Situated in County Tipperary in the southern part of Ireland, Clonmel is a rural town with a population of just under 17,000 people. Clonmel developed as a bridging town over the River Suir. According to local tradition, the town was founded by Norsemen who travelled up river from Waterford. The Norman town was developed during the 13th Century.
During medieval times the town of Clonmel developed considerably and today in Clonmel evidence of this medieval town is still evident. Today a small section of the town wall which dates back to this time is still standing. Clonmel was attacked by Oliver Cromwell in 1650 during his campaign in Ireland, a siege which resulted in Cromwell taking control of the town. The new government in Clonmel was a Protestant one, a government that lasted for 2 centuries.
The town was always a centre of commerce in County Tipperary, but this role grew from strength to strength, partly due to the fact that the River Suir was made more navigable which allowed larger vessels to reach Clonmel. Today Clonmel has excellent railway links to Waterford and Limerick Junction. Today Clonmel is home to many international medical companies, but the most famous export from Clonmel is Bulmers (Magners) Cider which is manufactured 3 kilometres outside of Clonmel.
Today visitors to Clonmel will see a town steeped in character and history as Clonmel still remains largely true to its medieval origins. Clonmel is now a centre of tourism, sport and entertainment.