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Archaeological site · Cashel, Tipperary
Rock of Cashel
Limestone hill that was the seat of the kings of Munster, given to the Church in 1101, with the round tower, Cormac's Romanesque chapel from 1134, the 13th-century Gothic cathedral and the Hall of the Vicars.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Rock of Cashel
The Rock of Cashel is a limestone hill that rises above the Golden Vale plain in County Tipperary. It was the seat of the kings of Munster for centuries, and tradition says that Saint Patrick baptized King Aengus there in the 5th century. In 1101 King Muirchertach O'Brien gave the rock to the Church, and it became the seat of an archbishopric, with the group of buildings seen today.
The oldest building is the round tower, from the early 12th century, about 28 metres high. Cormac's Chapel, consecrated in 1134 by King Cormac MacCarthy, is one of Ireland's most important Romanesque churches, with carved arches, stone heads and traces of wall paintings, rare in the country. The chapel underwent extensive conservation and is visited in small, timed groups.
The cathedral, built in the 13th century in Gothic style, occupies the centre of the site and has been roofless since the 18th century, when it was abandoned. Inside you can see the high walls, lancet windows and sculpted tombs. The Hall of the Vicars Choral, from the 15th century and restored, is the site's entrance and houses Saint Patrick's original stone cross and an exhibition.
The site is maintained by the Irish State heritage body, with guided tours included in the admission. Conservation work often takes place on parts of the complex. From the top you can see the Tipperary plain and, directly below, the ruins of Hore Abbey.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 1.5 hours with the guided tour; Cormac's Chapel has its own timed slots and is visited in small groups.
Best time
At opening in the morning, before the coach tours arrive in late morning. In the late afternoon the light falls on the stones. The top of the hill is exposed to the wind; bring a warm layer.
How to get there
It stands on the top of the hill, a 5-minute walk from Cashel town centre, with a short climb. Parking is at the foot of the Rock. The town is beside the M8 motorway, and the Dublin–Cork bus stops in the centre.
Tip
Take the guided tour to understand the sequence of the buildings and book Cormac's Chapel as soon as you arrive, because groups are small. Afterwards, walk down to Hore Abbey for the view of the Rock from below.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Rock of Cashel
What can you see at the Rock of Cashel?
The round tower, Cormac's Romanesque Chapel, the roofless Gothic cathedral, the Hall of the Vicars Choral with Saint Patrick's cross, and the view over the plain.
Is the visit guided?
There are guided tours included in the admission. Cormac's Chapel is visited only in small, timed groups booked on the day.
Why does the cathedral have no roof?
It was abandoned in the 18th century when the seat of the Church of Ireland moved to another church in the town, and the roof was removed.
How long does the visit take?
1 to 1.5 hours on top of the Rock, plus half an hour if you walk down to Hore Abbey.