Rock of Cashel, Ireland

This was one of the main places I was keen to see as soon as I started planning my trip. Unfortunately the weather was rainy and windy so we probably didn't get as much out of our visit as we could have. We didn't time it very well and missed out on joined a guided tour. We did however see the well put together audio visual feature which was very interesting. Just amazing to be surrounded by so much history and the view itself from on top of the hill is stunning. Worth the admission.

Admision Fees: . Adult - €5.30;.. Senior Citizen - €3.70; .. Student (valid I.D.) - €2.10; .. Family - €11.50

The Rock of Cashel in Co Tipperary is the most amazing place to visit. The location itself is inspiring, rising above the surrounding countryside in dominance. Site of a 5th century stone fort (a cashel)and St. Patrick's preaching to the Kings of Munster, in 1127 Cormac MacCarthaigh built his chapel here. His sarcophagus remains in the chapel.

It was not included in our itenerary, but the guide at Dunmore Caves convinced us that we should visit this site. I am not sorry that we took the detour, however they were busy with renovations so part of the site was closed to the public when we got there. A very interesting group of medieval buildings set on the hill above the village.

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The Rock of Cashel is the image of enduring strength. It seems to have grown out of the the massive rocky hill and rules the countryside. The Rock if Cashel is one of the most important places in Ireland and has a very dense history, as it was the seat of the High Kings for many years.

The site started off humble and has evolved over the centuries, and examples of architecture from different eras can been studied. Imagine the High King looking out from this place and sensing the scope of his power. It is a tremendous view.

St. Patrick's high cross is one of the major attractions here, as well as many other well preserved ancient artifacts that give a hint as to life in days gone.

Admission is around 5 euro for adults.

Also within walking distance is Hore Abbey, which is worth the short jaunt.

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Hore Abbey is the quite strange name of the old monastery-ruins opposite of the Rock of Cashel. Unfortunately it is standing on a private property and there is no way to walk there, you are able to just make a photograph from a large distance like I did.

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The Rock of Cashelis a sight that you will see already from a big distance : an old monastery built on top of a rock and dating back to the 12th century. There is a Gothic cathedral from the 13th century, a high-cross and a round tower and lots of great details. You have to pay an entrancefee at the gate and will be able to explore the sight on your own !
The Rock of Cashel is open for visitors :
Mid September - Mid October, Daily, 9.00am - 5.30pm
Mid October - Mid March, Daily, 9.00am - 4.30pm
Mid March - Early June, Daily, 9.00am - 5.30pm
Early June - Mid September, Daily, 9.00am - 7.00pm

Closed 24th to 26th December inclusive.
Last admission 45 mins. before closing

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If you are travelling in the south of Ireland you must see the Rock of Cashel. It is an incredible sight. If you are travelling on the road from HolyCross Abbey you pass through Irish farmland and then you turn a corner in the road and all of a sudden there is this amazing Abbey sitting atop this rockly fist. It will take your breath away. The history of the Rock is also amazing it's too long to get into here, do a little reading on Cashel, it will impress you.

The Rock of Cashel, I asked my friend "what is the big deal about a rock?" It is not really a rock ..It is an ancient preserved castle and cemetery, Breathtaking views of the countryside. Very beautiful and scenicly situated. It does sit upon a huge "rock" or mountian. As you approach the city it appears on the hill. It can be quite cold and breezy, even in summer. Not to miss. bring a sweater as it is windy up there and good walking whoes for the many stairs and paths.

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Originally the seat of the Kings of Munster, they gave it to the church in 1101 (supposedly to keep it out of the hands of a rival).
Neat group of buildings on a rocky citadel. With buildings from the 12th through the 15th centuries. Great views across the Tipperary plain on one side, and town of Cashel on the other.
One of the highlights of our trip.

You'll have to park at the base and walk up, but it wasn't that difficult.

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This is a group of buildings, including a round tower, a castle, and a cathedral, built on a huge limestone outcropping. These massive structures are fused together and at a glance would seem to be just one building, but they were actually built hundreds of years apart, mostly between the 12th and 15th centuries.

When you visit this site, you can choose to go with a guided tour or simply wander around at your leisure. Many tour groups stop here so you can expect it to be crowded. Also visit the ruined abbey at the bottom of the hill, across the road. Admission to the abbey is free and it's a good way to escape from the crowds.