Fethard, County Tipperary

Fethard Fiodh Ard
Town
Fethard town centre
Fethard Location in Ireland
Coordinates: 52°27′54″N 7°41′46″W / 52.465°N 7.696°W / 52.465; -7.696Coordinates: 52°27′54″N 7°41′46″W / 52.465°N 7.696°W / 52.465; -7.696
Country	Ireland
Province	Munster
County	County Tipperary
Area
• Total	2.21 km2 (0.85 sq mi)
Elevation	69 m (226 ft)
Population (2011)
• Total	1,541
Irish Grid Reference	S207355

Fethard (Irish: Fiodh Ard, meaning "high wood") is a small town in County Tipperary, Ireland. It is located 16 km (9.9 mi) east of Cashel on the Clashawley River where the R692, R689 and R706 regional roads intersect. It is a civil parish in the barony of Middle Third. It is part of the ecclesiastical parish of "Fethard and Killusty" in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly. In 2006, its population was 1,374.

The Thurles-Clonmel route operated by Bernard Kavanagh & Sons/The Shamrock Bus Company serves Fethard several times a day. There is no Sunday service.

The nearest station is Clonmel railway station, approximately 13 kilometres distant.

The town is remarkable for having been heavily fortified and completely surrounded by town walls as part of Edward I's policy of establishing fortified market towns. The town walls rise to a height of 25 feet (7.6 m) and can still be seen today. Most of the circuit survives, making Fethard the most complete medieval circuit in Ireland. Knockelly Castle, a well-fortified tower house, is one of many historical buildings in the area. The town is also internationally known in the thoroughbred horse racing industry as the home of Coolmore Stud. There are also a number of horse-training stables in Fethard, notably that of Michael "Mouse" Morris at Everardgrange, winner of the English and Irish Grand Nationals. McCarthy's Hotel is noted as a place to meet celebrities associated with the racing industry. This was the home of Dick McCarthy, noted professional jockey of the early 20th century, who finished third in the Grand National at Aintree in 1929.