possibly of pre-Anglo-Norman foundation, from at least the 12th century. During the Medieval period the town was known as Tolaghrath or Tylaghrath, derived from the Irish Tulach Rátha, or 'hillock of the ringfort'. Lisfinny Castle, a 15th-century tower house constructed by the Earl of Desmond, overlooks the town.

Early records show that Tallow was a centre for iron smelting, and the town's