Rock of Cashel

Cashel, Ireland

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.

The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion. In 1101, the King of Munster, Muirchertach Ua Briain, donated his fortress on the Rock to the Church. The picturesque complex has a character of its own and is one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe. Few remnants of the early structures survive; the majority of buildings on the current site date from the 12th and 13th centuries.

The oldest and tallest of the present buildings is the well preserved round tower, dating from c.1100.

Cormac's Chapel, the chapel of King Cormac Mac Carthaigh, was begun in 1127 and consecrated in 1134. It is a very sophisticated structure, unlike most Irish Romanesque churches, which are ordinarily simple in plan with isolated decorated features. The Irish Abbot of Regensburg, Dirmicius of Regensburg, sent two of his carpenters to help in the work and the twin towers on either side of the junction of the nave and chancel are strongly suggestive of their Germanic influence, as this feature is otherwise unknown in Ireland. Other notable features of the building include interior and exterior arcading, a barrel-vaulted roof, a carved tympanum over both doorways, the magnificent north doorway and chancel arch. It contains one of the best preserved Irish frescoes from this time period. The Chapel was constructed primarily of sandstone which has become water logged over the centuries, significantly damaging the interior frescos. Restoration and preservation required the chapel be completely enclosed in a rain-proof structure with interior dehumifiers to dry out the stone.

The Cathedral, built between 1235 and 1270, is an aisleless building of cruciform plan, having a central tower and terminating westwards in a massive residential castle. The Hall of the Vicars Choral was built in the 15th century. The restoration of the Hall was undertaken in 1975.

In 1647, during the Irish Confederate Wars, Cashel was sacked by English Parliamentarian troops under Murrough O'Brien, 1st Earl of Inchiquin. The Irish Confederate troops there were massacred, as were the Roman Catholic clergy, including Theobald Stapleton. Inchiquin's troops looted or destroyed many important religious artefacts.

In 1749 the main cathedral roof was removed by Arthur Price, the Anglican Archbishop of Cashel. Today, what remains of the Rock of Cashel has become a tourist attraction. Price's decision to remove the roof on what had been the jewel among Irish church buildings was criticised before and since.

The entire plateau on which the buildings and graveyard lie is walled. In the grounds around the buildings an extensive graveyard includes a number of high crosses. Scully's Cross, one of the largest and most famous high crosses here, originally constructed in 1867 to commemorate the Scully family, was destroyed in 1976 when lightning struck a metal rod that ran the length of the cross. The remains of the top of the cross now lie at the base of the cross adjacent to the rock wall.

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Address

Rock Lane , Cashel, Ireland
See all sites in Cashel

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Ireland

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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User Reviews

Lisa Napoli (3 months ago)
Do not miss this beautiful castle with a knowledgeable guided tour guide with access to beautiful ancient chapel. Better than a self guided. Toilets, coffee, and gift shop.
T Q C (3 months ago)
An absolutely stunning piece of Irish history, dating back to the 1200s. There is a fee to enter and guided tours are available to those who wish to have one. There are two buildings to explore, plus a graveyard. Many beautiful photo opportunities.
C Yager (3 months ago)
Great castle and church ruins. Very nice views of the valley. Interesting cemetery with very old and recent burials. Very busy on a weekday. Toilets are by the parking area, there is a short hike to the castle.
Michael Raj Groves (4 months ago)
A five star location with loads to explore. The grounds are large, well kept and tidy, the church ruin is in great condition and the surrounding cemetery offers up its own interest. The round tower is outstanding and the location makes for a wonderful visit, enjoy
Anand (4 months ago)
What a massive structure!! As you approach the structure you can only imagine how big it is. The structure is the main point of attraction in the town and you get a good opportunity to see the area from the top of the hill. If you have the time, I would recommend going into the ancient church, but if you are limited by time, then a quick visit with a photo op is a must. The grandeur of the site will take your breath away. The town itself is very cute and well maintained.
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