Gortnahoe (Irish: Gort na hUamha, meaning 'tilled field of the cave'), also known as Gortnahoo,[2] is a village in County Tipperary, Ireland.

[3] The former Irish name for Gortnahoe was Gort na hUaighe, meaning the ploughed field of the grave.

[4] In the 18th century, Sir William Barker, the landlord in Kilcooley, offered protection and property to families who left the Palatine.

During the 18th century the Penal Laws made it difficult for Catholics to practice their religion and priests were scarce throughout Ireland.

[citation needed] At the time of Catholic Emancipation in 1829, the government launched a major enquiry into the provision of education and in that report it is stated that there were twelve schools in the parish, organised and funded in different ways.

[citation needed] Gortnahoe is located along the Kilkenny-Cashel Scenic Drive and is within the 'Ireland's Ancient East' tourist region.

[citation needed] Evidence of ancient settlement in the area include multiple ring forts, a ringwork and bailey structure and medieval church and graveyard.

During archaeological digs, two large bells were uncovered on the site, these were displayed outside the Archbishop's Palace in Thurles beside the Cathedral of the Assumption, until the restoration of Holy Cross Abbey, where they were rehung and remain to this day.

[citation needed] Kilcooley, located within walking distance of the village, consists of one of Ireland's largest country estates.

[citation needed] It is the ancestral home of the Ponsonby-Barker family, and remained in their ownership until the estate was sold in 2008.

[citation needed] This 6 km loop follows minor road, forestry tracks and woodland trails which ascend to a height from which there are views of Kilcooly Abbey, the hills to the east and the bog to the west.

[citation needed] The village of Grange is based around the medieval tower-house castle that protected the area for the abbey estate.