The Rock of Cashel

Another highly photographed castle is The Rock of Cashel, part fort (cashel means fort), part castle, part abbey, and 100% worth your time.

You will see the 12th Century Cross of St Patrick as you enter into small to medium rooms with exquisite exhibits, roam through ruins and casually saunter through the expansive cemetery overlooking the gorgeous Irish countryside.

Oh, wear athletic shoes! Getting UP the sloping 'rock' is interesting. Yes, it's paved but it's still UP and there is a bench or two along the way to rest.

Beginning at the entrance, is the Cross of St Patrick. Stunning to see and even more so that it is roped off, it is not protected in glass or another barrier. There is a concrete replica of the cross in the courtyard. There are other artifacts in the same room, but honestly, the cross is amazing.

You can learn more about the Rock of Cashel at https://irelandtravelguides.com/rock-of-cashel-tour-tips/

Cashel was home to Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland who united the Irish people. But it holds a special place for me as Cormac's Chapel was built by my ancestor, King Cormac Mac Carthaigh (MacCarthy). Many of the places I went were tied to my lineage and when (if) I ever complete all my pages, I'll add one connecting the ancestors. I was a little disappointed the Chapel was closed for renovation but still impressed by all the Rock of Cashel has to offer. Actually, the paintings inside Cormac's Chapel are being treated with ultraviolet light to eliminate microbes which are destroying the paint, so for that I wasn't too disappointed.

Remember that I told you to wear athletic shoes? This is why (left). I know, you're saying, 'Ah, that doesn't look bad at all.' Just keep telling yourself that . . .

Off the entrance is the room with St Patrick's Cross (below left)

There are other artifacts in the same area such as the tomb slab of Walter de Burgo (below)

Medieval Coats-of-Arms

The Watch Tower (left) is the oldest and tallest building on the site. It is 28 meters (90 ft) tall and was built about 1100 A.D. It has great views of the surrounding countryside.

Below is Hore Abbey (also known as St. Mary's Chapel). It was built by Benedictine monks in the 1270's. (photo with zoom)

Below is Cormac's Chapel. You can easily see it separate from the other ruins. First, the sandstone is different material, and actually looks new. Secondly, the Chapel is one of the most sophisticated and finest Romanesque chapels in Ireland. I've included a photo from the internet showing the interior. I can't wait to go back and see inside for myself.

Rock_of_Cashel_Cormac's_Chapel_Irland@20

I wonder how tall this monument would have been if the top had not been broken off.

Such a variety of tombstones, memorials and mausoleums in Ireland. My preference is the High Celtic Cross.

One of the things I love about Ireland is how families are connected even after death. They are listed on headstones regardless of their location at the time of death. I've seen one that recognized a family member who passed away in New York. Sometimes the tombstone lists the town the departed was from.

I also respect that descendants care for the graves of their ancestors.

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