The Main Guard
The Main Guard
4
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4.0
51 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
14
Average
9
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Kerryman92
Dublin, Ireland202 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
Stopped for an hour in the bustling town of Clonmel. This is a lovely building in the heart of the town. Run by OPW - always a good thing. Very interesting WW1 exhibition on when we visited.
Written 8 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria & Phil Greaves
Clonmel, Ireland570 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
There is a lot of history to this building & you can read about it in other reviews on here, or you can go in and hear about it by a tour guide on a free tour. On the right hand side of this building is the Tourist Information Centre. Many events go on under the arches during Festivals, Christmas, Fund-raisers etc.
Written 5 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David A
Clonmel, Ireland46 contributions
Jul 2016 • Friends
Main Guard is one of those town centre venues that Clonmel can be truly proud of.
Underutilised but not only an attractive landmark but a great venue for 'street' theatre and an attractive upstairs venue for small to medium sized gigs - and an attractive exhibition too.
Underutilised but not only an attractive landmark but a great venue for 'street' theatre and an attractive upstairs venue for small to medium sized gigs - and an attractive exhibition too.
Written 14 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
richardtiernan
Brecon, UK3 contributions
May 2024 • Family
We were impressed by the depth of knowledge of the curator. She had time to show us round and explained in great detail both the historic and recent renovations.she really bought all alive.
Written 19 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David Cahill
35 contributions
May 2022
don't bother coming here except on a wet day - I have to keep writing but the buidling was shut ! at 11.30 in the day - load of BS
Written 27 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard J
London, UK1,727 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
Late 17th Century building of the type often seen in English country towns. A fine restoration keeps it in its rightful place in the centre of Clonmel. At present it houses an exhibition of the 1916 Easter Rising, with local memorabilia and artefact. Upstairs there are information board's and pictures relating to the Ormond Family. The interior is bright and beautifully restored. Well worth a visit if your in the area.
Written 5 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
starrich2018
Exeter, UK13 contributions
Jun 2018 • Solo
An important restored local building knowledgeable staff a splendid & moving rather poignant exhibition of modern Irish history
Written 11 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan G
Dublin, Ireland162 contributions
Feb 2018 • Family
The Main Guard was originally built by James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormond, between 1673 and 1684, as a prestigious courthouse for the Palatinate of County Tipperary.
The Main Guard was a "Tholsel" which is an office where tolls, duties & customs were collected. It was Clonmel's Assize Court from 1716 until 1810 when it was converted into a barracks, hence the name.
Later it fell into a sad state of dereliction but it has now been restored by the Office of Public Works, and is open to the public.
The Main Guard was a "Tholsel" which is an office where tolls, duties & customs were collected. It was Clonmel's Assize Court from 1716 until 1810 when it was converted into a barracks, hence the name.
Later it fell into a sad state of dereliction but it has now been restored by the Office of Public Works, and is open to the public.
Written 26 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John O
24 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
This newly and very tastefully renovated Building is one of Ireland’s National Monuments and the source of much pride in Clonmel. It is part of the famous Butler Trail .ie.
In fact, a visitor should also consult “ heritageireland.ie” for some great info regarding opening times and general news on all National Monuments, many of which are free to visit.
The Main Guard dates from 1675 and was originally a courthouse . It has gone through many lives since then.
The Building hosts a variety of local cultural events , with the approval of Heritage Ireland, the government body in charge.
Local Architect, Margaret Quinlan, oversaw the entire magnificent restoration which cost in excess of €10m.
There is a variety of other heritage sites within a short distance of Clonmel, well worth visiting.
In fact, a visitor should also consult “ heritageireland.ie” for some great info regarding opening times and general news on all National Monuments, many of which are free to visit.
The Main Guard dates from 1675 and was originally a courthouse . It has gone through many lives since then.
The Building hosts a variety of local cultural events , with the approval of Heritage Ireland, the government body in charge.
Local Architect, Margaret Quinlan, oversaw the entire magnificent restoration which cost in excess of €10m.
There is a variety of other heritage sites within a short distance of Clonmel, well worth visiting.
Written 3 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sailoil
Cashel, Ireland184 contributions
Apr 2016 • Solo
If you are very lucky you will encounter Colm Fennessy in the Main Guard. He is an encyclopedia of information about this building. The history of the building is the history of Clonmel, and of much of Tipperary, and of the Norman invasion and rule of Ireland.
It is an architectural gem, in the Irish sense. A modest building, well built, well designed and fit for purpose hundreds of years later.
It is an architectural gem, in the Irish sense. A modest building, well built, well designed and fit for purpose hundreds of years later.
Written 19 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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