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Anner Castle is a perfect place to unwind; but for those with more energy it is possible to walk around the parkland, swim or paddle in the river, fish for brown trout (complimentary for visitors) or play table tennis.There is a large lawn in front of the castle which may be used for any ball games visitors may wish to bring.

Anner Castle is an excellent base for those who enjoy mountain climbing and hill walking. Slievenamon (2368 ft) forms a backdrop to Anner and is visible wherever you walk in the parkland. It is ascended most easily from Kilcash and once climbed, becomes an impressive viewing point for the Comeraghsand the Suir Valley. A delightful story gave the mountain its name, literally, 'mountain of the women'. The legend says that fairy women, or perhaps beautiful local girls, were enchanting Fionn and his warriors, the Fianna, and finally Fionn agreed to marry the girl who won a race to the top of the mountain. The winner was Grainne, daughter of King Cormac. Later, she and Diarmud became the star crossed lovers of Irish legend. There is a beautiful folksong about Slievenamon.

The Comeragh and Knockmealdown mountains are best approached by driving through the village of Clogheen to the Vee, a gap in the mountains which presents one of the most outstanding views of the country, across wooded mountain slopes to the plains of County Tipperary to the north and east, Galtymore (3018 ft) to the north west and County Waterford and the coast to the south. On the way up the Vee there is a cairn of stones known as Grubb's Grave. Grubb was a Quaker living in nearby Castle Grace and his death wish was to be buried on the mountainside in an upright position: a perfect view for ever! In the Comeragh mountains, the tumbling Mahon Falls are a dramatic sight.

Many long distance walks are well established in the area: the nearest is the North Munster Way; the most ancient is the Pilgrim Way. There are ample opportunities for coastal walks, hill walking, extensive forest walks, and guided walks in the Nire Valley and many towns and cities.

Sports activities abound in the area. If you are a keen fisherman it is possible to fish for salmon and trout (season opens 1st February and 1st March respectively : both close on 30th September) on the RiverSuir near Kilsheelan. The sea fishing is good on the County Waterford coast.The Sunshine Golf Circuit includes courses at nearby Clonmel, Slievenamon and Carrick-on-Suir, on the coast at Dungarvan and Tramore, as well as the renowned Mount Juliet. Tennis may be enjoyed at clubs in Kilsheelan and Clonmel. Horse racing is very popular and there are regular meetings in Powerstown Park, Clonmel. If horse riding is your interest, you should visit Clonmel Equestrian Centre - Trevor is excellent with children and for excursions into the valleys and foothills on horseback, trekking and trail rides are offered by Melody's riding stables at Ballymacarbry, in the beautiful Nire Valley.

The Rock of Cashel is Ireland's most renowned and imposing ecclesiastical ruin. The one time home of the kings of Munster rises out of the wide plain, dominating the countryside and appearing, from the main road, as if still in use. Officially it is known as St Patrick's Rock and here St Patrick plucked the shamrock which he held up in explanation of the Trinity. The full value of the visit is in the astonishing group of buildings: the roundtower, the old castle, St Patrick's Cross and Cormac's Chapel where St Patrick converted King Aenghus in the 5th Century. Brian Boru was crowned King of Ireland on this spot in the early 11th Century. Don't hurry - absorb the atmosphere! Kilkenny, Ireland's medieval capital, with its abundance of historic buildings is now the country's creative capital with a Craft Trail of the studios and workshops. You should visit the excellent design centre and restaurant opposite the castle.

High Cross at Ahenny

Anner is near to many historical sites: a standing stone at Giantsgrave,a Norman motte at Kilsheelan, several ring forts and tower houses. Further afield are several portal dolmen, high crosses at Ahenny and a splendid round tower and ruined cathedral on the coast at Ardmore. Near Cahir is the Swiss Cottage, a 'cottage orné' of great charm, designed by John Nash and built in 1810. Ormonde Castle, at Carrick-on-Suir, is the best Irish example of an Elizabethan mansion, 15th century Cahir Castle has an imposing centre river site and the gardens are open at Lismore Castle.

Ormonde Castle, Carrick-on-Suir

Near Mitchelstown are interesting caves, which were discovered over a century ago, when a quarryman's crowbar slipped into a crevice and opened up the entrance. Uniting stalactites and stalagmites form several impressive columns with names such as Lot's wife and the Tower of Babel. Traditional glass making skills can be watched on visits to nearby Tipperary and Waterford Crystal. Irish music, song, dance, and even banquets may all be enjoyed at the Bru Boru National Heritage Centre, the 'Palace of Brian Boru', at the foot of the Rock of Cashel. In local pubs,a warm welcome awaits those interested in music, singing, and traditional dancing. Perhaps you prefer to relax with a Guinness and enjoy the art of conversation - still very much alive in Ireland.

Megalithic Tomb