Tinahely is a pretty market village set in the valley of the River Derry, ringed by hills and laced with waymarked trails. The ancient oaks of Tomnafinnoge, five waymarked loops and the Wicklow Way passing close by — and the kind of place you'll want to slow down and stay a while.
Ninety minutes from Dublin and a world away. Five waymarked loop walks, the Railway Walk along the River Derry, the ancient oaks of Tomnafinnoge, the Wicklow Way on the doorstep — and a square full of pubs and cafés for after.
Ireland's first national waymarked trail — 131km from Marlay Park in Dublin to Clonegal in Carlow — passes close by. The Tinahely Loop links the village to a stretch of the Way, making it the perfect base for a stage or a long weekend.
Tinahely (Tigh na hÉille — "house by the stream") was rebuilt by Earl Fitzwilliam after the 1798 Rebellion. The handsome stone shopfronts, St Kevin's Church and Dwyer Square date from that era.
Running since 1935 and one of Ireland's biggest country shows — livestock, show-jumping, vintage tractors, baking, dog classes and 20,000+ visitors. Monday 3 August 2026, August Bank Holiday.
Madeline's Accommodation is a beautifully restored guesthouse in the very heart of Tinahely, overlooking the village square. Comfortable double, twin and small-double rooms — all en-suite — with self-service coded entry, tea & coffee facilities and crisp linens.
It's a five-minute stroll to the pubs, the Courthouse Arts Centre and the Railway Walk trailhead. Walkers, wedding guests for nearby Ballybeg House, golfers at Coollattin and weekend escapees from Dublin all make Madeline's their base.
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The square is wrapped in honest, friendly places to eat: O'Connor's Bar & Lounge for a hearty plate and weekend music, Murphy's Bar & Bistro for breakfast through dinner, and D'Lish Coffee Shop for cake and a great flat white.
Just beyond the village, The Dying Cow is a famously characterful country pub, the Tinahely Farm Shop stocks the area's best produce, and Murphy's Butchers still cuts Wicklow lamb the proper way.
Where to eat