Rock Of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel has also been known to go by the names Cashel of the Kings and St Patricks Rock. Dating back to the 5th century and looking like it came straight out of a fairytale, the Rock of Cashel is a magnet for tourists and its easy to see why.

Set on a dramatic outcrop of limestone and standing 200 feet above the surrounding areas of the Golden Vale, the site is home to the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland, and has many spectacular features including a high cross, a Romanesque chapel known as ‘Cormac’s Chapel’ , a 13th century cruciform Gothic church without aisles, and a 15th century castle. The ‘Hall of the Vicars’ is found at the entry point to the site and houses a museum where the original Cross of Saint Patrick can be found.

Originally the seat of the kings of Munster, two of Irelands most legendary historical figures are associated with the Rock of Cashel. Saint Patrick allegedly came to Cashel in AD432 and is said to have baptised King Aengus who went on to become Irelands first Chieftan ruler.

Legend says that the Rock originated in the Devil’s Bit, a mountain found 20 miles north of Cashel. It was here that St Patrick was said to have banished Satan from a cave. Satan, in his anger, took a bite from the cave and spat it out where the Rock of Cashel is found today!!
In 990 , Brian Ború was crowned High King here and he went on to become the only King able to bring all of Ireland together under the same rule for any significant amount of time.

The site includes an audio visual show and numerous exhibits and is open daily from 9am to 3.45pm.

Last admission is strictly 45 minutes before closing time.Visitors are asked not to drive directly to the site but to avail of parking in the nearby car park . Please note that delays should be expected during the summer months due to high volumes of tourists looking to access this site.

More information can be found at www.heritageireland.ie