Tallow
Tallow is 30 minutes drive from Newtown Farm Bed & Breakfast. Tallow is in the most westerly part of the County of Waterford. Set deep in a valley on the Blackwater Valley Scenic Drive, Tallow is the birthplace of two John Hogans, one a poet (1780-1858) and the other a famous sculptor (1800-1858). The area was planted with English settlers in the early 17th century. Above nearby Tallowbridge is Tallow Hill, a superb vantage point presenting panoramic views of the Blackwater Valley on one side and the Bride Valley on the other.The area is bounded on the south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the north by the Knockmealdown Mountains, on the east by the rest of county Waterford and on the west by the County of Cork. The other main towns in the area are Dungarvan, Cappoquin, and Lismore. Other villages include Ballyduff, Clashmore, Villiarstown, and Ardmore.
Tallow is 9 km from Lismore, 20 km from Youghal, Midleton and Fermoy. The cities of Waterford and Cork are 80 km and 60 km away respectively. The main streets are Chapel Street, Barrack Street, West Street and Convent Street. Part of Convent St near its intersection with the other three streets is sometimes referred to as "The Square" or "Main St" however its real name is Convent St. In the past Convent St was known as Tallowbridge St.
Local castles at Lisfinney, Aghern, Mocollop, Dromana and Mogeely were all built by the Earls of Desmond between 1460 and 1464. The most famous inhabitant of Lisfinney castle, above, located on the north side of the River Bride over looking the town of Tallow, was Jasper Douglas Pyne. English man he married an Irish woman and became converted to the cause of Irish tenant farmers. He was elected to Parliament in London and was so outspoken that a warrant was issued for his arrest. He barricaded himself in the Castle and escaped when locals stampeded a herd of cattle. He went missing on a boat journey to England.
The town has a population of about 1000 people. It has 8 pubs, 3 restaurants and a few guest houses. The Enterprise Centre is in West St and on Convent Street you can find the offices of Tallow Area Credit Union. The Community Hall and Library are all on Convent St. The town is well served by Supermarkets and Hardware store's. The parish hall, St Patrick's Hall, is in Convent St and a plaque on the wall commemorates the birth in Tallow of sculptor John Hogan.
Tallow Horse Fair takes place on the 3rd of September each year. The fair, which is one of the oldest in Ireland attracts sellers and buyers from all over Ireland and abroad.
A festival of entertainment accompanies the Fair with many of Tallow's emigrants returning to renew old friendships and enjoy themselves. A wide range of events take place including free entertainment on the stage at the Square.