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The Rock of Cashel: Medieval Architecture’s Crown Jewel in Ireland

LocationSt. Patrick’s Rock, Moor, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland (Google Map Location)
Open for visitorsYes
Owned byGovernment of Ireland
Official WebsiteRock of Cashel
Room’s availableYes (Wedding, events, filming)

The Rock of Cashel is a famous fortress that has stood for centuries as a symbol of Ireland’s rich medieval past, attracting people from all over the world. It is a must-see location for anybody interested in Ireland’s history, with its gorgeous architecture, spectacular vistas, and exciting history.

The Rock of Cashel History

Rock of Cashel
Rock of Cashel, by Giorgio Galeotti, is licensed under CC BY 4.0

It is a medieval fortress in the Irish county of Tipperary. The King of Munster is supposed to have found it in the 5th century. It has served as the seat of authority for many notable Irish personalities throughout the years, including Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland. One of the most intriguing facts about the castle is that it was built on a pagan worship site. Some of the stones used in its construction were likely stolen from earlier sacred sites.

Interior of The Rock of Cashel 

Rock of Cashel Cathedral (interior)
Rock of Cashel Cathedral (interior), by Mike Searle, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

The inside of this castle is equally as remarkable as the outside, featuring stunning medieval construction and craftsmanship specimens. Guests may visit the castle’s different chambers and buildings, including the famed Round Tower, which rises more than 90 feet tall and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape

Additional attractions are the Chapel of King Cormac, which has some of Ireland’s best specimens of Romanesque architecture, and the Hall of the Vicars, which functioned as a meeting place for the castle’s authorities.

Interesting facts about the Rock of Cashel

Here are five interesting facts about the Rock of Cashel:

  • It was utilised as a filming location for the movie “Excalibur” in 1981.
  • According to legend, St. Patrick visited the castle’s location and may have even converted the King of Munster to Christianity.
  • The castle was previously a jail, and some of the graffiti left by the inmates may still be seen on its walls.
  • In times of conflict, the Round Tower was most likely employed as an observation post and maybe as a bell tower.
  • The castle was the location of a terrible massacre in 1647 when English forces massacred over 1,000 Irish rebels who had sought safety there.

Places to stay nearby the Rock of Cashel

Here are various excellent lodging alternatives for guests staying near the Rock of Cashel:

  • Cashel Palace Hotel – This luxurious hotel is just a short walk from the castle. The hotel features exquisite rooms, suites, a restaurant, and a bar.
  • Novotel Paris Pont de Sèvres – This ancient hotel is located in Cashel town, just a short distance from the castle. The hotel has pleasant rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
  • Cashel Town B&B – Located in Cashel town, just a short drive from this castle, this bed and breakfast is nestled in the heart of the town. The B&B offers comfortable accommodations as well as a great breakfast.

FAQs

Who owns the Rock of Cashel?

The Irish state owns the Rock of Cashel, administered by the Office of Public Works, which oversees the preservation and upkeep of Ireland’s historic structures and buildings.

Where is the Rock of Cashel located?

The Rock of Cashel is located in County Tipperary, Ireland’s south. It is perched on a limestone bluff overlooking Cashel and the surrounding landscape.

Have you visited this castle before? If yes, why not share some beautiful pictures with us!
You can email us your pictures of the castle at castrumtocastle@gmail.com. Please use the name of the castle in the subject line.
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Meet Saurabh Sharma, a tech pro with a master's from Latvia's Riga Technical University. He's great with computers, focusing on Cloud Computing and DevOps. But here's the cool part – Saurabh has traveled to places like Nordic, Baltic, and other parts of Europe. And guess what? He's into European history, monuments, castles, and museums. Whether he's coding or exploring, he's always curious, showing a love for different places and histories.

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