Tipperary [key], county (1991 pop. 132,772), 1,643 sq mi (4,255 sq km), S central Republic of Ireland. The county seat is Tipperary. Administratively, the county is divided into North Riding (its administrative center at Nenagh) and South Riding (its administrative center at Clonmel). The region is part of the central plain of Ireland, but the terrain is diversified by several mountain ranges: the Knockmealdown, the Galtee, the Arra, and the Silvermine. The southern portion of the county is drained by the Suir River; the northern by tributaries of the Shannon, which widens into Lough Derg on the northern border. There is much fertile land, especially in the region known as the Golden Vale, one of the richest agricultural areas in Ireland. Dairy farming and cattle raising are the principal occupations. Other industries are slate quarrying and the manufacture of meal and flour. The county was long under the domination of the powerful Butler family (the earls of Ormonde). Antiquarian remains are found in Tipperary, particularly in the vicinity of Cashel.
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