Day 8 Cycling the 32 counties of Ireland - TIPPERARY
🚴🏾♂️ The Black Paddy Rolls into Tipperary: Castles, Clancy Brothers & That Long Way
What’s the story, Tipp?!
It’s your boy Fabu D, aka The Black Paddy, pedaling into the land of legends, lyrics, and limestone. I’m cycling across Ireland to raise awareness for Jigsaw, the charity helping young people mind their mental health—and Tipperary? You’ve got soul, scenery, and a song that’s been stuck in my head since I hit the county border.
---
🧠 A Word on Jigsaw
Before we dive into the craic, let’s take a moment. Jigsaw is doing powerful work—giving young people across Ireland a safe space to talk, to be heard, and to get the support they need. Mental health isn’t just a buzzword. It’s real, it’s raw, and it affects all of us.
This cycle isn’t just about the scenery—it’s about showing up for those who feel unseen. If you’re struggling, know this: you’re not alone. There’s help, there’s hope, and there’s healing.
---
🎶 “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” … But Worth Every Mile
You can’t roll into Tipp without humming the tune. Written in 1912 by Jack Judge, It’s a Long Way to Tipperary became the anthem of World War I soldiers marching to the front lines. And here I am, marching (well, cycling) for a different kind of battle—mental health awareness.
I belted out the chorus while cruising past the fields. A few cows looked unimpressed, but I felt like I was part of history.
> “It’s a long way to Tipperary, it’s a long way to go…”
Turns out, it’s also a long way uphill. But the views? Unreal.
---
🏰 First Impressions: Tipp’s Got That Ancient Swagger
I rolled into Cashel, and boom—there it was. The Rock of Cashel, sitting proud like it’s been waiting for me. This medieval marvel was once the seat of the Kings of Munster and the spot where Saint Patrick himself baptized King Aengus. I stood there imagining ancient ceremonies, royal drama, and maybe a few sheep photobombing the scene.
Then I hit Cahir Castle, perched on an island in the River Suir. It’s one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles, and it looks like it could still fend off a siege—or at least a rowdy hen party.
---
😂 Funny Tipperary Facts (Because You Know I Love the Banter)
Alright, here’s some mad stuff I learned:
- Tipperary is nicknamed “The Premier County”—because apparently, where Tipp leads, Ireland follows. Bold.
- It’s the largest inland county in Ireland. No coastline, but plenty of character.
- Tipp shares borders with eight other counties—more than any other county in Ireland. It’s basically the social butterfly of Munster.
- The GAA was founded in Thurles in 1884, at Hayes Hotel. So if you love hurling, you owe Tipp a pint.
- The town of Clonmel was home to Ireland’s only borstal—a juvenile detention centre that actually helped lads turn their lives around.
- Tipp is the birthplace of the Clancy Brothers, who helped bring Irish folk music to the world stage—with matching Aran jumpers and serious charisma.
---
🌄 Glen of Aherlow: Nature’s Chill Zone
I took a detour through the Glen of Aherlow, nestled between the Galtee Mountains and Slievenamuck Ridge. It’s like nature’s version of airplane mode—quiet, majestic, and full of fresh air. I parked the bike, sat on a rock, and just let the silence do its thing.
---
🗣️ Chatting with Tipp Legends
You know me—I can’t resist a good chat. I met a man named Mick who told me he once played hurling with a broken wrist and still scored. I asked if he was mad. He said, “No, just from Tipp.”
I met a woman in Nenagh who swears she saw a ghost in the castle tower. I asked what it looked like. She said, “Like my ex, but quieter.”
---
🚴🏾♂️ Cycling Through Tipp’s Heart
The roads here are a mix of rolling hills, sleepy villages, and postcard-perfect views. I passed through Roscrea, Templemore, and Tipperary Town itself—where the song was born and the spirit still lives.
Every turn brought something new: a roadside shrine, a curious cow, a local waving like I was in the Tour de France. Tipp’s got layers, and I was loving every one.
---
🧘🏾♂️ Mental Health Moments: Tipp’s Quiet Power
Tipperary has a grounded energy. It doesn’t rush—it roots you. I sat by the River Suir, sipping my Guinness Zero, and just breathed. No pressure, no noise, just peace.
That’s what Jigsaw offers—space to breathe, to talk, to be. If you’re a young person feeling overwhelmed, reach out. You deserve peace.
---
🛏️ Tipp Hospitality: A Random B&B with Real Heart
I stayed in a cozy little B&B tucked into the countryside. The kind of place where the tea’s always strong and the welcome’s even stronger. I asked where I could find the best view in Tipp and got a full itinerary, a weather forecast, and a story about their cousin who once met Bono in a petrol station.
---
💚 Final Thoughts & Shout-Outs
Tipperary, you’ve been magic. From castles to Clancy Brothers, you’ve given me laughs, lessons, and a deeper appreciation for Ireland’s inland soul.
To everyone who waved, cheered, or shouted “Go on ya legend!”—thank you. To the sheep who blocked my path and refused to move—respect. To the county itself—keep leading.
And to Jigsaw, the reason behind every mile: thank you for being the light in someone’s dark. You’re changing lives, one conversation at a time.
---
💚 Thanks for coming along on the ride!
If you’d like to support the cause, here’s the link:
👉 https://www.idonate.ie/blackpaddytour
Until next time,
Stay strong, stay smiling, and mind your mental health.
— Fabu D, The Black Paddy
