Rising almost 60 meters from the top of an imposing rocky outcrop, the Rock of Cashel is a group of absolutely exceptional medieval buildings and remains, located in County Tipperary, Ireland. Please note: this is not a castle in the true sense of the word, but rather a collection of remarkable medieval and religious remains. Majestic, it attracts thousands of visitors every year to discover the beauties of Irish medieval history. The program includes a host of royal and religious buildings, some magnificently preserved, others in ruins. One of Ireland’s most important tourist sites!
The Rock of Cashel – © grafxart
Overlooking the town of Cashel and the surrounding plains of County Tipperary, the origins of the Rock of Cashel date back to the 4th century, when the first fortress was built on this rocky outcrop and named“Castle of King“.
As its name suggests, this building was to become the residence of the regional kings, and later of the Supreme High Kings of Ireland. It has to be said that the location is ideal for keeping an eye on the surrounding area and protecting oneself from potential assailants.
In the 5th century, the fortress was inhabited by the kings of Munster until 1101.
The fortress then played host to great kings such as King Aengus, who was baptized there in 450 by the famous Saint Patrick. According to legend, the saint took the opportunity to introduce King Aengus to the concept of the Holy Trinity using a shamrock).
In addition to the reign of Aengus, the Rock of Cashel was also home to one of the most famous kings in Irish history: Brian Boru (941-1014), who sat in the castle throughout his reign.
From the 5th century to the end of the 9th century, the fortress underwent a series of construction projects to build new religious buildings and residences. But in 1101, King Murtagh O’Brien decided to cede the fortress to the Church…
From then on, the site was used exclusively as a residence for monks, welcoming religious from all over Europe. Life here goes on quietly, between prayers, religious ceremonies, manuscript work and everyday events.
In 1172, at the Synod of Cashel, King Henry II of England forced Ireland to submit to the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. A decision that sounded the death knell for Celtic Christian practices and had a major impact on the Rock of Cashel.
Unfortunately, the site gradually fell into disrepair and was eventually deserted.
Since then, it has come under the ownership of the Irish state, which has converted it into a tourist attraction.
The Rock of Cashel is sometimes a little hard to sum up. The site is home not only to buildings that served as residences for the high kings of the Kingdom of Ireland, but also to countless religious buildings, including round towers, a cathedral, a chapel, a cemetery…
The site should therefore be seen as a major medieval complex. One of the largest ever built in Ireland!
Although the site is world-famous, it is nonetheless located in a tiny Irish village… And parking isn’t easy.
There is a dedicated parking lot just below on “Rock Lane”. But be warned: space is limited, and in summer it’s completely booked up. You’ll need to pay €5 for a chance to park there: a sum to add to your visit budget.
It’s worth noting that you can also park a little further along the R639 in the city center. But once again, numbers are limited.
So we advise you to book your visit early in the morning, before the bulk of the tourists flock to the site. This will give you peace of mind and save you having to pay for parking.
The site is rather huge to navigate and promises an exciting visit. You can explore the area as you please, but we recommend you don’t forget the following buildings:
The Rock of Cashel – © Petair
At 28 metres high, the Rock of Cashel tower is believed to have been built around 1100. The building was used to watch over the fortress and store numerous manuscripts and valuable religious relics.
The tower is actually quite impressive, and remarkably well preserved. It’s also possible to climb the staircase to the top for a breathtaking view of the Rock of Cashel!
A very rare visit, which is usually impossible in Ireland’s other round towers!
This imposing chapel was built in 1127 and consecrated in 1134. In a complex Romanesque style influenced by the Germanic style, it features 2 symmetrical towers on either side of the building, and a sculpted barrel vault. The chapel contains a tomb, probably that of the famous King Cormac.
The chapel contains a fabulous fresco, well preserved despite the weather and cold. Of all the buildings on the Rock of Cashel, this is by far one of the most popular with visitors and historians alike! The finesse of the carvings and the beauty of the building make it one of Ireland’s finest Romanesque chapels!
The Rock of Casel – © Jenifoto
Much larger than the other buildings mentioned above, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is believed to have been built in 1235, on a classical cruciform plan consisting of a square tower and a second 15th-century tower (known as the Archbishop’s Residence), which served as the archbishop’s living quarters. The latter is attached to the cathedral, but is not part of the main building.
At the entrance to the cathedral is the Hall of the Vichars Choral. This building is located at the entrance to the fortress and dates back to 1420. It is said to be the rehearsal space for the St. Patrick’s Cathedral choir. Inside, a museum presents the history of the Rock of Cashel, as well as numerous St. Patrick’s crosses dating back to the 12th century.
A little tip: don’t hesitate to book your place directly on the monument’s website. You’ll benefit in a number of ways: no matter how busy it gets, you’ll be sure to make your visit without having to wait in an endless queue.
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