Rock Of Cashel

from a far

Going to dublin from cork, it's hard not to notice the castle atop the hill, we were wondering how to get there, it took us another trip to get the glimpse of the name:The Rock of Cashel.

Standing on the limestone rock, the castle's presence dominates the whole town .The Rock of Cashel is apparently the site that St.Patrick converted the king of Munster. Unfortunately the saint accidentally stabbed the king in the foot with his crosier. The king, thinking it was part of the initiation rite, bore the pain. :p

The complex displays arrays of celtic and medieval architecture. Not to miss are the ruins of a round tower, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, a hall building and several high crosses.

The round tower and the cathedral are probably the earliest and esoteric structure in the complexes with height of approx 28 metres.

graveyard and the tower

Cormac's Chapel, unlike most Romanesque churches has the naves and altar spaces designs strongly suggesting germanistic influence, a feature quite obscure in Ireland. Not to miss the carvings on the archways and the frescoes ...although it wasn’t totally restored as the chapel literally 'wept' when it was closed down before.

The hall is now restored and turned into a museum, showcasing the collection of silverwares and St.Patrick's Cross (a  cross used in the inauguration ceremonies of the kings).Not to miss also is the sarcophagus of the Bishop that earned the title of half-up catholic and half-down protestant bishop

The ground is actually a graveyard. So this is a real treat for 'graveyard goers like me (i only go in daytime okay?!), unfortunately, one of the highest cross was struck down by lightning.

To add more on the history of the place, this is where Guiness was initially concocted. So beer drinkers, pay your homage  as well :P