tourism offer and provide a recreational resource, encouraging people to use it as a looped walking route for exercise.

A unique aspect of the project is its digital element, which will help communicate the town’s heritage to a wider audience, including younger visitors who prefer to engage with history in a modern format. Thurles benefits from excellent rail connections, with an hourly service linking Cork, Limerick, and Dublin. The town’s railway station is just eight minutes’ walk from Liberty Square, the planned starting point of the trail.

Thurles Lions Club believes that, with targeted promotion, the trail, together with other local attractions, can draw visitors via the rail network, offering a sustainable way to enjoy everything the town has to offer.

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