Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel is a medieval fortress on a limestone outcrop in County Tipperary, containing a round tower, Gothic cathedral, and Romanesque chapel. The complex rises 60 meters (197 feet) above the surrounding plain and brings together several architectural styles from different centuries within its walls.

The complex served as the seat of Munster kings until 1101, when King Muirchertach Ua Briain transferred it to the church. The cathedral was built in the 13th century and later damaged during the Reformation, when its roof was removed.

Der Name bezieht sich auf die strategische Lage des Felsens in der fruchtbaren Region und seine Bedeutung als königlicher Sitz über mehrere Jahrhunderte. Besucher bemerken heute die Stille und Weite der umliegenden Ebene, die zeigt, warum dieser Ort für Herrscher so wertvoll war.

The site sits about a ten-minute walk from the town center and is reached by a gently rising path. A visit takes around an hour and a half and requires sturdy shoes because of uneven stone floors and steep steps in some areas.

Cormac's Chapel preserves rare Romanesque frescoes from the 12th century, among the oldest surviving wall paintings in Ireland. The round tower from 1100 remains the oldest structure on site and shows traditional Irish defensive architecture.

Location: Cashel

Founders: Corc mac Luigthig

Fee: Yes

Website: http://heritageireland.ie/en/south-east/rockofcashel

GPS coordinates: 52.52000,-7.89000

Latest update: December 15, 2025 10:23