page_title: Clonmel
section_title: Museums and Galleries
hierarchical_section_title: Clonmel / Culture / Museums and Galleries
caption_attribution_description: English: Cluain Meala (Clonmel): The Main Guard The Main Guard was originally built by James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormond, between 1673 and 1684, as a prestigous courthouse for the Palatinate of County Tipperary, at the intersection of Clonmel's four main streets. The building has many of the hallmarks of a Sir Christopher Wren design, and it seems likely that its architect was influenced by Wren's works. The Main Guard was a "Tholsel", i.e. an office where tolls, duties &amp; customs were collected. It was Clonmel's Assize Court from 1716 until 1810 when it was converted into a barracks, hence the name. Later it was converted into shops, but fell into a sad state of dereliction. Occupying its prestigous location at the eastern end of the main thoroughfare in Clonmel, O'Connell Street, it was an eyesore to the town. However it has now been restored by the Office of Public Works, and is open to the public.
context_page_description: Clonmel is the county town and largest settlement of County Tipperary, Ireland. The town is noted in Irish history for its resistance to the Cromwellian army which sacked the towns of Drogheda and Wexford. With the exception of the townland of Suir Island, most of the borough is situated in the civil parish of "St Mary's" which is part of the ancient barony of Iffa and Offa East.
context_section_description: Tipperary County Museum tells the history of County Tipperary from the Stone Age to the present. It is also host to many special exhibitions each year. It is the first custom built county museum in Ireland.
  The Main Guard was a civic building until 1810 when it was converted to shops. During recent restoration, some of its sandstone columns were found to have been 'reclaimed' from the now demolished abbey of Inislounaght at Marlfield. It has been used in the past as a Tholsel or office to collect tolls, duties and customs dues, a place for civic gatherings and as a court. It now houses an exhibition showing the historic development of Clonmel, including a model of the town as it appeared in the 13th century.
  The South Tipperary Arts Centre opened in 1996. The Arts Centre hosts around 12 exhibitions per year and a variety of art classes for adults and children. As well as presenting a range of visual arts exhibitions in the main gallery space, the centre also host events such as music, performance, poetry readings and dance. The centre has a spacious upstairs studio which is used for short term exhibitions & screenings, as well as for a variety of classes and workshops. It is also a rehearsal space for theatre, dance, music, and is available for meetings and seminars.
caption: The Main Guard
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