The perfect weekend in Ireland’s ‘best county’, according to a local

An Irish county has been named in Lonely Planet’s prestigious list of the best destinations to visit around the world in 2026.

Describing it as ‘the Ireland of postcards’, the travel publisher recognised Tipperary (of It’s a Long Way fame) for its hiking, history and fine food.

This ridiculously scenic part of the island has everything you could want for a memorable weekend: emerald valleys, legendary mountains and friendly folk pubs humming with traditional music.

But to international tourists who tend to tick off Dublin, Cork and Galway before jetting off again, Tipp, as it’s affectionately known, remains something of a mystery.

Metro chatted to Roz Purcell, proud Tipp woman, broadcaster and author of number one bestseller The Hike Life, about where to go, what to eat and where to stay in this gloriously unspoiled piece of Ireland.

Roz spoke about her home county with such enthusiasm and passion, we’re already planning our trip.

Metro: You’re in Dublin or Cork, and you only have time for one day trip, anywhere in Ireland. Why Tipperary?

Roz: ‘If you want to get a real feel of Ireland, Tipperary has a great mix of why people come here in the first place: history, hospitality, incredible landscapes, good craic and good food. It’s a place where you feel like a local.’

Metro: Ok, we’re sold. You’ve got the day to yourself with an unlimited budget. Where are you going and what are you eating?

Roz: ‘I’m kicking things off in Fetch Coffee, I’m a bit of a coffee snob and they do incredible stuff, plus really nice pastries. They have a fantastic chef.

‘Then I’d head to Cahir Castle, it doesn’t get enough credit, and I’d also visit the Swiss Cottage which is close by. Then I’d head towards Cashel and do the tour of the Rock of Cashel [the seat of the Kings of Munster in the 4th century, perched dramatically above a plain]. I know it seems so obvious but it genuinely is a great tour. It’s still unbelievable to me to see it in real life.

‘For lunch, I’d go for a toastie in Sos Beag [that’s Irish for a little rest or a short break] and then I’d gear myself up for the Mitchelstown Cave, one of Ireland’s coolest caves. I’m so proud we have it in Tipperary.

‘Nearby, I’d hike Galtee More, I like to do that for sunset. You get a view all across Tipperary and it’s also in the top 10 highest peaks in Ireland.

‘For dinner, I’d go to Cashel Palace [one of Ireland’s leading luxury hotels] and eat in The Buttery or else I’d go to Chez Hans. Both incredible spots. That’d be my perfect day.’

Metro: Sounds fantastic and exhausting. What if we need to refuel, where do we go for snacks?

Roz: ‘We are so lucky we have the best food producers in Tipperary so… O’Donnell’s crisps, salt and vinegar, hook it to my veins. They also have a new hot honey chili crisp with Rívesci [an award-winning condiment brand based in Tipperary]. It’s unbelievable, my mouth’s actually watering.

‘Also, the Apple Farm in Clonmel. I’d stop and get a big bottle of their apple juice, it’s renowned around Ireland, and it’s just chef’s kiss.’

Metro: This is Ireland we’re talking about so we have to ask.. best takeaway?

Roz: ‘A really good chipper is Aaron’s in Kilsheelan. It’s actually blowing up on TikTok at the moment.’

Metro: If we want to save and splash the cash in the same weekend, where are we staying? Give us one budget, one boujie.

Roz: ‘For boujie, we’re going to Cashel Palace [from £287 per night]. Whenever I get the chance to stay there I’m so excited, it’s so opulent and the food is delicious.

‘For something more affordable, Raheen House in Clonmel [from £128 per night]. It’s a gorgeous hotel with old style charm, the gardens are beautiful. The Abbey Court in Nenagh is also good [from £99 per night]. You could also camp somewhere cool!’

Metro: Ok, final question. Let’s say we only had time to do one thing in Tipperary. What can we not leave without seeing?

Roz: ‘I’m not going to be basic and say the Rock of Cashel, because even though that tour is unbelievable, it’s what most people come to Tipperary to do. I’m going to make you go a little further south and got to Bay Lough, in the Knockmealdown Mountains on the border between Tipperary and Waterford but I can assure you, they’re firmly in Tipperary.

‘The best time to visit is in April or May, when the rhododendrons are out. The whole landscape around the lake turns purple and you can drive up to The Vee [a v-shaped stretch of road in the mountains] for incredible views.’

Metro: Roz, you’ve convinced us. Now we’re just going to stare at these stunning Tipperary scenes for the day…