There are many historic and important heritage sites throughout Ireland which should be on everyone’s bucket list to experience. As one of Ireland’s most visited, the Rock of Cashel is certainly worth your visit.
Cashel is Ireland’s next must-visit destination. The Rock of Cashel, also known as Cashel of the Kings, in County Tipperary is a magnificent historic site which is home to the ruins of a great Celtic cathedral. The Rock of Cashel is easily one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland and attracts thousands to it every year.
In this article, we will list 5 reasons why you need to visit the Rock of Cashel on your next trip, from its breathtaking views to its engrossing history.
5. It offers stunning views – gaze at the beauty of the Plains of Tipperary
The Rock of Cashel is a five-minute stroll from the Cashel town centre and, as it was built high atop a rock, it stands as a watchful protector over the town. From the Rock of Cashel, you will be able to witness breathtakingly beautiful views of the Tipperary countryside.
4. Visit the town of Cashel – one of the best reasons to visit the Rock of Cashel
While the Rock of Cashel is, of course, the jewel in the crown of Cashel town, if you thought that’s all it had going for it then you would be wrong! There are many other things to do and see after you visit the Rock of Cashel.
These range from taking a walking tour of the historic town and visiting the Brú Ború Centre, the Cashel Folk Village and Hore Abbey, St John’s Cathedral and the Dominican Abbey, all of which are reminders of Cashel’s ecclesiastical history and are all worth visiting on any tour of Cashel.
3. It contains ancient art – witness the oldest Romanesque wall paintings in Ireland
The interior of the 12th-century Romanesque chapel at the Rock of Cashel, which is called Cormac’s Chapel, is famous for containing the oldest and most important Romanesque wall paintings in all of Ireland.
The oldest of these wall paintings date back to approximately 1134 and consist mainly of masonry patterns. The other remaining paintings date from 1160-1170 and depict important narrative scenes such as the Nativity.
2. Experience its historic buildings and structures – a return to the ancient Ireland of old
The Rock of Cashel contains a variety of buildings and structures that date from the 12th and 13th centuries which are full of historical importance and a joy to experience walking through such as the Hall of the Vicars Choral, which acts as the entrance to the Rock of Cashel and contains a museum which displays artefacts which have been excavated on the Rock of Cashel.
Elsewhere, the Round Tower is the oldest and tallest building and was built around, while the Gothic Cathedral was built in the mid-1200s and was used as a place of worship for centuries until around the mid-1700s.
1. It’s one of Ireland’s most important historical heritage sites – a Rock rich with history
As one of Ireland’s most important historical heritage sites, it should perhaps come as no surprise that the Rock of Cashel is an area which is steeped in Irish history. It was founded in the 12th century at the top of Cashel town and was built atop a huge rock as it made for a brilliant defensive position and a great spot for a castle.
It was once known to be the traditional seat for the kings of Munster and it was at this very location where St. Patrick himself baptized the then King of Munster Aenghus. A stone cross which marks the spot where this happened can still be seen today. It was also an important place of Irish royalty as it remained the royal seat of the Kings of Munster until the Norman Invasion in 1169.
So, there you have it, our top 5 reasons as to why you need to visit the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary. Have you booked your trip yet?
Address: Moor, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
