Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster for hundreds of year until the Norman invasion. Few remnants of the early structures survive, with the majority of buildings dating from the 12th and 13th centuries and these have some unique features.

The Rock of Cashel is set on a limestone outcrop making it a visible and impressive feature on the skyline as you approach Cashel. In the days of the Kings, it would have had a wonderful view of the Golden Vale valley which surrounds it.

Notable features are:

• the 12th century round tower, standing 28m (90 feet) high and built using the dry stone method,
• the High Cross
• The Chapel of King Cormac Mac Carthaig, dating from 1127, in the Romanesque style. Thanks to some Irish-German cooperation, the Irish Abbot of Regensburg sent two carpenters to help with the construction of the Chapel, and the Germanic style and influence makes this Chapel unique in Ireland. The Chapel has a barrel-vaulted roof and a carved tympanum over the doors, and the Chapel contains some of the best preserved Irish frescoes from this period.
• The Cathedral, built between 1235 and 1270 in a Gothic style.
• The Castle
• The Hall of the Vicars Choral.