Trace the story of St Patrick and it will take you on a journey through lush hillsides, majestic cathedrals, medieval villages and monastic ruins. If your travels take you to Ireland, one can’t help but follow in the footsteps of this country’s patron saint. As I traveled through Ireland, I discovered bits of St. Patrick's dramatic story in the places I visited. One of the most impactful locations was the Rock of Cashel (the Rock) in the heart of County Tipperary.
It is at the Rock where St. Patrick converted King Aengus of Munster to Christianity in the 5th Century A.D. St. Patrick had been kidnapped from his home in Wales by Irish pirates as a teenager. He escaped in his 20’s but returned to Ireland and began bringing others to Christianity. King Aengus evolved into Ireland’s first Christian ruler and the Rock became a religious center for Christianity.
Walking up the hill to the Rock of Cashel you can see why, the name Cashel (Caiseal) means stone fort. From up here you can see anyone approaching its majestic gates for miles. The surrounding villages and farms are tiny dots in the distance. As you walk around, you find yourself unconsciously talking in a hushed tone as if in respect for the ancient royal history that has occurred on this land. I was dwarfed under the archway and vaulted ceilings to Cormac’s Chapel. The Romanesque Chapel built between 1127 and 1134 is surrounded by the gothic cathedral and castle. I looked around the faded and eroding stone walls at the barely visible frescoes, sculptures and medieval tombs. I imagined the kings, monks and priests that walked within these buildings. You can make out stories of Christ's life in the scenes on the walls. On the west side of the chapel is a spectacularly carved stone coffin that is said to contain the body of King Cormac himself.
There is a luminous well preserved round tower rising 90 feet high that predates the cathedral by 200 years and the chapel by 30. The entire complex is surrounded by a large graveyard that includes a number of ornate celtic crosses. The graveyard is filled with tombstones dating back for centuries. Amidst the crosses is Scully’s Cross, a memorial to a prestigious family. There also stands a replica of St. Patrick’s Cross that illustrates Christ’s crucifixion and the image of a bishop.
One of my favorite stories, told to me in Ireland, was folklore about the origination of the Rock. The legend is that during times when paganism was rampant in this country, in fact Ireland was known as the “Gateway to Hell,” St. Patrick went there to hunt down the devil. In his haste, to escape the devil bit off a chunk of the mountain and spit it out creating the Rock of Cashel.
The complex is one of the most complete collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture anywhere in Europe. The site includes an audio-visual show and exhibitions which contain the original St. Patrick’s Cross. As you wander through Ireland and cross the path of St. Patrick, the Rock of Cashel is a must see and well worth a visit.
Location
St. Patrick's Rock of Cashel
Cashel
Co. Tipperary
E25 KX44
Opening Hours
Open all Year:
Mid Sept. – Mid Oct. Daily 09.00 – 17.30 Last admission at 16.45
Mid Oct. – Mid March Daily 09.00 – 16.30 Last admission at 15.45
Mid March – Early June Daily 09.00 – 17.30 Last admission at 16.45
Early June – Mid Sept. Daily 09.00 – 19.00 Last admission at 18.15
Admission Fees: Tickets can only be purchased on site.
Adult : €8.00
Group / Senior : €6.00
Child / Student : €4.00
Family : €20.00
Public toilets and car/coach park close to site
Credit Card Facilities available