What to see in Ireland

Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel, known as the Cashel of the Kings or St. Patrick's Rock, is a historic site located at Cashel in County Tipperary. Apart ruined castle, the Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s leading tourist attractions due to its fascinating history, imposing appearance and stunning location on a limestone outcrop in the rolling pastures of the Golden Vale.

The partially ruined structures are composed of several different buildings including the 12th-century Round Tower, the 13th-century Cormac’s Chapel as well as an astounding 15th-century castle and intricate Celtic Crosses. The Rock of Cashel is an ancient site, once owned by the Kings of Munster where it would have served as a defensive fortress as far back as the 4th-century. The Rock of Cashel attracts visitors due to its significant role in some of Ireland’s most treasured historic memories and because two of the most famous people of Irish legend are thought to have visited with the site. Firstly, St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland is said to have baptized King Aengus, who became Ireland’s first Christian ruler on the Rock of Cashel in the 5th-century. Secondly, Brian Boru, who was the only king who was able to unite all of Ireland under one ruler, was crowned king at the Rock in the year 990.After soaking in the wonderful mix of Gothic, Romanesque and Medieval architecture, visitors to the site can take informative guided-tours, walk freely around the ruins and enjoy the views across the countryside and nearby town of Cashel.