The Rock of Cashel- One of Ireland’s Most Magnificent Ancient Sites

I included a lot of ancient sites in my two week Ireland itinerary, but one that made a lasting impression was the Rock of Cashel.

Prominently perched atop a green, rocky hill rising from a grassy plain, is a collection of medieval fortifications and religious buildings, their stone walls still strong and imposing though centuries old.

It was a sight that filled me with wonder when it came into view- just the type of scene I expected to see on my first trip to Ireland. I couldn’t wait to learn about and explore the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most magnificent archaeological sites.

History of the Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel dates back to the 4^th century when the Eóghanachta clan claimed it as their base, building a fortress on the hill.

The clan went on to conquer much of the area and become kings of the region, thereby making the Rock of Cashel the seat of the High Kings of Munster (Cashel of the Kings).

For about 400 years, the Rock of Cashel was a centre of power in Ireland, and later, a site of religious significance. It was here that St. Patrick baptized King Aengus, making him Ireland’s first Christian ruler (and giving the Rock the alternative name of St. Patrick’s Rock).

The Eóghanachta clan ruled from the Rock of Cashel until the 10^th century, when they lost possession of it to the O’Brien tribe and their leader, Brian Boru.

The O’Briens held the Rock until 1101, when King Muircheartach O’Brien gifted it to the church. During the 12^th and 13^th centuries, a round tower, Romanesque church, and Gothic cathedral were built at the Rock of Cashel.

Little structural evidence remains from the Rock of Cashel’s days as the seat of the High Kings of Munster, but the church buildings still stand.

My Visit to the Rock of Cashel- Exploring the Archaeological Remains

The central focus of the Rock of Cashel is the large 13^th century cathedral. Used for worship until the mid-1700s, this ruined Gothic cathedral is still a thing of beauty.

As I walked around inside the cathedral, I imagined the empty window frames filled with stained glass, shining colourful rays of light into the cold, stone interior.

Elegant arches and niches lined the halls, open to the gloomy sky above. I tried not to step on the grave slabs embedded into the floor as I admired the cathedral’s worn decorations.

Curious about the grounds, I headed outside to wander around the graveyard. There were several high crosses, intricately sculpted in Early Medieval tradition.

Although time had weathered the grave markers, it added a certain mystique to the site, making it impossible not to wonder about the people laid to rest here so long ago.

Eventually my attention shifted from the cemetery to the cathedral’s round tower. Built in the 12^th century, the 28 metre tall round tower is the oldest surviving building on the Rock of Cashel. It was constructed soon after the church received ownership of the Rock and has stood strong since, with only the roof needing to be rebuilt in the 19^th century.

The cathedral on the Rock of Cashel may have captivated me the most, but there’s a smaller chapel that’s of greater importance.

The Chapel of King Cormac (or Cormac’s Chapel) is considered to be one of the finest and most sophisticated Romanesque chapels in Ireland. Built in the 12^th century, it contains the oldest Romanesque wall paintings in Ireland and a sarcophagus that may house the corpse of King Cormac’s brother.

I ended my visit to the Rock of Cashel by breezing through the small museum in the Hall of the Vicars Choral. It has some artifacts that were found on the Rock, but I wanted to spend some time walking around the base of the hill. It was fun to see the Rock of Cashel from different angles!

Final Thoughts About My Visit to the Rock of Cashel

I really underestimated how much time I would spend at the Rock of Cashel. It’s a small site, but was so interesting and beautiful, with the perfect combination of Irish history and scenery, that I didn’t want to leave.

Ruins and ancient sites easily capture my imagination, but the view from the Rock of Cashel was just as gratifying. I loved gazing across the green fields from this mighty location.

In a country full of historic sites, the Rock of Cashel is one that stood out to become my favourite of all the archaeological sites in Ireland I visited.

Pictures of the Rock of Cashel

I don’t know what it was about this place, but I felt compelled to take so many photos of the Rock of Cashel. Here are a few more to inspire your own visit!