Rock of Cashel
Location: Cashel, Co. Tipperary
Classification: Landscape Feature
Rating:
The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most spectacular historic sites: a prominent green hill, banded with limestone outcrops, rising from a grassy plain and bristling with ancient fortifications. Sturdy walls circle an enclosure containing a complete 9th Century round tower, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral and the finest 12th-century Romanesque chapel in Ireland, home to some of the land's oldest frescoes. The Rock of Cashel was the seat of the High Kings of Munster, although there is little structural evidence of their time here. Most of the buildings on the current site date from the 12th and 13th centuries when the rock was gifted to the Church.
Reputedly the site of the conversion of Aenghus the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th Century AD, the Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster. In 1101, King Muirchertach Ua Briain donated his fortress on the rock to the Church.
According to local mythology, the Rock of Cashel originated in the Devil's Bit, a mountain 20 miles (30 km) north of Cashel when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave, resulting in the Rock's landing in Cashel. Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th Century.
Description
The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most spectacular historic sites: a prominent green hill, banded with limestone outcrops, rising from a grassy plain and bristling with ancient fortifications. Sturdy walls circle an enclosure containing a complete 9th Century round tower, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral and the finest 12th-century Romanesque chapel in Ireland, home to some of the land's oldest frescoes. The Rock of Cashel was the seat of the High Kings of Munster, although there is little structural evidence of their time here. Most of the buildings on the current site date from the 12th and 13th centuries when the rock was gifted to the Church.
History
Reputedly the site of the conversion of Aenghus the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th Century AD, the Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster. In 1101, King Muirchertach Ua Briain donated his fortress on the rock to the Church.
Folklore
According to local mythology, the Rock of Cashel originated in the Devil's Bit, a mountain 20 miles (30 km) north of Cashel when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave, resulting in the Rock's landing in Cashel. Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th Century.
Accessibility Rating: Easy
500m from the centre of Cashel town off the Dublin Road. The Complex is open to the public all year round and there is an admission fee.
Cashel Heritage Centre and Tourist Information Office is located on the Main Street in Cashel. Tel: 062 61333
Accessibility
Accessibility Class: Easy
500m from the centre of Cashel town off the Dublin Road. The Complex is open to the public all year round and there is an admission fee.
Facilities
Cashel Heritage Centre and Tourist Information Office is located on the Main Street in Cashel. Tel: 062 61333
Map
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 05:30
Sunset: 21:27
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 05:30
Sunset: 21:27
Users should note that the Monumental Ireland application and website are information guides only and do not act as an invitation to enter any of the properties or sites listed. No responsibility is accepted by the creators of the Monumental Ireland application for any loss, injury or inconveniences sustained as a result of using it.
