Rock of Cashel
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Rock of Cashel
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Daily
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Where:
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Rock of Cashel
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One of Ireland's most spectacular sites, this rocky promontory in Cashel has been used as a strategic settlement since the 4th century.
The rock, whose name stems from the Irish Caiseal or castle, was originally adopted as a base by the Eoghanachta clan. The O'Brien clan gained control of the area in the 10th century, but signed it over to the church.
The buildings on the rock include Cormac's Chapel, built by Eoghanachta leader Cormac McCarthy (not the novelist, presumably) as a sign of goodwill in 1169 when the rock was handed to the church. The Round Tower, an impressive 28 metres high, dates back to the 11th or 12th century. The most imposing construction is the now roofless Cathedral, built in the Gothic style of the 13th century. Visitors enter the complex through the 15th century Hall of the Vicar's Choral.
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