The Main Guard is one of the oldest surviving civic buildings and one of the earliest examples of classical public architecture in Ireland. The dramatic landmark was built by James Butler, Duke of Ormond, in 1675 as the courthouse for the Palatinate of the administrative area of County Tipperary. 

In 1715, the Palatinate jurisdiction was extinguished. In about 1810, the ground floor, a loggia of open arches, was converted into shops, the basement was excavated and more floors were inserted. 

It has been recently restored to its original form and the open arcade of sandstone columns is once again a feature of the streetscape. Inside visitors can enjoy two impressive exhibitions.