Tipperary

County Tipperary in the southwest province of Munster in Ireland measures some 1643 square miles in area, consisting of an area of mixed lowlands and highlands, with some mountainous areas, between the Suir and the Shannon Rivers. Before the Anglo-Norman invasion of the 12th century, it was the ancient kingdom of Thomond. Prince John, regent of England, divided the county into north and south counties that were given to different Anglo-Norman nobles who established their ruling families. In 1328, Edward III made Tipperary a county palatinate, a status taken from it in 1715. The 21st century county is divided into north and south ridings, each with its own council and principal town. Farming and the processing of agricultural products are the major economic activities, notably of beef and dairy products. The 2003 estimated population was 141,300.