Fethard is one of the most important and also most impressive medieval small towns in Ireland.
The town is remarkable for having been heavily fortified and completely surrounded by village walls as part of Edward 1st’s policy of establishing fortified market villages.
The walls rise to a height of 25 feet (7.6 m) and most of the circuit survives, making Fethard the most complete medieval circuit in Ireland. The town is also internationally known in the horse racing industry as close by is world famous Coolmore Stud where many of racing thoroughbred champions were bred.