Lorrha

Lorrha is a charming village located in North Tipperary, in the heart of Ireland. With a rich history and a vibrant community, Lorrha boasts natural beauty and a sense of community that is truly unique. The village is home to the Lorrha Missal, an ancient manuscript dating back to the 9th century, as well as the Lorrha Augustinian Friary, a key historical site.

Lorrha also has a strong sporting tradition, with the Lorrha/Dorrha GAA club and Lorrha Rovers football club at the forefront. The village is known for its stunning countryside, including notable landmarks such as Redwood Castle and Lackeen Castle. Whether you're interested in exploring history, immersing yourself in nature, or simply enjoying the warm community spirit, Lorrha is a must-visit destination in County Tipperary.

Accommodation

Tua Campsite

The Friars Tavern

Lorrha, Nenagh,Co. Tipperary

E45 V651

Phone: 087 193 5844

Website: https://tua-campsite.business.site/

Pubs

The Friary Tavern

The Friars Tavern

Lorrha, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary

E45 V651

Phone: 087 193 5844

Food served Friday - Sunday from 5.00 pm

The Ferry Inn

The Ferry Inn Bar & Restaurant,
Portland, Lorrha, Co. Tipperary.
E45 XW35

Phone: 0909 74 7139 www.theferryinn.ie

The Ferry Inn Bar & Restaurant, Portumna / Lorrha, is a family-owned and run business, we combine traditional Irish with a unique ambience, where a mixture of old and new worlds come together.

History

Lorrha is a parish steeped in history that has flourished in the peaceful days of the saints and scholars, been raided and pillaged by marauding Vikings, recovered to become a major monastic settlement only to be overrun by the forces of Oliver Cromwell.

St. Ruadhan

St. Ruadhan is credited with putting Lorrha on the map in the 6th century. He was educated by St. Finian in Clonard, Co. Westmeath and is known as one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. He established a monastic settlement in Lorrha, consisting of a monastery and other buildings. The settlement was protected by a ditch or mound. The monks lived a simple and disciplined life, praying and fasting between their chores. The settlement was self-sufficient, providing everything from food to shelter.

The remains of an 11th century church are found on the site of Ruadhan's settlement. The church has an ornate doorway with various carved motifs, including a pelican drawing blood from its breast. There are also the remains of two high crosses, one of which is said to mark the grave of a Munster king who died in Lorrha. The other is said to mark St. Ruadhan's grave, although it was crafted after his death.

Viking Attack

The peace and tranquillity of Lorrha was smashed abruptly in the 9th century with the arrival of the dreaded Vikings. The monastery of Ruadhan was targeted twice in the middle of the century. The Danes would have sailed their long boats up the Shannon and docked there. They often had long ports based on the Shannon to direct their operations from.

The unsuspecting monks and local civilians would have been sitting ducks for the bloodthirsty Vikings waving swords and wielding axes that slashed and hacked everything in their way, they pillaging and burnt as they went. What lured the attackers to the likes of Lorrha, Terryglass and Clonfert were the precious possessions of the monasteries including their chalices and shrines.

The Normans

The arrival of the Normans in Lorrha during the late 12th century marked a significant change in the history of the area. The Normans, who descended from the Vikings, established their presence in Lorrha through the construction of a motte and bailey structure known as Lorrha Moat. This man-made hill, surrounded by a protective ditch, housed a timber castle.

However, the arrival of the Normans did not sit well with the local chieftains. In 1208, the castle was burnt down, only to be rebuilt 14 years later. The Norman overlords of Lorrha were the Butlers, who held authority over the region until the 17th century. The local clans of the O'Kennedys and McEgans, who were previously under the control of the O'Carrolls, came under the rule of the Butlers.