Your whole family will enjoy a trip to Ireland’s historic Rock of Cashel. It is located above the town of Cashel in County Tipperary. It is one of the most historic and spectacular heritage sites in Ireland.
Cashel is an hour’s drive from Waterford, Kilkenny, Limerick and Cork. Dublin is only two hours away.
The Rock of Cashel setting towers and towers over the city on an outcrop of limestone. This is said to be the site where Saint Patrick made Aenghus king of Munster in the 5th century.
The church towers, high crosses and chapel were erected in the 12th century and are still standing. When you visit the site, you can explore the central square tower and the enclosed dwellings. The main house was recently restored. The stone walls that surround the Rock of Cashel are beautiful.
You’ll want to see the exhibits and take a guided tour to get the full Rock of Cashel experience. When I visited I took many pictures of the castle and the views from the grounds. You can see for miles in every direction.
The Town Plaza is within walking distance of the Rock of Cashel. The Victorian city center is a busy commercial area with nice shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.
The Bolton Library in John Street, Cashel, contains a collection of old books that were collected by Archbishop Theophilis Bolton. He was archbishop from 1730 to 1744. The library is located in the Chapter House of the Cathedral Church of St. Patrick’s Rock and St. John the Baptist.
Cashel Folk Village is close to the Rock of Cashel. It’s an interesting cluster of reconstructed thatched-roof village shops and other businesses where you can study local history.
If you are a golfer, you will want to visit some of the nearby courses. This southeastern region of Ireland has thirty eighteen hole courses. You are more likely to have pleasant weather for your golf game in this part of Ireland. It is known as the “Circuit of the Sun”. After your visit to Cashel you will find some of the best designed golf courses at Cahir, Ballykisteen, Thurles, Dundrum and Tipperary.
When traveling around Cashel and nearby Thurles, you may want to visit other historic sites in the area. The ruins of Dominic’s Abbey are to the southeast of the Rock of Cashel. It was built in the 13th century by Archbishop McKelly and dedicated to Santo Domingo.
Athassel Abbey, in Golden, is located on a four-acre site on a bend in the River Suir. At one time it was the largest active monastic site in medieval Ireland.
Holycross Abbey and Cahir Castle are two other historic sites to visit on your tour of South East Ireland. Glen of Aherlow has beautiful walking trails and fantastic views of the landscape. The Mitchellstown Caves are another great place to explore. You’ll find a wide variety of opportunities for you and your family when you travel through the South East of Ireland. Whether you’re looking for a quiet destination or a stopover on your travels between Dublin and Cork, you’ll enjoy your stay in Cashel.
Copyright Patricia McKinney-Lins. All rights reserved.