CASHEL
Cashel is the home of one of the most famous historical sites in the country.
The Rock of Cashel attracts many tourists each year to this southerly part of
County Tipperary. An amazing outcrop of limestone which stands 200 feet, the Rock
bears Cormac's Chapel, the Cathedral and the Hall of the Vicars' Choral as well
as St Patrick's Cross and the Round Tower.
From about 370 A.D it was the seat of the Kings of Munster who reigned over
much of Southern Ireland. In 1101 they gave the throne to the church. The town
then flourished as a religious centre until it was laid under siege by the Cromwellian
Army which resulted in the massacre of 3000 people. The abbey was finally vacated
in the 18th century.
These days it is a market town on the main road between Dublin and Cork. Cashel
is a prosperous centre of tourism, unhindered by the dividing road.
The Heritage Centre in the town provides much information on the other attractions
in the local area. These include the Brú Ború Heritage Centre, named after the
10th century King of Munster, the Dominican Friary and Holy Cross 9 miles north
of Cashel.
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