Definition
The R659 road is a regional road in the Republic of Ireland, situated entirely within County Tipperary. It forms part of the national hierarchy of roads classified under the Roads Act 1993 as a regional route.
Overview
The R659 runs for approximately 6.5 km (4.0 mi), linking the N62 national secondary road at Thurles with the R660 regional road at Holycross. The route provides a short connector between these two more significant corridors and serves local traffic in the Thurles–Holycross area. Along its length the road crosses the Dublin–Cork railway line, providing access to the surrounding rural and suburban communities.
Etymology / Origin
In Ireland, road numbers prefixed with “R” denote regional roads, a category below national primary (N) and national secondary routes. The numeric component “659” is assigned sequentially within the regional road numbering scheme established by the Department of Transport, rather than reflecting any particular geographic or historic feature.
Characteristics
- Length: 6.5 km (4.0 mi).
- Classification: Regional road (R‑class) under the Roads Act 1993 (Classification of Regional Roads) Order 2012.
- Termini:
- North‑west terminus: Junction with the N62 at Thurles.
- South‑east terminus: Junction with the R660 at Holycross.
- Key features: Crosses the Dublin–Cork railway line; passes through predominantly agricultural and residential land. The road is a single carriageway with standard width for regional routes, and it is maintained by the local authority (Tipperary County Council).
- Surrounding infrastructure: Provides access to local amenities in Thurles, including schools, shops, and the Thurles railway station, as well as to the pilgrimage site of Holy Cross Abbey near Holycross.
Related Topics
- Roads in Ireland: Overview of the Irish road network, including motorways, national primary and secondary roads, and regional roads.
- N62 road (Ireland): The national secondary road that connects Limerick to Dublin via Thurles, intersecting the R659.
- R660 road (Ireland): The regional road extending from Holycross toward Cashel, forming the eastern terminus of the R659.
- Transport Infrastructure Ireland: The state agency responsible for the development and maintenance of national roads and transport infrastructure.
- County Tipperary: The administrative county where the R659 is located, noted for its mix of urban centres and rural landscapes.