The Village of Tinahely (Tigh na hÉille) is set amidst the rolling hills of South Wicklow in the valley of the Derry River, close to the borders of Co. Carlow and Co. Wexford. It is a village steeped in history, having been burnt to the ground in 1798 and either directly or indirectly involved in many historical events ever since.

As part of the Coolattin Estate which was owned by the Fitzwilliam family, it is a village full of character and folklore. Indeed, one of the village’s pubs bears the name 'Black Tom’s' for Thomas Wentworth who willed the estate of Coolattin to the Fitzwilliam family.

For many years Tinahely was known far and wide as a famous market town and particularly for its annual 8th of May horse fair, second only to Ballinasloe horse fair.

The main feature of the town is its triangular "Market Square" dominated by the imposing Market House. Up to about the mid 1950's this house enabled local farmers to market their produce locally. The Market House was purchased by Tinahely Courthouse Ltd., renovated with Department of the Environment funds, and now houses the local library branch.

Facing the Market House is the beautifully restored 1843 Courthouse which now serves as a vibrant centre for the arts with a regular programme of exhibitions, concerts, films, and drama productions.

Today, Tinahely is known nationally for the annual county show which is held on August Monday and is one of the largest agricultural shows in Ireland, attracting up to 20,000 visitors and exhibitors.

Tinahely up to the 1950's was a strong vibrant town with many excellent family run businesses providing a wide range of goods and services for the village and surrounds. This situation was to change dramatically from the end of the second world war.

Traditionally, the townlands around Tinahely village were very dependent on agriculture as a source of income and employment. Many of the smaller farmers worked part time with larger farmers, or in the new and developing industry of forestry. In more recent times industrial projects have been located in Tinahely and neighbouring towns, providing additional employment opportunities to the local population.

There are a range of services in the village of Tinahely including banking/bureau de change, post office, three pubs, a hotel, and shops. Accommodation is plentiful in local B&Bs as well as self-catering cottages, guest houses and hotels.

Visitors can avail of numerous amenities such as horse riding, golf, angling, and hill walking on the Wicklow Way. Tomnafinnoge Wood lies between Tinahely and Shillelagh, and is one of the last remnants of Ireland’s original oak woodlands, which once blanketed south Wicklow. Within an hour’s drive of Tinahely are the magnificent monastic settlement of Glendalough, Powerscourt House and Gardens, Glenmalure, and the "featherbed" uplands. Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland, boasts some of the most spectacular landscapes and vistas in the country, as well as a host of activities for visitors, whether their interests are sporting and outdoorsy, or cultural and artistic.