The
town of Cashel (meaning castle or fortress) in County
Tipperary is home to one of Ireland's great historical
sites - the Rock of Cashel. Towering over the town from
its perch on a 200 foot high outcrop of limestone, the
Rock was once the seat of the Kings of Munster. It was
visited by St. Patrick in 450 and Brian Boru was crowned
King of Ireland here in the tenth century. Granted to
the church in the twelfth century by the O'Brien clan
king, the Rock became the seat of the archbishop and it
was at this time that Cormac's Chapel was built. In 1647
the Rock was ransacked by Cromwellian forces under the
leadership of Lord Inchiquin. Today the impressive stone
walls enclose a round tower, the cathedral, a twelfth
century romanesque chapel, high crosses and other structures.
The gothic cathedral dates back to the thirteenth century
and includes a central square tower and living quarters.
The steps of the tower lead to the summit roof walk. The
smaller structure of Cormac's Chapel displays some typical
romanesque features while the Hall of the Vicar's Choral
at the entrance to the Rock is a fifteenth century house
which has been recently restored. Here you will find a
museum with guided tours and interesting exhibits, including
silverware and St. Patrick's Cross.
The
town of Cashel (meaning castle or fortress) in County
Tipperary is home to one of Ireland's great historical
sites - the Rock of Cashel. Towering over the town from
its perch on a 200 foot high outcrop of limestone, the
Rock was once the seat of the Kings of Munster. It was
visited by St. Patrick in 450 and Brian Boru was crowned
King of Ireland here in the tenth century. Granted to
the church in the twelfth century by the O'Brien clan
king, the Rock became the seat of the archbishop and it
was at this time that Cormac's Chapel was built. In 1647
the Rock was ransacked by Cromwellian forces under the
leadership of Lord Inchiquin. Today the impressive stone
walls enclose a round tower, the cathedral, a twelfth
century romanesque chapel, high crosses and other structures.
The gothic cathedral dates back to the thirteenth century
and includes a central square tower and living quarters.
The steps of the tower lead to the summit roof walk. The
smaller structure of Cormac's Chapel displays some typical
romanesque features while the Hall of the Vicar's Choral
at the entrance to the Rock is a fifteenth century house
which has been recently restored. Here you will find a
museum with guided tours and interesting exhibits, including
silverware and St. Patrick's Cross. 
