See Medieval and Celtic influences blending
at the Rock of Cashel

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Tourists are encouraged to put the Rock of Cashel on their itineraries of must-see attractions when they visit Ireland. Located approximately just a few hours from the country's capital by road, visitors may like to use Dublin car hire services in order to travel to the spectacular religious site.

The attraction is one of the region's most visited spots due to its magnificent ruins that have been carefully preserved and restored over the years. Visitors are treated to the architectural delights of a construction which includes buildings that are thousands of years old. Audio tours are supplied to interested tourists who would like to learn as much as possible about the location, while those that prefer guided visits with experts can book sessions. A museum is also present on site and the attraction holds regular exhibitions, which bring the restored ruins to life.

The Celtic cathedral has seen Ireland's history unfolding over the years as it has housed ancient rulers and is believed to be the location of King Aenghus’ baptism by St. Patrick, in addition the King of Ireland Brian Boru received his crown on the site in the 11th Century. Towering from the rolling Golden Vale, the Rock of Cashel was home to the ruling Kings of the country prior to the Norman invasion.

The attractions 2nd Century stone tower harks back to this earlier time and is the oldest part of the site. The Chapel of King Cormac was the next addition to be built shortly after the tower in 1134. Visitors can see the workmanship that went into its construction which was unusual at the time as the majority of religious buildings were simplistic in design. However, the chapel bucks this trend and boasts soaring archways, intricate carvings and a curved roof.

The Cathedral offers a more traditional setting as it is shaped like a cross. This part of the site was finished in approximately 1270 and is linked to an impressive castle complex. Tourists can continue their journey into the past by soaking up the atmosphere in the Hall of the Vicars Choral which dates from the 1400s. In its day, this construction saw laymen singing chants during religious ceremonies in a practice that continued until the 1800s.
Once visitors have completed a tour of the attraction they have the opportunity to take in the views from the site's peaceful grounds and graveyard, which features an array of carefully carved Celtic crosses.

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