Nestling in the centre of the Golden Vale, so called for it's rich and fertile limestone pasture-lands lies Bruff, a peaceful little town steeped in ancient history. BRU NA nDEISE to give it it's Gaelic name, translates as the mansion or fort of the Deise who were an ancient Irish tribe inhabiting lands near Trim in County Meath in the 6th century AD. Some of the tribe moved south and made their stronghold at Bruff while others settled in County Waterford. The Deise were known for their agricultural knowledge and farming skills, some historians say that the word Deise means " head of corn ". Situated 15 miles due south of Limerick City and 5 miles north of Kilmallock, Bruff; is surrounded by countryside of great natural beauty. To the north is Lough Gur a horseshoe shaped lake bounded on three sides by hills and a haven for water fowl and varied wild life. A wealth of antiquities have been unearthed on the lake shore, and on the hillside of Knockadoon remains of Neolithic dwellings exist. Dolmens, old burial sites and Crannogs, lake dwellings are to be found near Knockfennel while on the west side of the lake is a Stone Circle said to be one of the largest in Ireland. Bourchiers Castle a very well preserved 15th century edifice stands within a hundred yards of the shore. Lough Gur is also associated with the legend of the last of the Desmonds an all powerful family in Munster in the 12th century There is an information centre that has lots of ancient relics as well as literature that helps the visitor to a better understanding of the antiquity of the lough.
Knockainey hill lies 2 miles east of Bruff and from it's summit (537ft), the great plain stretching from Knockfeerina in the west to the Ballyhoura hills in the south and the Galtee mountains in the southeast presents a beautiful vista. Meandering through the countryside the Morning Star river is visible as little streaks of silver as it twists and turns on its westwardly way.
Bruff (pop 800) reputed to have had a population of 2000 before the mass immigration of the famine years has a main street that slopes from Collinstown, a neat row of houses on the Limerick road, to the bridges (2) over the Morning Star. There are two churches one at either end of the main street. The old police station is an imposing structure and has been classified a "listed" building thus ensuring that it will be preserved for posterity . It figured prominently in Ireland's troubled past. The street houses are gaily painted while trees, shrubs and flowers decorate the footpaths, the river bank between the bridges is a mass of colour in springtime. An enthusiastic local committee oversees the upkeep and appearance of the town and a special word of praise is due to a local lady Mrs. Eleanor Quilty who tirelessy tends the flowerbeds.