Thurles is the principal town of east County Tipperary with a population of over 8,500 people. Derived from the Irish "Durlas Eile", meaning The Strong Fort of Ely, Thurles is home to a rich heritage dating back some several hundred years.

The town itself was formally established by the Norman Butlers in the 13th century, with the family fortress remains still standing. Other historic landmarks in the area include the monastic settlement at Holycross, the only restored Cistercian Abbey in Ireland and St Mary's Famine Museum, originally built by the Normans in the 12th century, now displays a memorial to the Great Famine.

Thurles is surrounded by some of Ireland's most fertile pastoral land; set against a backdrop of the heather-clad Silvermine Mountains to the north-west and the Slieveardagh Hills to the south-east. The River Suir passes through the township.

Historically, Thurles is well known as the birthplace of Cumann Luthchleas Gael (Gaelic Athletic Association), founded on November 1st in 1884.  Semple Stadium in Thurles is a major sports venue for all Gaelic Games. Accommodating up to 60,000 spectators, this stadium takes its name form the legendary Tipperary hurler, Tom Semple.