17th century Tholsel set to be transformed into tourism hub

Work on restoring a 17th century Tholsel is expected to start next month in Co Tipperary following confirmation of government funding for the project.

The Fethard Tholsel is to become a tourism hub which will be an historical and cultural focal point on the town’s main street.

The magnificent building has previously served as an almshouse, the town hall for Fethard Corporation, a fire station, library and, more recently, as the venue for weekly country markets.

Alan Kelly, the environment minister, recently announced €245,000 in funding for the project under the Rural Development Programme. The initiative is managed locally by the South Tipperary Development Company. It will be complemented by €105,000 from Tipperary County Council as part of the community grants scheme.

Meanwhile, fundraising has led to the required amount of matching funding, clearing the way for work to start.

The project is being developed under the aegis of the Fethard Business and Tourism Group, established over three years ago as a subcommittee of Fethard and Killusty Community Council.

Its objective is to promote business and tourism in Fethard and its environs; promote local festivals and events, and to provide tourism information.

Its main means of doing this is to restore the Tholsel and use Fethard’s rich medieval heritage and equine tradition as a selling point.

Also known as the Town Hall, the Tholsel is owned by Tipperary County Council but is on a 20-year lease to Fethard Business and Tourism Group for the purposes of restoration and use as a multi-functional centre.

As well as being a walled town of national importance, Fethard has a number of other well-known heritage sites such as its Augustinian Abbey (1305); Edmonds Castle (15th century) and Court Castle (1450).

The redevelopment will include a tourist centre; public toilets; viewing area at the rear which looks onto the medieval backlands including the Holy Trinity Church and town walls; an interpretative space, a country/farmers’ market; community offices and a craft retail area.

The tourism and business group hope the Tholsel will open for the 2015 season.