Cashel, Tipperary

Cashel was once the seat of the Kings of Munster and capital of this southern province. The Rock, which rears above the plain, dominated the land routes southwards. Kings of Ireland as well as Munster came to this spot and St. Patrick is known to have preached on the rock and converted the local King, Aenghus, here in the 5th Century. Brian Boru was also crowned King of Ireland on this spot in the early 11th Century. King Cormac built his superb Royal Chapel in the 12th century. Visit Cashel town to experience and understand the historical relationship between the Rock and the town. Cashel Town Hall Tourist Office will be your first port of call. Turn the key to the rich heritage in Cashel such as the archaeology, fine architecture, fascinating history and folklore of this remarkable town.

What to see and do in Cashel

By far the most inspirational monument in County Tipperary the Rock of Cashel offers visitors regular guided tours. Adjoining is the Brú Ború Heritage Centre and its famous Theatre Show and sub-terranean historical experience. In the town centre, Cashel Heritage Centre provides the visitor with a series of changing exhibitions and a well stocked quality craft shop (Free Admission).

Also in Cashel and well worth a visit is the Dominican Friary located at the base of the Rock. It was founded in 1243. Within a mile of the friary are the ruins of Hore Abbey, a cistercian daughter-house of Mellifont in County Louth and the last Cistercian house to be founded in medieval Ireland. The Bolton Library which houses an impressive collection of antiquarian and rare books and manuscripts including a monk's encyclopaedia from 1168 and pages of Chaucer's Book of Fame is also a must.

Built in 1730 as an Archbishop's Palace, the Cashel Palace Hotel with its tranquil walled gardens leading up to the Rock is open for lunch and dinner in its Bishop's Buttery Restaurant.

For golf enthusiasts, 8 miles approximately from Cashel is, Dundrum Hotel Golf & Country Club which offers an excellent 18 hole par 72 parklands golf course.

In Cashel town, take the Kilkenny / Killenaule Road and you will come across Rahard Lodge Gardens which is a short distance from the junction, on the right. (Visits are by appointment only).

Cashel Map

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